Page 95 of Blackstone's Heart
In the wings, Krista chuckled along with the audience. She looked over when she felt Ethan's hand start stroking her back, almost as if he could sense her apprehension about what she was about to do. As Stacey continued her speech Krista laid her head against Ethan's shoulder, drawing on his strength and love.
For another ten minutes her publisher spoke. Taking a slow breath and releasing it, Krista put her game face on as she was introduced and the audience began clapping with a few cheers mixed in. Straightening her spine and holding her head high, Krista stepped out onto the stage. Smiling and waving to the crowd. At the podium, she hugged Stacey before taking her place with Stacey sitting in a chair at the table behind Krista. Also at the table was Krista's parents, Stan Kolinski, a local book critic from Austin and Kim Easley, a book blogger that she met about four years ago in Denver that had also become a good friend.
"Thank you, thank you." Krista began. "I am so thrilled today to share the release of Midnight Passion to all of you. Before we get to all the fun stuff, I have an announcement to make and today just seemed fitting to make it."
Krista turned her head back and met her parent's eyes. Both gave her nods of approval and her mother smiled. Turning back to the crowd, Krista began speaking once more. "As many of you know, for the last seven years I have written under the pseudonym Kris James. Today, I am revealing myself."
With those words, Krista lifted her hand and pulled off her wig. She studied the audience. There was surprise, astonishment from members of the group who were from Austin as they recognized her. Yet, no one stood out as acting angry or suspicious. Shaking out her long blonde hair she spotted the members of Blackout moving through the crowd.
"My real name is Krista Jameson. I chose not to write under my real name due to the fact of my father's position as the district attorney here in Austin. I didn't want fans or critics to think I was using my father's career as a springboard to launch my own. Nor, did I wish to paint a large bullseye on my back by anyone out for revenge or some ransom demand against my family.
"I do want to point out that other than my name, the rest of the information available on me is all true. I do have three brothers, two older and one younger. I have the best parents in the world. Nick and Debbie Jameson have completely supported me in my career choice and my mom has never missed a book reveal." Krista continued, looking back at her mom who smiled tearfully and proudly back at her.
"This last year has been a rocky one for me, yet also the most creative one. I have been dealing with a personal issue in which I have been forced to turn to law enforcement to help me. Despite that, my muses have never been so active. A year ago, I attracted the attention of a stalker. He started out as a fan, writing letters to me as Kris James. Six months ago however, his letters became darker."
Again, Krista paused and studied the faces before her. She saw worry, shock and fear. But again no signs of her stalker. She could hear people whispering, mainly her VIP group who looked terrified for her. Taking a sip of the water that was in front of her, she pressed on.
"At this time, we are no closer to discovering the identity of my stalker. When this began last year, I made a promise to myself that I would not let fear control me. As you all know I am a huge fan of strong women. Women who take control of their own lives no matter what is happening and that's what I have done and will continue to do."
In the shadows of the stage Ethan watched in pride as his woman spoke. The conviction in her voice never wavering as he watched her scan the hundred and fifty or so faces who watched her. Like Krista, he too studied those faces. He saw his men, the feds, the police and the fire department moving around the room. He saw the catering team were setting up the lunch which would begin after Krista's speech.
"She's doing just fine Ethan." Lance said quietly from his right.
"Yeah she is. She's done exactly what she said she'd do when we flew back from New York. I know I didn't agree initially, but maybe she was right." Ethan nodded.
"What do you mean boss?" Gage questioned from Ethan’s left.
"About reaching out to the public for help. We've got local press, her loyal fans and local fans here today. I just know that her announcement of her identity and her stalker will be all over the evening news and social media in no time." Ethan answered.
Lance frowned and Ethan caught it. He faced his boss and his friend. "And like you said on the plane. That could also backfire on us."
Ethan turned so he was fully facing Lance. "Yes and I still think that. Hawk, if anything happens here today after her speech I need a favor from you."
"Anything." Lance stated.
"If this asshole makes his move here, get Krista and get her out of here. Take her to my place and stick to her like glue. I can't lose her and..." Ethan couldn't continue.
Lance laid a hand on Ethan's shoulder and squeezed. "I will Ethan. If shit hits the fan here I'll grab Krista and get the fuck out. I swear it."
Gage watched the two men. Yes, he and Ethan had known each other the longest, but of the five of them, Gage sensed that Ethan and Lance were the closest of them. He knew that Lance carried a scarred past and only Ethan knew thewholestory there. The rest of them knew a little bit about Lance's childhood, but only Ethan knew everything. The three men turned once more to watch as Krista's speech shifted gears back to the reason they were here. Her writing.
***
When Krista stepped away from the podium, it was only to walk right into the arms of her mom and dad. Behind her she could hear camera shutters flying and knew within an hour, those pictures would be all over social media. Hell, her own VIP team were snapping pictures and that was fine with her. She felt a sense of relief blanket her now that she had revealed herself.
"I am so proud of you baby. So very proud." Debbie said tearfully, hugging her daughter.
"Thank you mama." Krista sniffled, tears tickling the corner of her eyes.
"You did good honey. I don't think a father could be any prouder than I am at this moment." Nick stated, his voice catching too when Debbie released her.
"I have you and mama to thank for making me strong daddy." Krista replied, hugging him fiercely.
A nervous cough came from behind them. Krista turned and found Stacey. "Sorry, but the food's ready Kris."
Krista chuckled. "Well then, let's get our grub on."
Krista caught sight of Ethan for a moment before she, her parents and Stacey led the way to the food line. She saw the pride in his eyes and that made her heart swell. After gathering her food, Krista took her seat at the table on the stage. As she ate, she continued to scan the faces. Wondering if her stalker was there. Was he pissed? Was he even now plotting his next move? She pushed down the nerves as they tried to creep in. Today was about her book, about sharing a piece of herself with her true fans and her family.
