Chapter 42
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
SHOWTIME
After lunch, I head to the United Center.
We’ve got a lot to do before our client gets to the venue.
My crew is already there when I arrive to meet with them to review the night’s plan.
When everyone is miked up, we spread through the building to test our equipment.
Once communications are checked out, we regroup as the first of Shyanne’s entourage arrives.
The stage crew has been here for two days, setting up.
Her hair, makeup, and costume people are here.
Her dressing room is ready to go; the staging area where she’ll do costume changes is prepped.
One of my female agents will work in the staging area; another will work in her dressing room.
“I think we’re all set, boss. The client is here and ready to do her sound checks. Clark and Watts are in the green room with her friends.”
“Keep an eye on Jesse. I have a feeling—”
“I know. Me, too. The guy is a jackass. I think he may be their hookup.”
“Yeah, I think so too. Otherwise, I don’t think they’d keep him around. He’s unstable.”
“I got that vibe too, Sam,” agrees Gill.
I walk through the UC, double-checking everyone’s setup and designated posts.
“Showtime in two hours,” I say into our comm system.
“We’ve got one hour total for short dinner breaks, three at a time, same order as last time.
Fifteen minutes max. Give me your twenty when you’re back, and the next three can go. ”
I get a series of ten-fours, and they’re off.
Most only take ten minutes to grab a hot dog from concessions.
A few take the fifteen. Everyone is back in place in sixty minutes.
Staggering their dinners ensures that I’ve got people where they need to be at all times.
“It’s showtime, people. Everyone be vigilant. ”
I want everyone to be at the top of their game, everything watched. I do not want a Las Vegas or Manchester incident here. Sick assholes are everywhere. Not on our watch.
I meet Gill in our makeshift communication center. “I’m grabbing something to eat. What do you want?”
“Two hot dogs, nachos with extra jalapenos, two sodas, and one of those malt cup things.”
“Hungry?” I chuckle.
“Yeah. Starving. But I won’t be able to leave this spot for the next three or four hours. Feed me, dude.”
“I’m on it. Back in a few.” I head to the concession area and order his food along with a hot dog for me.
“Yo, get me a big pickle, too,” Gill says in my ear. I’ve donned my special spy glasses, so he sees what I see. Apparently, he’s seen the huge jug of pickles sitting on the counter.
“You’re going to be sick after eating all of that shit.”
“Nah, I won’t. My stomach’s like a steel drum.”
I chuckle, and the smile stays on my face as I consider the truth of his words.
The guy has steel insides and he can eat his weight in junk food.
Walking our food back to the comm center, I think about MacKenzie.
I’m excited that she may come tonight. It’s scary how much I’ve missed her this past week.
Before I met her, my life was gray and drab—even if I hadn’t realized how drab it was.
Now it’s colorful, exciting, and vivid. It’s better. So much better.