AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Guys, all tuned up?” Maddie asks matter-of-factly.
“Yeah,” come three separate responses.
“Jimmy, we are going to do a run through. You ready with the lighting?” she asks.
“Ready when you are,” Jimmy says, beaming a smile her way.
Paul takes the lead. ” Let’s do Road Rebel.” He turns to Maddie. “Let’s work this song fierce, real rocker chick. Play to the audience. We need to grab and hold them for two hours and keep them wanting more. Counting it off on three.”
It was one of their hits, a hard, fast, soulful song about a man who walks out on life and rides the road, searching for a reason to believe again. Maddie sings and I listen wide-eyed and stupid, breathing in the life she exudes with her voice. Her movements on stage mimic the story of deceit and torture and how one woman makes his dark life light again.
The Smoking Guns perform one more song, moving from rock to soul. Sounds like she can sing it all. Maddie blends in sync with the other girls when she’s not lead in the song, allowing everyone in the group their deserved spotlight, until it’s her turn once again. When she moves back to center stage, she is sexy and smooth. She’s nothing like the Maddie who clung to me on my bike. This Maddie is a vixen capable of drawing you into her world with song.
By the time the sound check is done, a small crowd has gathered around the stage. The final line of the song says, “Who’s coming home with me tonight? Is. It. You?” There are whistles and applause, but Maddie just smiles and takes three steps back, moving closer to her brother. Paul notices right away and puts his arm around her. This gesture does not go unnoticed by me. Something went terribly wrong at that concert two years ago and I need to know more.
Four
The Master Plan
War
It’s coming up on nine o’clock. Our brother MCs have arrived and there are plenty of them. Five different clubs and they hold church before the party gets started. Someone will fill me in later. Maddie is my priority right now. I can see the crews filing out, the emblems on their jackets evident. Some of these guys are questionable in moral judgement, but the majority are great men, our allied brothers. Our club is about brotherhood and many of the fellow brothers came running when Ava was in trouble and Guard called for reinforcements.
Ava wants to meet Maddie. Guard, as always, asks me to guide her in.
“Maddie, can I come in?” I ask, standing outside the tent with Ava.
Her soft voice replies, “Um... yeah”
We walk in and Maddie reaches out to take Ava’s hand. “Hi Ava,” she says.
“How do you know who I am?” Ava asks smiling.
“Well, I’ve heard nothing but ‘my beautiful pregnant wife’ from Guard, so I think it’s a safe assumption you’re the famous Ava,” Maddie teases.
“Oh, dear. Guard is a little protective.” She giggles, though Ava loves her doting hubby.
“I bet. I hope you enjoy the concert, Ava. I’m sorry I was up in the air about this,” Maddie explains.
“I understand. I’d love to chat more after the show if you can. I’m such a huge fan.”
“I’m sorry. I actually plan on leaving right after, but if you are ever near the studio, let me know and maybe we can meet up,” Maddie offers. “Do you know what you’re having?” She points to Ava’s belly.
“Yes, but Guard doesn’t know yet. I was hoping you can sing something to give him the hint tonight.”
“How cool!” Maddie says with excitement. “Whisper it to me.”
Ava whispers and Maddie says, “I have just the song,” then whispers something back.
“I love it!” Ava is jumping up and down. Well more like bobbing and bouncing with the belly.
“Okay, I’ll let the band know at the halfway point.”
I can’t help but think about how great Maddie will fit in with Ava and Vi, another one of the old ladies. I know that what I’m thinking is crazy, but I need to have this woman. I also need to go gentle, which is going to be the real challenge because it’s not me at all. I’m used to getting what I want on my terms.
Paul strides in. “Show time, sis. You ready?” He looks at her, concerned.
“I’m good,” she says quietly and not very convincingly.
