He was setting up on the porch. I went over to him to see what he was doing.“Hey Boss, I need just a couple more minutes than we will have the micro...hones all set up and ready to go.”“What?”“I just installed two of the speakers and the receiver for your cheek mics. They all have fresh batteries. I can turn them on and off while I am sitting here.”I turned to see Brian giving me a thumbs up. That old so and so.The last of the orchestra were getting into place. The singers were in the first row. He knew should get up and find the others. It was getting warmer and clammy sweat started beading out, he could feel it pop out of his skin. There was a buzzing sound in his ears. He started to smell things, the leaves around him seemed thick with a scent of decay. The smell of the earth filled his nostrils, but not the dirt of home, but a rotting smell more like the compost pile his mother kept and spread on her garden. He was hot, the air was hot and almost seemed full of steam. His mother’s. Angela at eighteen was still at college, with a year to go; she had always thought the world of Howard. She had been engaged to her boyfriend for just three weeks now, waiting to leave the family nest as Howard had done.“Yes dear, there’s a clean duvet in the airing cupboard, pillows on the top shelf”Angela left the three talking at the table, climbing the stairs; her mind went back to earlier times. Her brother often came into her bedroom late at night or after an evening out, he’d place his. Else, you'll get left behind, when and if this chickenshit outfit of Stan's ever makes up its mind to get the lead outa its ass." All right, Gilson. Lay off the kid, will ya?" Mike's voice wasn't loud, but something in his tone made Gilson hesitate."What's the matter, Murphy? He your pet, or something? He looks old enough to wipe his own... nose." I'm old enough to settle my own arguments, too," Chad broke in calmly, setting down his plate and getting to his feet. "That is, as long as the rest.