by K E Osborn
She freezes, her eyes opening wide as she takes in the massive black object hurtling toward her at lightning speed. The crowd gasps and my heart races frantically. My pulse quickens so fast I can feel the pressure in my skull, and I think I’m going to vomit. I don’t have time to get to her. But suddenly Luke jumps out from the side of the stage grabbing her in a full force lunge and landing on top of her, pushing her to the floor face first. The light plummets down right next to the pair, smashing in a wave of broken glass and metal as it breaks apart all over the floor then bursts into a ball of flames.
“Fuck!” I call out as the amber and yellow flames lick and burst upward, quickly taking hold of Andi’s bass speaker, then continue up, scorching the curtain right next to it sending the side of the stage into a blazing inferno.
I turn to Alana who’s standing by her keyboard dock looking mortified while the crowd erupts into a screaming frenzy. Security guards rush out attempting to tackle the blaze with fire extinguishers as I pull off my guitar and run along with everyone else to the other side of the stage away from the flames.
“Holy fucking shit, Alana, did you see that?” I ask as she grips my hand for support while we wait for the others to join us backstage.
She nods. “Effa, how could this happen? I mean all those people out there…” Tears fill her beautiful blue eyes. “They’ll be okay, right?”
I flick my head out from the backstage area to see that the ushers are leading people out of the venue and the fire is completely under control. Slumping my body with relief, I close my eyes and hear the thumping footsteps of Kristy and Casey coming my way.
“Are you guys okay?” Kristy asks, and Alana and I both nod.
“That was fucking amazing, girls. We should do that every concert. Oh my God, I’m on such a high right now,” Casey calls out bouncing up and down on her toes like a freaking maniac, her plastic bangles jingling on her wrist with her hyperactivity.
“Casey, Andi could have been killed. I mean… she’s your cousin,” Alana berates, and Casey snorts.
“At least she would have gone out in an epic… flames of glory style rock ‘n’ roll performance,” she yells while doing the rock ‘n’ roll sign with her two hands and sticking out her tongue.
I try to hold back my giggle, but I can’t fight it for long.
“Casey, did you use before the show?” Kristy asks raising her brow.
Casey opens her eyes wide and swipes at her nose while nodding her head. “No!” She smiles.
I roll my eyes and Alana groans. “That would explain that crap then.”
“Explain what?” Casey asks as Andi and Luke rush down the stairs toward us.
Andi looks like shit. Her hair is a disheveled, sweaty mess, and her bass is completely shattered from the fall—it’s almost hanging in a long line from her hand. She’s going to be pissed.
“Explain what?” Casey asks again, but we continue to ignore her as we all move in surrounding Andi and Luke.
“Shit Andi, are you okay?” I ask, and she turns up her lip, looking straight to Luke while ignoring me.
“Luke, this shit has got to stop right this minute. Dennis has to go. No ifs, no buts, no damn maybes. You got it? Our lighting’s been shit for the entire tour, and tonight… this?” Andi scrapes her fingers through her hair. “My fucking bass is screwed. Gone. Demolished beyond repair. All because of that fucker not being able to sort his motherfucking shit out. You hired him. You make him gone. Or I swear, I’ll put a hit out on him…” She pauses for a breath. “And you know me, Luke, I will do it. I will sort that little weasel out. He’s ruined tonight’s show. What the fucking hell are we going to tell our fans? There better be some sort of epic press release following this, and we will have to come back at the end of the tour to do another show free of charge for the fans. We’re at the damn height of our careers here, and this epically shit show tonight is only going to damage us…” She rolls her eyes for effect. “Fix. This,” Andi demands pushing his chest hard, making the ever-stern faced Luke take a step back as she throws her broken bass to the ground dramatically and storms off, pushing roadies out of her way as she goes.
