Rock Star

by Kathi Goldwyn

  “You ready for this babe? We need to tell the detective everything. Right?” Callie nodded as I gave her a squeeze. I took a deep, cleansing breath and her sweet scent comforted me. I tried like hell to calm down. We both sat on the edge of the bed to wait for him.

  “He’ll be here any minute.” I pulled back, releasing her. I heard a car pull up beside us and went to the bus door to let the detective inside.

  He said, “Hi, I’m Detective Genovieve, are you Hunter, Hunter Lightfoot?” He held his hand stretched out and we shook.

  “Yes, I am, come on in Detective. Callie is coming to the front in a minute. Would you like some coffee? Or water?” I offered as I pulled my hand out of his firm grip.

  Detective Genovieve was a man in his forties, with graying black hair parted to the side. He had dark set eyes and bags under them, like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

  He gave me a small smile and said, “Sure, coffee if it’s not too much trouble.”

  We always had a pot of coffee ready to go. We were addicted to the stuff and honestly, I thought he looked like he could use the entire pot. I grabbed a clean mug out of the cabinet and poured the rich, aromatic blend inside, filling it to the brim. I offered him cream or sugar and the detective shook his head no as he sipped from the black, dark stuff.

  “Okay, Hunter, do you mind if I call you that?” The detective looked my way, and I nodded. “Tell me what made you call? What happened?” He pulled a small pad of paper out of his chest pocket and took the pencil from behind his ear. Talk about being prepared, I kind of chuckled. ”And be sure to tell me every detail, don’t leave anything out, even if you think it doesn’t mean anything.” The Detective grimaced. “Nothing is insignificant.”

  I sat down just as Callie came to the front and took a seat close to me. I told him everything. I pulled the photo out of my pocket and laid it on the table.

  Callie grabbed it and looked, scrutinizing the thing, “OHMYGOD!” she cried out, “this was our first show after we got back on the road.” She covered her face with both hands. She looked at me, betrayal shone in her blue eyes. I was crushed to reveal the truth. I had kept this from her.

  “Yeah, I found that pic shoved under the soap dish in our bathroom on the bus. I didn’t want to upset you, but I think the Detective should see it. I’m so sorry baby, that I hid it from you. But...” My words failed me. I knew I was kind of the bad guy. I should have shown her back when it happened and I was pissed at myself for being such a shithead, or rather a lying asshole. “I was trying to keep the peace.” I offered meekly because that was no excuse.

  The detective scrutinized the picture and asked, “What am I looking at?”

  “Callie’s parents got in a car crash, and we had to go take care of them for a couple of weeks. That was our first show after we got back on the road. Do you think it’s important?” I worried my lip until I tasted the coppery blood flood my mouth. My entire body started shaking. I was freaking out because the detective looked so dead serious.

  “Well, Hunter, where you found it concerns me way more than the photo itself. Obviously, you have a stalker, maybe a fan who thinks she or he is involved in the band somehow. To an unstable mind, a person can start to believe they have an impact on your daily life. They fanaticize that they are a friend or even a member of the band. I don’t like it. I don’t like that they have been on your bus.” He looked at Callie who had gone sheet white and then back at me with an arched eyebrow.

  “Who has access to the bus? And where is it parked while you’re performing? I think you need to add some kind of security detail for the rest of the tour. And sir, make sure you lock this bus when not in use. Do you think you can do that?” Detective Genovieve looked concerned, and I took every word to heart.

  “Sure, I’ll handle that today. Any suggestions on hiring security? Maybe I can find a tour security organization, I’ll look into it today. Everyone who travels with us will get strict orders about locking up.” I hoped these measures were enough to thwart this crazy fan. “We have Callie’s baby brother with us and his nanny. They stay on the bus while she performs.” Suddenly I was hit with dread that this stalker had been on the bus with them! Oh my god!!

  Callie finally found her voice, “Detective, do you think that’s really necessary? I mean, sure someone is trying to scare me, but security would be expensive, no? I don’t want to live like that.”

