Katie bit her lip as her pa’s voice boomed across the stage and through the empty theater. He stood nose to nose with Thomas Harrigan, and for a moment, Katie thought he might strike the manager. “Michael, would you be seeing my point of view for one little moment?” Harrigan’s voice of reason hadn’t gotten through to Katie’s irate pa so far. “I’m not asking for her to be part of the show. Just one song before the first act.” “One song? Not even one line. I’ve been telling you my daughter won’t be part of the troupe. And that’s the end of the matter.” Katie’s heart sank at the finality of his words. From experience, she knew he meant what he said. Still, she couldn’t let this opportunity pass without at least trying to change his stubborn mind. “Father, would you just listen?” Katie tugged on his hand until he glared at her. “Don’t be wheedling at me, Katie O’Shannon.