Gnawing on my bottom lip, I take a deep calming breath in and look to Luke. His sweeping short blond hair sitting in waves on his head, which is a little messier than usual, making his usual surfer good looks appear like he’s been windswept at the beach rather than saved a life at a rock concert. His broad shoulders fit perfectly into his suit which he pairs with a white shirt, with no tie, making him all business but cool at the same time. His jawline is strong, and his bright blue eyes are like the depths of the ocean, cool and calming for a man who’s intimidating and oozes confidence.
However, right now, his cool, calm façade is cracking, and I see the anger lying beneath. He’s pissed about what’s happened here tonight, and I don’t blame him. There’s no doubt this is damaging—for him, for us, for the tour. Negative publicity is not good publicity at this point. This crap makes us appear like a totally unprofessional unit, when in fact, we are the opposite. We need to fix this. He needs to fix this. And fast.
Taking a calming breath in, I figure I need to ease some of Luke’s tensions, and I know a method that always works for me and others when I do it to them. So it can’t hurt to try. I step up to Luke and place my open palms on his chest. He looks down at me, opening his eyes wide like I’ve lost the plot, but I smile calmly and take in a long steadying breath.
“Take in a deep breath, Luke, and look into my eyes.”
He slumps his body. “Effa… look… you’re great, and I love that you’re so in tune with nature and the elements and what the hell ever other stuff you’re into, but your hippy shit isn’t going to work on me—”
“Look in my eyes, Luke. Take a deep breath in through your nose… just humor me.”
He rolls his eyes as Casey giggles beside me. But then he stares into my eyes and pulls in a deep breath.
Pressing my palms harder into his chest, I peer into his eyes. “Positive healing energy is flowing through my hands into your body. Take in a deep breath… aaannnddd hold.” He takes in a deep breath, holding it. “Aaannnddd out.”
Luke breathes out and raises his brow like he’s curious about something. I smile nodding my head slightly and remove my hands from his chest as he swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down in his throat as he swallows.
“Did that actually just work?” he asks raising his brow.
I raise up on my toes in excitement. “You tell me. How do you feel?”
He gives his head a quick shake. “I swear, Effa, you’re an enigma… I don’t understand you at all.” He looks up and then back at me. “I don’t know how that worked. It can’t have worked. But… somehow I feel better. You freak me out, you little pixie,” he croaks, and I grin so wide my cheeks hurt.
“Thank you so much, that’s nice of you to say. Now go find us a new lighting tech… because Dennis sucks and he’s fired.”
Luke chuckles. “Yes, ma’am.” He affirms it with a salute and walks away.
Turning around, I notice Casey’s sniffing the air like some sort of weirdo as she paces the backstage area. I ignore her, letting her journey into her own world, and instead, I step up to Alana and Kristy. “What a night, hey?”
“Long way from Nimbin, New South Wales.” She giggles. “Although, I can totally imagine something like this happening there at the local pub because Davo got high,” Kristy jests and we all laugh.
“Totally! Even though tonight went up in flames, we’ve made it girls. The five of us country chicks have made it to the big time, and we’re only going to go up from here,” Alana chimes in.
“Hell, yeah. We’re going to illuminate this world,” I beam and they both chuckle.
“Luminous… for world domination,” Kristy sings placing her hand out.
I smile putting my hand on top of hers, Alana follows, and we all smile bobbing our hands once then lifting up high with a cheer. Even though
Casey and Andi weren’t in the circle, Luminous started out as just Alana, Kristy, and me. And now with cousins, Casey and Andi along for the ride, we’re ready to take on anything life throws at us.
We’re primed, eager, and aching to take on the world.
It’s there for our beckoned call.
We just have to grab it with both hands and tear it to shreds.
“I can smell chili cheese fries… I’ve got the munchies,” Casey calls out, and we all turn to smile at her.
Okay… so first chili cheese fries… then, world domination.