  I thought, what the fuck, really? Like I care about money right now? I mean who the fuck cares about a few dollars when her life might be on the line. Or Gaby’s? I didn’t know if this was a deranged fan or someone just yanking our chain, but it wasn’t worth finding out and making the wrong decision here. Believe me, I was going to do everything the detective suggested. And more.

  “Do you think I should get a gun, detective?” my eyes were wide open now, I knew this was deadly serious. I freaked out even more than I already had. My nerves skittered across my body.

  “I don’t think that’s necessary, as long as you have good, armed security. I say leave it in the hands of professionals. Unless of course you know what you’re doing.” The detective smiled but I didn’t feel any joy behind it. “If it was me? I would.”

  He was right of course. I knew how to handle a gun, I had one tucked away at home, but it wouldn’t help me here. I decided I should be armed and would pick one up as soon as I could. I didn’t want to be caught with my pants down.

  “Anything else we can do to protect Callie? Detective, she’s the most important thing in my life and I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep her safe. I get the awful feeling this stalker is insane.” I chewed on my lip some more and felt the pinch of my teeth.

  “I think you should stop the meet and greets until we can catch him, please think about it ma’am.” His eyes swept over to Callie, and she didn’t blink an eye.

  “I don’t want to do that Detective, it’s my way of staying available to my fans, sir.” Callie worked hard to explain her point of view.

  “And that’s what I’m worried about. Callie, you need to protect yourself and your crew. You may think you’re the only one this person wants, but you never know who around you could get hurt. Take some time and think about it, that’s all I’m asking.” Detective Genevieve’s eyes bounced between us.

  “Well, if you think of anything else, please don’t hesitate to call.” the detective pulled out a few cards and handed them out. I hoped we wouldn’t need it, but something told me I’d see him again.

  “Thank you, Detective, thank you for everything.”

  I just wished Callie would listen, goddamnit. I didn’t know how to shake some sense into that woman. She wasn’t just putting herself at risk, and it made me worry.

  I was going to bug her until she relented.

  It was the only thing I could think to do at this juncture. Unless we just called off the whole thing and went home with our tails between our legs.

  That fucking wasn’t going to happen. We just had to be vigilant and keep everyone safe.

  I wasn’t a religious man, but I made the sign of the cross.

  Chapter 51

  Callie

  I was fine until that detective came to talk to us. I was totally fine, well scared but fine. I knew I was in denial. But now, goddamnit, I was freaking the fuck out. My thoughts ran away from me; my mind went on a crazy, wild ride. I couldn’t control the thoughts attacking me. I had no clue about that picture, the one Hunter showed us today. I was pissed someone was fucking with us. I mean, shit! There really was a stalker on my ass.

  No more denial.

  I had to get away from everybody after the detective left. I borrowed a car from one of the crew and snuck off to take a drive to clear my head. I knew Hunter was pissed but I just had to get away from everyone. It suddenly dawned on me what the detective was saying all along. If I’m not careful someone else could get hurt. This wasn’t just about me anymore. Still, I felt obstinate, I just didn’t wan
t to bend to this motherfucker’s threats. He or she hadn’t come right out and said anything specific. They were notes of admiration. How could that be bad? But the warnings terrified me, and it made me wonder how I got here.

  #yournumberonefan had a lot to answer for!

  When the fan threw that rock at me, it flashed through my mind that it might be the same person who was sending me notes. I saw her well and good. I told the Detective all about her and what she looked like. He was sending a sketch artist out tomorrow to see if we could figure out who she was. I tried to remember every detail about her face. That blond chick was going to haunt me until I got it right, and we had a drawing of her. She wore her hair exactly like mine.

  I stopped at a burger joint and ordered a juicy cheeseburger. When all else fails junk food seemed like my only friend. I put my order in and drove up to the pickup window to collect my meal. The girl popped her head outside and said loudly, “Oh My God it’s Callie! Aren’t you Callie Jenson? Of the Turtledoves? Oh my god, I just saw your show last night! Jim, Jimmy come here,” She yelled. This cute little teenager came running to her side. I’d say they both looked to be in their teens.

