Page 93 of Scored

“Firecrackers.” Vee scoffed. “Firecrackers, can you believe that?”

I couldn’t.

“Someone lit a pack of firecrackers,” she said, “and tossed them under the stage which was surrounded by security.”

“Who would do that?”

“We’re going to find out. The person made a serious mistake. There were multiple cameras on us. It wasn’t only Aunt Rachel and me on the stage; Janine Watson was there too.”

“Lexington’s mayor?”

Vee nodded. “Crystal Light security and the Lexington Police Department are working together to find the culprit.”

Sitting at her side, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “Did that stop your event?”

Vee shook her head. “I didn’t even consider it. The event is for the fans. We weren’t going to put a stop to it because of some prank.”

“You think it was a prank?”

She sighed. “Or another warning.”

“You left.” I wasn’t asking. I knew the concert was supposed to go on until ten.

“I did. But before I did, I got back up on the stage and tried to calm the attendees.”

Tilting my head, I laid my cheek on the top of Vee’s head. “You went back up?”

“Yep. I won’t let a silly stunt bring down our celebration. It could have been a Texans’ fan or…”

“Have I ever told you how badass you are?”

“I didn’t exactly feel badass. I just couldn’t let our night be ruined. I stayed for a bit and talked with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Darin. Grant was in attendance and he immediately got a new press release out, one contradicting the one I showed you.” She turned toward me. “I tried calling you on the way home. I didn’t want you to be worried.”

“If I would have seen the news flash, I would have been worried. I probably would have driven over to Crystal Light.”

“You’re grounded, remember.”

“I think even Coach Tilson would have understood. How about a glass of wine?” I asked.

Vee fluttered her eyelids. “I’m tired. I think I’d like to get ready for bed and lie in your arms.” She looked at the sling. “One arm is still okay.”

I kissed her forehead. “Go on. I’ll turn everything off out here and check the door.” Standing, I offered Vee my hand to stand. My fingers enclosed hers. Once she was on her feet, I tugged her close and held her. She rested her cheek against my chest. “I don’t like to think of anyone hurting you.”

“Well, Virginia basically tackled me. Her colleague from Stephens Security rushed Aunt Rachel off the stage. Janine’s security grabbed her.” She shook her head. “I think it was all positioning. They know what to do.”

“I’m surprised you had security with you. Glad,” I qualified, “but surprised.”

Vee’s shoulders slumped. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you.” She looked up, bringing her emerald eyes into view. “Someone sent truckloads of amber-colored roses to the event. My director didn’t want to waste them, so she decorated the small stage with them.”

Clenching my jaw, I felt my nostrils flare. “Truckloads.”

She nodded. “And know what Mayor Watson said when she saw them?”

“That’s a lot of roses.”

“Close. She said it reminded her of the Derby.”

“Run for the Roses,” I said. “They’re red.”