Chapter Two
MERCS
When I’d gotten the phone call from Luke Bellamy, the manager of the hottest all-girl rock group of the moment, Luminous, needless to say, I was buzzed. I’ve made a name for myself in this business because I’m a qualified Electrical Lighting Technician or ELT, but my position will be the Lighting Director for Luminous. I know my way around the stage, and I pride myself on flawless lighting and techniques. I’m up to date with the latest and greatest trends and equipment.
But, going on the American leg of their tour with them? Well fuck, I can’t say no to that.
Not just because of the experience I’ll gain, but also, I need the money—desperately.
My eighteen year old sister, Kiera, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia a while ago and everything in my life has revolved around finding a way to a cure. She’s so sick most of the time, and I’ve had to take leave from work to care for her. But being the main breadwinner, I’ve had to go back to touring to ensure both Kiera and Gran—who’s Kiera’s primary carer when I’m away—are taken care of financially. Every cent I earn and all my savings to this point have been spent on Kiera’s treatments, because with no health plan in place the drain has been huge on our financial resources. So earning what I can on tour with some rockin’ chicks from Australia, sounds fucking good to an all-American, twenty-five-year-old guy like me.
I grew up in Ligonier, a really small town in Pennsylvania. With a population of just over fifteen hundred, it’s quaint, it’s cute, but I needed more. I wanted to see the world. Music’s in my blood, but my voice, well, it sucks and I don’t have the patience for learning an instrument. So I did the next best thing. I took to the stage. Well, above it. I went to college and became proficient in setting up the stage. Lighting draws you in close while building an intimate connection between the audience and the singers. But above all, it can blow you away with huge and crazy movements to match the power and strength of the band on stage. Lighting for me is vibrant, dynamic, and showy, and I love nothing more than creating unusual graphic patterns while I paint the air with color to match the band’s passion and vivacity.
I began my journey as a stagehand and worked my way up to lighting and production, where I managed to get an apprenticeship under one of the best Lighting Director’s around, John ‘The Illuminator’ Parker. He taught me everything from stage design, lighting techniques, and many other tricks of the trade including how to synchronize lighting to sound. You name it. I learned it all. And that’s why I’m so damned good at what I do. That’s why I’m sought after by the music industry in the United States.
I’ve just finalized a tour with The Living Dead, so technically I was meant to be heading back home to spend a little time with Kiera and my gran before signing up for another long haul.
But, when opportunity knocks and all that.
I know Kiera will understand. At least I hope she does. My stomach tightens thinking of leaving her again, back in Ligonier, suffering while I’m not there. I want so much more for her… so much.
I swing my backpack over my shoulder and walk down the hall. It smells of stale weed, junk food, and some other funky shit. Something most backstage areas smell like. I let out a long sigh as my heavy boots thump the concrete halls looking for the room.
Crappy background music fills the dimly lit hall as I try to figure out where the hell I’m going. I know I’ve been here before but it was a while ago, and when you’ve been in so many massive stadiums all the corridors seem to fade into one, and you can never remember where to go.
Glancing up, I notice a door marked stage crew. I raise my brow finally finding where I need to be. This will be my home for the next two nights. I won’t bother getting a hotel room. I’ll be here before the show early and then way late after the show ends anyway, so I may as well find a couch and just surf on it. No point wasting money on a hotel.
Opening the door, I walk in. The room is small, but there’s at least a working refrigerator and a microwave.
Shrugging, I throw my backpack over by the sofa and move to the fridge, the door squeaks as I open it, and I smirk as I look in to see an array of flavored waters, natural and spring.
I sigh as I shake my head. “Do these women think we’re hippies or something? We’re men, and men want beer and real alcohol, not fucking flavored water for fuck’s sake,” I murmur to myself. I grab a berry flavored water in annoyance that there’s nothing else and take a long gulp. There’s a hint of bitterness along with sweetness which is a stark contrast, and I must admit quite refreshing. As the cooling liquid slides down my throat, I raise my brows in surprise, and my lips turn up with a slight smile.
Don’t judge a book, Kaden. The words of Kiera spring into mind as I swallow the fruity beverage. Pulling my cell from my pocket at the reminder of Kiera, I dial home.