  “Oh My God, Linda! I can’t believe it. Hi Callie----- oops, sorry, Hi Ms. Jenson.” He swiped at the red hair falling over his forehead with a huge grin stretched across his freckled face.

  “Oh, honey, don’t worry. Call me Callie. Thanks for coming last night. I had a great time.” A smile broke out across my face, and my heart went pitter patter. I cherished meeting new fans, and they were adorable in their love of music. To meet these two cutie pie teens out of the blue, was exactly what I needed. “Do you all have a break? Maybe you can eat with me?” I offered. The charming teens were peeking out at me through the drive thru window, giggling with each other.

  “Naww, we don’t have a break coming up for another hour. But could you sign this napkin for me?” Linda asked reaching her hand out towards me. She was so adorable, and way, way, excited. I took the napkin and scribbled on it, ‘Callie Jenson Fly Like a Dove.’

  It was hard to believe that only a few, short months back, no one really knew who I was. And now, here at a fast-food joint out in the middle of nowhere, two fans had spotted me. I signed their napkins like I always signed, every time I wrote my autograph. Jimmy shoved another napkin out the small window, and I signed it the same way. Then he snapped a pic of me, when I nodded it was okay.

  “Here’s your burger! Have a great day.” I grabbed the greasy bag from Linda’s grasp and rolled up my window as I drove off waving to the kids. I could smell the juices dripping from the bag. That was incredible! I reveled in the experience of being recognized. We had been playing lots of towns I had never been to before, but this was the first time I took a drive and ran into my fans.

  I was normally on the bus and didn’t interact with anyone but our close crew. I was living in a bubble and realized I needed to get out more, that was for damn sure. It was like a kick in the butt, a motivator, being recognized like that.

  It got me thinking about the notes and pics and I knew what I had to do. I had to protect everyone. I decided to take the Detective’s advice. No more meet and greets until they found my torturer, that’s what I called the asshole fucking with me. #onecrazedfan was more like it. But I thought the officer was right, and I needed to circle the wagons.

  I loved everyone on that bus, after all, and I wanted to shield them. I shouldn’t be so wrapped up in my own ego trip holding onto something for my own benefit. I really needed to have a bus meeting and bring everyone up to speed. I made a note to do that as soon as I got back. And my baby brother was certainly someone to consider. I couldn’t put him in danger any more than I already had. I felt sick to my stomach until I made my final decision.

  My phone buzzed as I took my first bite of the delicious burger, juices dripped up my arm.

  Baby you having a good time?

  Hunter. That just made me go all warm and gooey. He was worried about me, but he didn’t want to stand in my way. He knew I needed time alone when I was working something out.

  I swallowed the delicious cheeseburger down and wiped the grease from my chin. Then I swiped on Hunter’s name, “checking up on me?” I giggled, teasing this wonderful man.

  “Well, um sort of?” He laughed, and it was so good to hear his voice. I had only been gone a short time, but I missed him, and I wasn’t too proud to admit it. My heart did this thumping thing when I heard his voice.

  “I’m having the best burger I've had in forever, honey.” I was full on bragging; everyone knew Hunter’s favorite thing was a great burger. I guessed I wanted him to be a little jealous of me. It sure made me laugh.

  “Aww, really? Damnit, Callie, why didn’t you take me with you?” Hunter was cracking me up.

  “I’m almost finished.” I threw away the bag, swallowing down the last bite. I was stuffed.

  “And then I’m on my way back to you. I’ve decided the detective’s right. I’m cancelling all meet and greets until further notice.” I knew this was the right thing to do, but it sure was hard to admit. “We need to take all the measures he suggested.”

  “I agree babe, I already contacted a security company, and they are sending out two of their best men.” Hunter said.

  “We need to keep everyone on that bus safe. I worry about Gaby; this isn’t just about me.”

