The microphone shrieked. Jasper held up a hand against his ear.

"Sorry folks," came over the loudspeaker. Jasper could see a man standing at the mic making adjustments. He could see two guitars. He resettled his balance against the wall.

"With the Fourth of July coming up," the man said, "we all need to stop and think what Independence Day really means."

Jasper pulled a licorice out of the deep pocket of his coat and listened.