Page 91 of 4-Ever

“Someone called the box office ten minutes ago,” Jesse explained. “Claimed they were going to shoot up the venue to ‘get rid of all the nasty queers’. Each band member was mentioned by name in a very explicit threat.”

“Fucking hell!” Faise blurted out.

I shook my head. “That’s never happened to us before. Jesus.”

I glanced over at Faise, and he looked like as horrified as I felt. Brodie and Holls too.

Elias nodded. “Chances are it’s just some asshole being a psychotic prick and shooting his mouth off. But we can’t take that risk. The police have been contacted and Regan and her team are on high alert when it comes to your security. I’m sorry.”

“We’ve played at this venue dozens of times and without any problems. Why here? Why now?” Faise asked.

“I don’t know,” Jesse replied as he ran an agitated hand through his hair. “But we’re doing everything to find out.”

“What about the rest of our concerts down south? We’re supposed to leave tomorrow to head to Florida.”

“So far, it’s still a go. Unless something else happens in the meantime,” Regan offered. “Rest assured, security protocols are in place. Three-step process for ticket holders prior to entering the venue and we’ve updated our screening technology to catch any potential weapons. And we’re increasing the size of your protective detail.”

Dawson, Van, Ciara, and Rae stepped out of the wings to join us. The worried look on every one of their faces told me they were also having a hard time digesting this news.

Dawson walked up to Holls and pulled him in tight. Holls in turn, buried his face in Dawson’s chest as his boyfriend leaned down to whisper in his ear. Van did the same with Brodie, kissing his husband and rubbing a soothing hand down our frontman’s back.

Rae and Ciara headed for me and Faise. Our family did not need this. No one did.

“Everything’s going to be fine. The show’s cancelled but it’s just one event,” I reasoned and reached for Faise’s hand again. Both of us were trembling, but we interlocked our fingers tightly. “It’s a one off. Some weirdo playing a rotten fucking prank. It means nothing.”

“Do you think this is Dallas?” Ciara asked Elias. “Do you think this is him trying to get back at me through Ronin? Some twisted type of revenge?”

My sister looked at me, her face pale and her eyes filled with a guilt that didn’t belong there.

Regan nodded. “Given what you’ve told us about him, and the fact that he’s a narcissist who still denies hurting you, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. He’s suspect number one at this point. The police are trying to pinpoint the origin of the phone call. We’ll know more in the next few days.”

“If they can trace it,” Dawson interjected. “If whoever called in the threat used a prepaid cell, they probably got rid of it already. It’s nearly impossible to trace. And don’t forget, the guy’s a cop, he’s not stupid.”

“Or he might be desperate enough to slip up, like Holloway’s stalker,” Elias added.

“What about Bandit?” Brodie snapped. “I wouldn’t put it past Greg to pull something like this as payback for not renewing our contract. They’ve had several bands drop from their label since we left. I hear it’s a shitshow over there.”

Elias shook his head. “Personally, I think that scenario is highly unlikely. If this person is found out, they’re going to face serious charges. I don’t think Haddley would risk even more fallout for his business.”

“I agree with Elias. Let’s wait and see what the police can gather. Remember that these concert dates and venues are common knowledge, so that means a large pool of suspects,” Jesse offered. “Meantime, it’s back home for everyone. No going out, no visitors. Rest up. We meet at the tour bus pickup location at noon tomorrow.”

“I’m so sorry, Ro,” Ciara looked at me. “If I hadn’t?—”

“Hey.” I reached for my sister with my free hand. “We don’t know that it’s him. And if it is, they’re going to get him. I don’t want you to think about that bastard anymore. He’s not going to fucking take you, or our music, or anything away from us.”

“Ronin’s right,” Faise added. “And it’s not like we haven’t had haters before. Especially since all of us are out. We haven’t had to cancel a show before, but we’ve had threats aimed at us. That’s not new. And none of it has to do with anyone but the assholes who spew hate.”

“This has happened before?” Rae asked. “How come you never said?”

“Why would I do that? And worry you, Mom, and Dad? No. It happens everywhere we go. Queer people are always harassed, and yeah, it’s shitty, but unfortunately, that’s our life. But we’ve never let that stop us. And we won’t.”

“Faise is right.” Brodie nodded. “We’re not going to stop doing what we love because of a few haters. Never.”

“Can we have a moment, just me and the guys? It’ll only take a minute,” I asked everyone.

My sister and Rae headed off stage with Van, Dawson, Elias, and Jesse. Regan and Lennie stayed on the stage but walked a few feet away to give us privacy.

“Do you think there’s any chance Hardwick will cancel our contract?” I asked. “I mean, first the launch party and now this? We’re only a few weeks in and fucking hell, this is crazy.”

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