  “Thank you, babe, come back now, okay?” Hunter sounded so relieved that I finally was coming to my senses and being smart about this.

  I revved up the engine and headed back. Time to have a bus meeting and make my announcement.

  Then I was going to drag that hot ass man of mine back to my room and tear his clothes off. I wanted to ravish his hot, muscled body.

  I wanted the comfort of his arms.

  Chapter 52

  Hunter

  Damn straight! Callie was finally coming to her senses. I instituted our new rules, including locking the bus every single time someone boarded or left. We were going to have to create new habits, that’s for sure.

  I called Enhance Securtiy Systems, ESS, while Callie was gone. I talked to the owner, Jordan White. He inherited the company from his dad, years ago. Seemed like a really good guy.

  “Yes, I can send two of my best men out today. Anthony and Bartholomew will be coming to you in three hours, okay?” Jordan’s voice sounded reassuring, and I felt myself finally relax. I had been so stressed out, my muscles had bunched up and the spasms had almost wrecked me. The two security men meant I could chill out.

  When the detective was here, I totally started freaking out about how we’d been living so open, so cavalier, like nothing could get us. We didn’t do anything to ensure our safety. So now, with this threat hanging over our head, I was glad to make all these adjustments. We needed to take the detective’s advice. That was key around this fucking place now. Safety first.

  “Thanks Jordan, just send me the bill.” I hung up my cell just as Callie drove up and parked the old rusty mustang next to the bus. I watched her get out, and my heart swelled with love. She was stunning; she took my breath away.

  “Hi babe, I’m so glad you’re back. Come on, let’s go inside. I have things to tell you.” I yelled, grateful she made it back safe and sound. I tried to get her to take me with her, but she begged until I broke down. She said she’d be careful, but she insisted she needed time to herself. I had to trust her.

  Callie walked up and put her arms around my neck, pulled me closer, and whispered in my ear, “I missed you, honey.” I felt my dick harden and thought I better take this on board. She smelled so good, so feminine, and I wanted to lose myself right there in the nook of her neck.

  “Let me say hi to Gaby first, okay?” Callie gave me a bright, happy smile. It looked like her hamburger run really did give her some peace of mind.

  I walked up the steps of the bus and unlocked the door. We were all going to have to get used to this new normal. We were going to have to be extremely careful ev
ery single day.

  Callie hopped up the steps and onto the bus, “Hi Marko, hey Ted.” She kissed them briefly on their cheeks as she continued down the aisle. She didn’t stop until she got to our bedroom where she found Tenny and Gaby playing. “HI Gaby.” She bent over and picked him up to give him a big bear hug. He squealed in delight with a huge grin on his chubby face. She placed him on her hip and turned to speak.

  “Can you take him for a bit longer, Tenny? Hunter and I need to chat, okay, hon?” Tenny took Gaby out of her arms. I gave his cheek a kiss, tweaking his nose when I pulled back. He looked so happy today. I nodded at Tenny as she left the room with him giggling while she blew strawberries on his neck. I slid the door closed behind her.

  Once the door clicked shut, I told Callie everything I knew about the security company. “I think two guards is enough, don’t you?” I looked to see if she agreed.

  I caught her slight nod as she whispered, “yeah,” but she didn't look happy about it.

  “What’s bothering you babe? Why are you looking so down?” I arched an eyebrow. All I wanted was my queen to be happy.

  “Well, it’s just....I don’t know. This whole thing is kind of wrecking me. I’m mostly worried about Gaby. Do you really think we need two guards at all times? And what about the cost? I’m worried it’s going to ruin everything.” Callie sat down on the edge of the bed. All I wanted to do was strip her bare, but this conversation had to come first. My mind snapped back to what I needed to say, we had to stay focused on business.

  “I know, but if we want to keep going, and I assume you do, we need to take extra precautions. That detective made me feel useless, like we were really unprotected. Come on, I’ll go over everything with you. Then I’m getting you naked.” I moved my eyebrows up and down as Callie nodded. We both took a deep breath and tried to relax.