Chapter 99

Just as they finished dinner, the home phone rang. Melissa answered it and summoned Christine. "Hello, Christine. I don't know if you remember me. I'm John Dixon, but I go by William Ace. I worked the Mike Smith benefit, and you were girl dancing on YouTube. I've been asked to emcee a memorial tribute Saturday evening at the Church of Saints. It's that big church over on Third Street.”

"I've been given carte blanche for this affair. The governor has agreed to speak. So has your school principal. The Chief of Police will have his moment in the sun, but mostly, I'm looking for students to speak, or perform. I want this to be a time of healing. The kids need that, as you well know. Would you be interested in speaking, or performing in some way? I know that dancing wouldn't be appropriate, but poetry, recollections, recitals. Hymns or nice songs would be fine."

"A year ago, I would've been too nervous to do something like that, but I can tell you that I welcome the opportunity now. I'll