Zach was still smiling when he reached the stage. Hovering just by the back edge, Stephen, phone to his ear, glared at Zach. It lasted right about a second as he reacted to something and began talking again. Zach couldn’t hear the conversation, but it didn’t look pleasant.
It also confirmed his fears. Stephen only came around the tent before a show on a blue moon. Should he bail now? Leaving before might give him a moment’s head start, but he didn’t like his chances of getting out the front gate.
Zach hadn’t been followed, or he hadn’t seen them if he had, but it was a long way to the front gate and longer still to town. He’d never make it without help.
Passing the stage, he almost ran into Bradley, who had been skulking by the left corner.
“Where you been?” There was an anxious edge to his question.
Zach leaving had them concerned, which added to his fears. “Walking around.” He didn’t stop and headed for the entrance.
No surprise, Peter popped out just as Zach got to the door. His heart was pounding hard, and he sensed Bradley following him. Checking his watch, he shook his head and tried to sound calmer than he was.
“Jesus, what’s wrong with you all? The show doesn’t start for twenty minutes. I don’t need to be back for another five.”
“Nothing’s wrong, I’m just coming out for air.” Bradley’s answer screamed bullshit. “Why are you so pissy?”
“Whatever.” He played it off like he had everything in recent days. One more show, and that’d be it.
Maddie sat in her usual place and made eye contact the moment he entered. The others might think she was stressing over Zach being gone, but he knew better.
“What?” He held up his hands and hoped his annoyance was convincing. “I’m back in time.”
“Always pushing it, aren’t you, Zach?” They’d done this before too. His bandmates were too stupid to catch on that it was an act. “I’ve let too much slide with you.”
He was supposed to lash out and get nasty, but he couldn’t. She’d taken care of him all these years, not his grandfather. The others thought she doted on him because his grandfather had paid her, but she could’ve gotten away with being pure evil to him, and Grandpa wouldn’t have noticed. For a time at least.
Now, she did what they expected to keep up an act. “Right.” He shook his head and went to his room. It was barely more than a shoe box, but he had his own space. Grandpa had given him that much. Stephen hadn’t taken that away yet, but this was the first stop after his grandfather’s death. If he’d stuck around, Zach was certain he’d lose that privilege.
He left the door ajar and opened his case. One last show, and he’d need to figure out what came next.
Maddie followed him and shut the door. “Start yelling at me,” she whispered so low he barely heard her.
“What! Don’t you have a watch? I’m ontime!” He rosined up his bow. “Like that?” he whispered.
“Not mad enough.” She handed him a note. “Listen you ungrateful little shit, I raised you when no one wanted you. All I asked is you not leave between shows. Why is that so hard?”
Zach read the note.Is he coming?Looking up, he nodded and kept his voice low. “Yes. After the show.”
“Well?” her voice got a touch more shrill. “I asked you a question.”
“I went to get a drink. Is that so awful?”
“Yes. I need you here, so I don’t have to worry.” She’d stopped yelling but her voice carried enough for the others to hear. “Next time drink water.”
“Fine!” He reached over and hugged her. When his lips were by her ear he whispered. “He’s meeting me by the door.”
“Good,” she whispered. “I’m going to miss you so much, Zachariah.”
“I’ll miss you too, Maddie.” He kissed her cheek and stepped back. “Is there anything else?”
He said it plenty loud, and attitude dripped from his words.
Maddie screwed on her angry face and flung the door open. “Just make sure you’re ready.”
Oh, I’m so ready.He picked up his instrument and slapped the case shut. “Whatever.”
Zach brushed past her and headed for the stage. One last show.
