Jagger disappears as quickly as he showed up.We all crowd around Sabotage who has the list.
“Okay.Ice, Lock, Tristan, Zach, Death, and Boxer will be with Ruby.The rest of us will be with Wicked Angels.It looks like Ruby will have a slightly bigger security detail than the band.That’s not surprisin’ because she’s gained a ton of popularity the last few months.We’ll head over to the buses to see where we’re bein’ put up.I know at least three men will be up around the clock on each bus.One of you will be inside while the other two remain outside.Don’t push to be on the bus if that’s not what the band or Ruby want.Every decision is theirs to make.Those of you who have been on a tour before know this.Let’s head out.Tristan and Zach, you can grab our bags once we know where we’re stayin’,” Sabotage says as we all make our way to the lot where the buses are parked for the week.
Lock and I follow everyone and I take in everything around me so I know if there’s any obstacles we’ll have to overcome.Right now, we’re behind the stages and I can see how crazy things will be if they allow fans back here for any reason.Hell, if they let journalists back here, things might get a little dicey.The area isn’t large and I can see a bottleneck happening in a few spots.I can tell Lock is seeing the same thing I am while we walk to the parking lot.
“Here’s the buses we’ll be security for,” Sabotage says as we come to two identical vehicles parked in a shady location at the very edge of the parking lot.I can hear some people in one of them while the other remains silent.It must be Ruby’s bus.“This is Jack, he’s the head of security for both Wicked Angels and Ruby.If he tells you somethin’, you listen to him.This is his only job and he’s been with them for almost five years now.Don’t disregard any information he gives you.”
“It’s nice to meet you guys.Who is here for Ruby?”Jack asks us and those of us with her step forward.“She’s at a meet and greet right now.Step over here for a minute and I’ll hand out your passes and the detailed information for her events this week.She has a few things to do before the concerts take place.”
We all step over to his side while he talks to the rest of them about what the Wicked Angels will be doing.Jack hands out the passes to each of us and we slide them over our heads like we’re supposed to before he leaves half of us behind and the rest of us follow him to Ruby’s bus.
“Okay, Ruby is the only one on this bus.Normally, one of you would be on the bus with her while at least two remain outside.Things have taken place recently and she’s not comfortable with anyone bein’ on the bus with her.We’re gonna respect that.All three of you will be outside around the clock.Her bus just got the stickers placed on it so everyone will know it’s her bus.The old bus was broken into a few times and that’s why someone will always be here so it doesn’t happen again,” Jack informs us as he looks around our group.“Her normal security team is with her at the meet and greet right now and she’ll be headin’ back here the second she’s done.Memphis will be on the bus with her for a while tonight.They’re friends and spend a lot of time together.Protect him when he’s with her because he doesn’t always bring his own security over.Ruby is your main priority, but Memphis is important as well.”
Jack goes on to explain where we’ll be sleeping and what’s expected of us when we’re working.He runs a tighter ship than the last head of security.I’m glad Jagger made the switch to this man.I can tell he’s got a military background of some kind.It’s in the way he stands and speaks.The way every minor detail has been taken into account.When he hands over the list of Ruby’s events, I take the folder from him and continue listening to him speak.
“Any questions?”Jack asks us as he looks around the group of us.“Okay, you have about fifteen minutes to grab somethin’ to eat and see where you’ll be stayin’.Then I want three of you over here.The rest of her security team needs a break.Donotlet Camden over here unless Ruby specifically tells you he’s comin’ over.He knows he’s not allowed around her and I don’t foresee any problems, but you never can tell.If you need me, I’ll be around and my number is in the folder.Program it in your own phone so you have it in case of an emergency.”
Jack leaves us as we all head over to the makeshift hotel we’re staying in.Lock and I are sharing a room and have agreed to take the first shift on Ruby’s bus.I don’t bother unpacking because there’s no point.The dresser in our room is small as hell and would barely fit my clothes.Lock doesn’t unpack either.We set our bags on the beds and grab something to eat from one of the stands here for the staff and performers.These stands are only for us and no one from the crowd will be allowed to grab food or drinks from them.I actually really like that because it means there aren’t any lines we have to wait in.Lock and I grab burgers, fries, bottles of water, and a slice of the most delicious looking pizza I’ve ever seen before.Instead of finding a table to sit at, we bring our food over to Ruby’s bus where her security detail is standing.
“Ruby’s already on the bus with Memphis.If you see either of them, it will be Memphis.Ruby isn’t comin’ back out tonight.She’s exhausted and the meet and greet took a toll on her.If Memphis doesn’t stay on her bus, one of you need to make sure you walk him over to the Wicked Angels bus.I know it’s like fifty feet away, but we’re not takin’ any chance,” one of the guys says as he looks at Lock, Death, and me.
“We’re on it.Anythin’ else we need to know?”I ask him, not sure about anything because this is a first festival for me.
