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“That’s really not necessary. Let me see if I can even tolerate him when we’re on our own first.”
“Oh, it’s necessary. Trust me. I got you, babe.”
The lights onstage dimmed for their intro.
Jade decided to just let the topic go for now. She could set Lyra straight later.
The others picked up their instruments and took their places onstage under the darkened lights. The nighttime breeze through the outdoor theater felt great on Jade’s heated skin.
Jade twirled her drumsticks as Bex warmed up the crowd, which went wild when they heard her voice rise above them. “How are y’all tonight?”
When the crowd was warmed up, Jade counted off the beat, the show lights started, and the band launched into their set.
They were three songs in when suddenly the sound cut out and the stage lights turned on full brightness.
A voice came over the speakers announcing, “Attention. Everyone please make your way to concessions immediately. This is not a drill. Please remain calm and orderly. Everyone please make your way to concessions immediately. Security will direct you where to go. Thank you.”
Venue security began ushering the crowd away from the stage. There was a loud hum of discontent but everyone seemed to be cooperating.
Ryker and Benny ran onto stage.
“What’s going on?” Bex asked, panicked.
“There’s a fire backstage,” Ryker said. “We need to get you all out of here. Follow me.”
Ryker ran over, grabbed Jade’s hand, and pulled her to her feet. He tugged her across the stage and down the side stairs. The others followed, with Benny at the end.
The acrid stench of smoke filled the air.
Ryker led them outside the amphitheater into the darkness of night. They crossed a paved loading area and went through a chain link gate that led to the bus parking area behind the stage.
Jade glanced back and saw smoke and flames rising from the stage building. The sight was eerie against the darkness, especially since they’d left that stage moments before.
“Is everyone out?” Ryker barked into his earpiece. “Good. Keep the crowd from panicking and send the fans on their way. The band’s clearing out.”
As Jade watched, the building went fully up in flames. Fire truck sirens rang out in the distance.
Ryker ushered the band onto the bus and closed the door behind them. Benny stayed outside the door.
Everyone looked visibly shaken. Lyra clung to her guitar like it was a lifeline, and Polly clutched her bass.
Jade reached for Ryker, and he tucked her in close to his side.
“What happened?” Lyra asked.
Ryker said, “Something caused a fire in the dressing room. The fire marshal has to investigate. Whatever caused it, the blaze ignited fast. We’re lucky one of the crew noticed it when he did.”
“Everyone’s out, right?” Bex asked.
Ryker nodded. “Luckily. This stage is small compared to your usual venues. We got everyone out and got the fans away from the stage in time. I’m glad that at least this happened at an outdoor venue so we could get everyone out safely.”
“What do we do now?” Jade asked.
“You go on break as planned. My team will handle this. You’ll probably have to replace some instruments, but that’s stuff. Everyone’s safe, that’s what matters.” t
Jade’s heart sank. Ryker was right, but her drumset was sentimental to her. A new set wouldn’t sound the same as the one she’d learned on and cared for her entire career. The memories of that set could never be replaced. It was a huge loss for her.
Ryker said, “We have cars waiting to take you to tonight’s hotel. There’s no indication of foul play at this time, we only know there was a fire in the dressing room — but we can’t rule it out yet. To be safe, we are assigning personal security for all of you while you are on break.
