The song ended with April playing three simple notes in quiet repetition.
Slow and condescending applause came from behind them. “How quaint.”
Sonya turned to see Connie, still dressed as the queen, standing there. Her expression was harsh, just as the queen had often been harsh with Songbird.
“You guys are just way too chummy,” she added. “Looks like you’ve known each other for years. I don’t believe this girl was simply plucked off the street and you two now have this chemistry.”
“April is my...she was my student,” Sonya said. “I taught her to sing and play piano...also a bit of violin, cello and flute.”
Connie smiled, a flat smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You did a very good job. She must have been a star student.”
“An eager student who wants to learn is always a pleasure to work with.”
“No doubt.” Connie came close, her eyes on April as if looking for something wrong with her. “You have natural talent. I can tell. And you have a sweeter disposition than that other actress. You’re also much cuter.”
Sonya watched the queen closely. There was something not quite right with her. Something had changed. Her gaze was strange and cold and the words she spoke seemed to hide a darker meaning.
“She’s just a child,” Sonya heard herself say.
April tensed up, her hands balling into tiny fists.
“Of course she is.” Her eyes widened and her pupils split into the straight vertical line of a venomous snake.
Sonya gasped and stepped closer still to her daughter. But Connie’s eyes resumed their natural human form. Sonya shook her head. Had she just imagined it?
“A child,” Connie said, looking to Sonya. “Be sure to keep her away from Zwick.”
Sonya grimaced. What a horrible thought. “She’s just a little girl.”
“You never know. Some pretty strange things happen out here in Hollyweird. It often feels like anything goes in this place. As if rules and morals have no meaning here. Do as you like. Do whatever makes you feel good. It doesn’t matter, especially if you’re a big star or a big producer who can make a pretty girl a star. The rules don’t apply to you.”
Connie looked past them and Sonya turned to see Dr.Ang returning to the studio.
“I read up about your Dr.Ang,” Connie said with a chuckle. “Impressive man. A medical doctor and a rich businessman. Nice. Real nice. What I don’t understand is...well...it’s strange to see such a man here in this cheap movie production. Why would he do such a thing?”
“April is his daughter,” Sonya said. “I think Dr.Ang is well aware of the creeps out here in Hollyweird. If you ask me, he’s here to keep an eye on April.”
“Good move,” the queen said. “It’s reassuring to see a good and dedicated father. I’ve seen father’s out here who would gleefully hand their daughters over to a movie producer...for money...for glory...for fame. The degradation never ends out here.”
“I’ll be sure to tighten our watch of her,” Sonya said as Dr.Ang came up to them.
“Yes. Do that.” She cupped April’s cheek. “Such a special girl. Such a sweet and innocent girl...exactly the type of girl these monsters look for.”
Sonya nodded and tried to remain calm. But the queen, Connie...her interest in April was disconcerting.
