Page 69 of Rock and a Hard Place

The stage manager looked to Peter’s parents for help, but received none. “You don’t understand. We have guidelines, policies, and insurance issues at stake here.Do you want to take responsibility for that?”

“You bet I do. What do you need?” Peter didn’t flinch. “Where do I sign? Do you want a check?” Too much rested on this concert. Libby was coming, and he would not let her be sent away.

“That’s not how it works, and I’m sure your father can attest to that. We’re talking about the safety of ten thousand people in and around the amphitheater.”

His father interrupted. “Let’s take a look at the radar once more.” He gestured toward the computer screen nearby. “At this point, most of the fans are already in the stands or on the grounds. Canceling the concert isn’t going to help. There must be some sort of emergency procedure when unexpected storms occur during a concert.”

“Yes, of course there is. However, the goal is not to need them. Moving this many people can result in panic and injury. Plus, there is an added threat with a storm system of this magnitude.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little late to send everyone home?” his mother said. “In fact, it would be irresponsible. According to the radar, this is a fast-moving system. Let’s get the fans to safety here on the grounds, we will wait the storm out, and then all enjoy the concert. No one goes home disappointed.”

“Well, I don’t know. The stage will be soaked, and the seats in the stands will be wet. There will be no dry placeto sit,” the stage manager argued.

“The stage is simple. We can squeegee it off in minutes,” Garrett said.

“Our fans never sit during a concert anyway,” Adam added. “In fact, if you went out there and asked them if they want the concert canceled, or to take cover and come out when the storm passes, I guarantee they’ll stay.”

Peter watched the stage manager and his crew process the information and waffle. Libby was going to be here, and he’d be damned if a little rain would keep them apart. “All right, but I want it on the record I don’t like this decision.”

“Thank you,” his mom said. “We appreciate your flexibility to solve this problem. Let us know what we can do to help.”

“You can have your crew cover the equipment and make sure everyone from your team is safely backstage when this storm hits.”

Twenty minutes later, a few big fat raindrops pelted Peter. Seconds more, and the menacing clouds produced high winds. The crowd, as well as the band and crew, took cover. Red Rocks suffered a severe thunderstorm complete with spectacular lightning and quarter-sized hail. Peter hoped Libby was safe and not delayed by the storm.

He listened as the storm blazed through and left a trail of toppled souvenir tents and turned-overtrash receptacles. But other than a lot of water and quick melting hail, no major damage occurred. The stage equipment stayed intact, and the fans eagerly came out from hiding.

While the Jamieson team prepped the stage, Peter’s thoughts returned to finding Libby. “I know she’s here. I feel it,” he said to Garrett. “She’s had plenty of time to drive from Georgia.” He watched the monitor setup backstage. It showed each girl who won contest tickets as she filled out the questionnaire. No Libby.

“So far, the security detail covering the contest area hasn’t had anyone answer the final question correctly.” Garrett looked worried.

“Where the hell is she?” Peter said, staring at the security monitor.

“Come on, you miserable rust bucket, just one more mountain to climb.” DarLynn gripped the steering wheel and concentrated on the gauges of the ancient pickup.

Libby chewed her lower lip as the engine groaned in protest. They were halfway up the steep entrance road to Red Rocks. Even though they left Georgia two days earlier, they arrived late. The truck caused problems the entire trip. First, an oil leak and then the engine overheated outside of Wichita.

She hoped the deluge of rain was a sign of cleansingand would bring her good fortune and not an omen of bad luck. Libby could barely stay seated. She wanted to run the rest of the way.

A loud pop sounded from the engine and steam hissed out from under the hood, confirming her bad omen theory.

“Sweet baby Jesus, give us a break!” DarLynn pounded the steering wheel.

A parking attendant wearing an orange vest walked up. “Miss, you need to move your vehicle off the drive. You’re blocking traffic.”

“Does it look like I can move this beast? If you haven’t noticed, we’re having a little trouble here,” DarLynn barked.

The man tried to hide his smirk. Apparently, he found their dying truck, spewing steam and oil, entertaining.

“Tell you what. If you can back your vehicle down to that service lot, you should be able to pull it in before it, ah, blows up.” He grinned.

Despite her nerves over seeing Peter again, Libby smiled at the odds the truck would indeed explode.

“Stay with your vehicle, miss, and I’ll get a tow truck on its way to help you out.”

“But I have to get to the concert. I’m already late!” Libby peered out the window at him.

“That’s right,” DarLynn said. “She’s Libby, the girl from the contest. They’re looking for her.”

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