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“Drake, can I brief you for a minute?”
“Sure.” Drake stood. He said to the driver, “I’ll be back in a few, buddy. Holler if you see any jackalopes while I’m gone.”
“10-4,” the aging bus driver chuckled.
They stepped back behind the curtain into the front lounge.
Bex and Polly sat on the couch playing Mario Kart. Lyra was taking a shower, and Maggie was resting in her bunk.
Two of Ryker’s team members rode on the crew’s bus conducting interviews, and one drove behind in a private vehicle.
“You know jackalopes aren’t real, right?” Ryker asked.
“I know nothing of the sort,” Drake deadpanned.
“Do you have a bet riding on that?”
“Maybe.”
Ryker smiled. “I hope it’s not much, because you’re about to lose.”
Drake winked and lowered his voice. “Hey, the guy’s a gambler. A nonsense bet got him to loosen up and talk to me. Worth the $50.”
“If that’s what it takes.”
Drake nodded.
Ryker also lowered his voice and briefed Drake about his conversation with Jade.
“We need the venue cameras from this morning and yesterday’s from after the show,” Ryker said.
“Sure, I’ll request the footage.”
Ryker nodded. “Thanks. We’ve got about seven hours until the next venue, then we’ll be parked there until after tomorrow’s show. I’m going to work on my ‘rapport’ with Jade. See what else I can find out.”
“All right, man. It’s gonna be a long ride. Make some time to relax.”
Ryker clapped Drake on the shoulder and walked toward the back of the bus.
He heard Lyra singing badly as he walked past the bathroom. He shook his head and laughed to himself. Lyra must have other talents to be in a band because singing was not one of them.
He knocked on the door to the back lounge then pushed his way through.
“I’ve got the perfect game!” Jade practically shouted as he walked into the room.
Damn, she’s cute, Ryker thought.
“All right, tell me about it.”
He sat on the couch beside her and listened as she explained the basics of this game. Ryker hadn’t played a video game for a while, but he caught on fast. Soon, Jade played the impetuous Leo and he played the more-reserved Vincent.
By the time they pulled into the next venue, the middle of the night had arrived and they just beat the game.
“Yes!” Jade exclaimed when the credits rolled, pumping her fist in the air in victory.
Ryker chuckled. “Good job.”
Six hours of video gaming with Jade let Ryker see every side of her — anger, frustration, sadness, happiness, and everything in-between.
