Read Singing in Seattle for Free Online

musical history of our own,” AJ replied.
    The reception for the songwriting contestants was held in the Sky Church, an amazing room with soaring cathedral ceilings. It had a state-of-the-art sound system and a huge indoor video screen.
    â€œI thought this was supposed to be low-key,” AJ said nervously to Carrie.
    â€œYeah, I thought we were going to do an acoustic set,” Aly said.
    â€œDon’t worry, you are,” Carrie replied. “Don’t let the environment psych you out. You’ll do great.”
    They went onstage and checked out the microphones and tuned up their guitars. Soon the guests began streaming in. Amber was the first to arrive, decked out in black lipstick and a long black dress. A man and a woman were with her; Aly and AJ guessed they must be her parents. Her dad wore a colorful Hawaiian shirt, and her mom was dressed in pink from head to toe.
    Aly looked at AJ and giggled. “I guess Amber is the rebel of the family,” she whispered.
    The room quickly filled up with a small crowd of contestants, their parents, and some members of the local press. All of the contestants had been invited, not just the finalists, but they were relieved to see that Heather wasn’t there. They did see Bree and Henry; it looked like the two finalists had come together. They were deep in conversation in a corner.
    Jim tapped Aly on the shoulder.
    â€œLet’s get this party started,” he said.
    The girls nodded and stepped up to the mics.
    â€œHey, everybody,” Aly said. “I’m Aly.”
    â€œAnd I’m AJ,” her sister joined in. “We just want to thank everyone who entered the songwriting contest. There’s so much talent here in Seattle!”
    The crowd responded with applause and a high-pitched whistle—from Austin, of course.
    â€œAll right, time to have some fun,” Aly said.
    The girls played a short acoustic set of some of their most popular songs, including “Potential Breakup Song” and “Like Whoa.” The acoustics in the room were great, and the girls’ voices came through pure and clean.
    A local television news crew was there and filmed the performance. Afterward, Aly and AJ answered questions for the reporter about the contest and their upcoming concert in Seattle.
    Finally they were finished and able to mix and mingle with the crowd. AJ pulled Aly aside.
    â€œWe’ve got to get Jim to help us,” she said. “We’ll distract Austin. Then Jim can grab his glass while he’s not looking.”
    â€œGood idea,” Aly said.
    â€œDid somebody call my name?” Jim appeared behind them, smiling.
    â€œYou heard right,” AJ said. “We need your help.” She quickly explained their plan.
    Jim raised an eyebrow. “You want me to steal his cup?”
    â€œNot steal, exactly. You’re collecting evidence,” AJ said. “There’s a plastic bag in my guitar case. Just place the cup in the bag, and we’re good.”
    â€œWhile you’re at it, you might as well get cups from the other contestants, too,” Aly said.
    â€œGood idea,” AJ said. “That print might not belong to Austin. That would mean one of the other contestants is guilty. Good thing I brought extra bags.”
    Jim shook his head. “Nowhere in my job description did it say I would have to do something like this.” He laughed. “But I like the idea of playing detective. I think I can be really sneaky, too.”
    They moved into the crowd, searching out the contestants. The first they came across was Bree. Her curly dark hair framed her face. She looked casual, in a faded pair of jeans and a peasant blouse.
    â€œYou guys were great,” Bree said. “You’ve got to give me some songwriting tips.”
    Bree was clutching a plastic cup. Luckily it was empty, giving Jim the perfect opportunity.
    â€œCan I get you something to drink?” Jim asked