“Keep an eye on your surroundin’ and make sure no one gets close.We’ve got two chairs here.One of you needs to be walkin’ around the bus at all times.We have cameras pointed at the bus that were already here when we arrived.It’s why we chose to park here before anyone else could get the spots,” the same guy responds.“By the way, I’m Noah.I usually take point on Ruby.I’ll be around if you need me.I don’t ever stray too far from her because sometimes she leaves without any of us knowin’ in advance.I don’t believe that will happen tonight, but you never know.”
Death assures him we’ve got this before disappearing around the front of the bus.Noah and the rest of Ruby’s security team leave to grab dinner and do whatever it is they do when they’re not with her.Lock and I take a seat to eat our food before we let Death grab something to eat or take a seat.We don’t really talk so we can focus on eating before getting to work.We’re here to do a job and nothing will stop any of us from getting it done.
***
The last few days havebeen crazy.I haven’t seen Ruby at all.Lock, Death, and I are usually getting in a few hours of sleep when she has to go to rehearsals, meet and greets, or whatever else she has to do.By the time we make our way to the bus each night, she’s already locked inside with Memphis.I’ve heard music coming from inside, but no voices have reached us.I can barely hear the guitars playing if I’m being honest.It’s only when everyone finally settles in for the night that I can hear the faintest sounds coming from inside.Today is the first day I get to see Ruby.I’m one of the security members escorting her to the stage when it’s time for her to go on.
As I stand outside of Ruby’s bus, I’m joined by Wren.She’s wearing a backstage pass around her neck so she can walk around back here.Excitement is pouring off of her as she looks around.
“You good, Wren?”I ask her as I keep my eyes locked on the bus in front of us.
“I’m good.This is all so exciting.I’ve never been backstage anywhere,” she gushes, her cheeks flushed as she looks around some more.“Have you met Ruby yet?”
“No.By the time we get here to guard the bus, she’s already inside and hasn’t had to come out for anythin’,” I answer her as the door opens and I prepare to get my first glimpse of Ruby.
Wren goes completely still and shuts her mouth as we both wait in anticipation.Judge shows up and I see Wren grab onto his arm as her body practically vibrates with excited energy.She’s so funny, but I can see where she’s coming from as Ruby steps into view.I have no words when I get my first glimpse of her.She’s short as hell and barely stands over five feet tall.Her hair is long, almost down to her ass, and a dark red I’ve never seen before.It’s got blonde streaks through it that blend in seamlessly as she moves her head with a smile plastered on her face.Her green eyes shine bright as she glances in my direction and I move forward to circle her with the rest of the security detail.No one will ever get close to her as we walk really fast to the stage.
Ruby is wearing a short black skirt with black high heels on her feet.The halter top she’s wearing is an emerald green color.Her eyes have that smokey look women are always trying to perfect and her lips have been painted a bright red.I can’t take my eyes off of her as we move through the backstage area toward the stage where the band is finishing up their last song.Lock is at my side the entire walk and as we stand around her at the bottom of the stairs she’ll walk up to get on stage.
“Ice and Lock, you’ll be on stage at this side.Keep your eyes locked on Ruby at all times and make sure no one attempts to get on stage.We’ll have men in front of the stage and at the stairs to ensure no one walks up that way.I’ll be on the other side of the stage with Rex.If you see anythin’, motion for me and make a move when you can.Always go for Ruby first before you attempt to get whoever is movin’ toward here.There’s enough security here to apprehend the individual comin’ for her,” Noah says as we watch the band walk off the stage, talking, laughing, and full of excitement as they barely nod in our direction.The stage crew will have Ruby set up in fifteen minutes.You ready to go on, Sweetheart?”
“I’m ready,” she answers and my heart skips a beat as I hear her speak for the first time.Her voice is soft and gentle as I look down and see her smile at Noah.For the first time, she’s got a real smile on her face.It lights up her eyes and her nose crinkles in the cutest way.I’m fucked!
When Noah is given the signal for Ruby to get on stage, Lock and I follow her up the steps while the rest of the guys move to their positions around the stage.I stand closer to the front of the stage where I have an unobstructed view of Ruby as she stands in the middle of the stage, smiling and waving at everyone in the crowd.The first notes of a song begin to play as the crowd quiets instantly.I’ve never seen such a reaction before when I was on tour with the Wicked Angels.That includes after Onyx joined the band.I’m in awe as I stand and watch Ruby begin her performance.
If I thought I was fucked when I heard her talk, it’s nothing compared to how she sounds when she sings.Ruby’s voice is smokey and dark.Not at all like when she was talking a second ago.Each word she sings comes from deep in her soul and you can hear it in the way she sings each lyric.It’s not being ripped from her body, but it’s definitely coming from deep in her heart.I can’t take my eyes off of her if I wanted to.Ruby’s performance is captivating and I know I’ll never be the same after watching her this weekend.
