“As long as they let me stumble back to the hotel after a few beers, that’s all I need,” Izzy chimes in, opening one of the many beverages set out for the VIP guests.
I glance over at Jameo and JT, both looking much more relaxed than the rest of us, even though they just finished their golf tournament. Both men are standing near the opening of the stage, Jameo casually watching the band currently performing while JT takes a few selfies.
I wave hello, and both men come over to join our little group.
“How’d the tournament end up?” I ask, even though my sports app informed me of the results hours ago.
Jameo pulls Bryn under his arm, leaning on her. “It went all right. JT played like a man possessed,” he says, a grin on his face. “His putt oneighteen was magical—seventeen feet out, he was on a different level than the pin, and he drained it. It was pretty.”
Grinning at the compliment, JT says, “I had to do something to keep up with your drives. I’m still annoyed that I’ve spent the whole season training with you, and you still outdrive me every time.”
I let out a laugh. “Wow, I didn’t realize your bromance had progressed to this point. Do you need me to see about getting you a private room?”
“You’reso funny, Kels,” JT says. “Also, Sam says hemustsee a picture of us, so smile.” He holds his phone up, sliding his arm around my shoulder and making an outrageous face before I can tell him no.
“You’re an idiot.”
I chat with everyone for a few more minutes, making sure they know where they can go to see the full concert if they don’t want to be backstage the entire time.
Before I leave, I give Izzy one last hug. “You good?” I ask her quietly.
“Yup. It’s just…a lot more emotions than I expected. I thought I was prepared, but…” Her words trail off as her attention catches on something behind me.
Pulling out of the hug, I see Jaxon walk by, his usual concert persona in place. He stalks toward the stage, a black guitar draped across his chest. With his all-black outfit, massive frame, and perfectly styled hair, it’s clear why half the country is obsessed with the man.
The moment he notices Izzy, his steps falter. The two stand there, staring at each other, until almost everyone backstage has noticed and is gawking at the odd display. I don’t know what it is, but there’ssomething about the way she’s looking at him that feels different. I want to say something, but it’s not the right time.
I shoot Jaxon what I hope is a professional smile and pull Izzy away, herding her toward the door to get to their seats. The gossip will be raging by the end of the show, but luckily, Izzy’s not close to any of the concert staff, so she likely won’t hear any of it.
When I finally reach the security booth Lila, Carter, and I are managing for the night, I force myself to focus on my work.
“How’s everything looking?” I ask.
“All set. It’s so much more fun being here than doing this from our empty office at random hours,” Lila says.
I settle in at my station, my mind already spinning through the checklists in my head.
As the concert starts, we all focus on our work, Lila and I both coordinating with various teams. After a small disruption between two drunk guests close to the stage is dealt with by the venue’s security team, I focus my attention back on the various camera feeds.
All goes well, and I start to relax as Jaxon starts the final song of his encore.
That’s when I notice it. A faint blinking light on one of the security monitors—just a small change, but it’s enough to give me pause.
“Hey,” I say to Lila. “What’s going on with camera five? That thing on the wall wasn’t blinking earlier.”
“Not sure. Maybe it’s just an alarm or something for the venue.”
“That camera covers the hall to the stage entrance,” I say, studying the diagram in front of me.
“Can you send someone to check it out?” I ask Carter.
“Already on it,” he says, talking into his earpiece.
Relief washes through me when a voice answers, confirming the comms are at least still working. I watch the screen but don’t see anyone moving.
The sense of unease increases when Carter’s man calls back, saying there isn’t a light on.
“Shit,” I say, staring at Lila and Carter. “It’s not the live feed. Carter, get a team as close to the stage as you can. Lila, get someone on this.”