“Hey Kades, what’s up. How are you settling in?” Kiera asks.
“Just arrived, about to go suss out what I need to do. Just thought I’d check in to see how you and Gran are coping without me.”
She snorts. “We’re always better without you…” She giggles.
“Yeah, yeah… I don’t believe that for a second.”
“You’re right. Do you know how excited I’d be if I could be there with you? You know how much I love Luminous, those girls kick some serious ass.”
“I know, and I wish it was different for you, but you need to concentrate on keeping as well as you can and resting for now.”
“Screw that… I want to party like a rock star.” I laugh while shaking my head. “Do you wanna speak with Gran?”
“Nah… this is just a quick call to see how you are, and to let you know I’m here. Will call again later today or tomorrow depending on my schedule, but say hi to her for me.”
“Okay, love you, talk later. Have fun, but not too much.”
“Love you, too.” Hanging up with a sigh I really wish Kiera could be here with me, but I know that’s impossible. I know she adores Luminous, and I’d really love for her to be able to go to one of their concerts, but it’s just not possible right now. I turn, and make my way out of my home for the next few days then down the hall toward the stage area.
There isn’t anyone here that I can see, or if there is they’re keeping a low profile. I know I’m here massively early, but it’s my first day on the job, and I want to scope everything out and get a feel for how they set things up before I come in and tear it all down.
I like things run a certain way. I know from the disaster that was The Staples Center in LA that I need to make my mark. Man, that was chaos, and it left the band with a giant PR mess to fix. I guess that’s why I’m here now.
I know I can be grumpy when I don’t get my way, but that’s why my shows are the best. I’m not cocky or arrogant, just truthful. I’m great at my job, and it’s taken me a long time to get to this point. This is why Luke and Luminous hired me—to make their shows absolutely perfect. Their sound is already spectacular. I’ve heard them. Hell, I’m kinda impressed. For tiny little things, they can belt out a tune, but with my help their on-stage presence will be one their fans will never forget.
Walking along, I find the end of the hall where it opens into an open expanse which is the backstage area. It’s vast, it’s wide, and it’s a fucking mess. I grit my teeth as I look at all the lighting equipment placed randomly with no order to it at all. The speakers and the girls’ instrume
nts are also in some sort of random chaos.
Fucking hell that shit irritates me.
There’s no organization.
No wonder there’s fucking fires at their shows. This place is a hazard. They definitely need someone to keep them in line.
Shaking my head, I move in to inspect, trying to assess everything in the area. At least there’s some semblance of order, I guess. The lighting equipment is all together, and the instruments are all in one spot. But the issues are that it’s spread out, and there are electrical cords and other shit scattered all over the floor making it one gigantic mess and an OSHA nightmare.
Bringing my hands together and cracking my knuckles, I step into the mess and begin.
Lighting first.
I look over what they have, and it all appears to be good quality, which excites me. It’s all top of the range, very new and hi-tech, and if asked it’s what I would personally recommend. That’s a good start. They just need to fucking look after it. So I get to work. Packing it up into their rightful containers, and stacking it up like it should be done in order to make it easier to assemble. The last thing we need is for the globes to be broken or equipment to be faulty due to misuse.
I shake my head. This shit costs a fortune.
Sweat beads on my brow as I pant and huff from the heavy lifting and packing. But eventually, the space is cleared, and now the room that looked like chaos has an open floor. There’s currently two stacks, one for lighting and equipment, and the other for their costly instruments and amps.
This is how it must be done. This is the breakdown that will happen at the end of every show, and this is how things will be run with me in charge. I hope the Luminous crew is ready for me.
I’m fucking hot. All this exertion has me working up one hell of a sweat. My white shirt is sticking to me uncomfortably, so I figure I’ll just take the fucker off. I pull it up over my head and flop it onto my shoulder. Wiping my brow with my hand, I let out a puff of air as I hear a round of applause from behind me.
