``Lullaby and goodnight.''

voice shook. For the first time in his life he forgot the lyrics midway through and had to cover up by humming the rest. He wondered if the audience would let him finish.

They did; though contemptuous, they were still polite. But when he was finally through, their scorn was made apparent. Someone clapped tentatively then quickly stopped. Otherwise, the silence was complete. As the lights came up, Andy could see that a number of patrons were already on their way toward the exit.

He stumbled off-stage. ``My God,'' he muttered. ``My God.''

Hub was there to support him. ``It's okay, Mr. Paxton. The money's here, all of it.''

At this moment, all he could think of was what he'd been forced to undergo. ``Did you hear them? Do you know what they think of me?''

``Bunch of damn jerks,'' Hub growled. ``Who needs them?''

Thornburg patted his arm. ``Sure, Andy, it'll be all right. Nothing broken that cann't be mended.'' The words were hollow. Thornburg knew, better than any of them, that a public image was as fragile as Humpty Dumpty. All the king's horses and all the king's men.

Vecchio shouldered in. ``I got it, Andy. God knows how, but I got it. You'll never believe the places I've been today. I practically had to sign your life away, you'll probably fire me for some of the deals I had to go for, but'' --

Andy nodded dully. ``It doesn't matter, Rock. We've done our part.''