Under the Spotlight

by Angie Stanton

The tall officer looked at Brad as he came closer. “Are you Brad Stone of the Jade Monkeys?”

  “Guilty as charged,” Brad answered, his hands still raised.

  Both cops seemed to relax a little. “What were you doing climbing down the side of a skyscraper?”

  “I think it had something to do with Spider-Man,” Brad said.

  “I hope you’re done playing superhero. People have died falling from balconies. Plus, I think you’d have a lot of very unhappy fans. Please stay put.”

  “I have fans, too,” Garrett said, swaying slightly. Keeping his hands in the air and trying to keep his balance at the same time wasn’t the easiest feat.

  The officers ignored Garrett. “We’ll have you back in the building in a moment. So when does your next album come out?” the cop asked Brad.

  “Don’t you recognize me?” Garrett interrupted.

  The police studied him.

  “No, sir, can’t say that I do.”

  Brad laughed.

  “Jerk,” Garrett muttered to Brad. Unbelievable. Could this day get any worse?

  “Have you ever heard of Jamieson?” Brad asked the cops.

  “Of course, who hasn’t?”

  “That’s Garrett Jamieson,” Brad said.

  “Really? I didn’t recognize you,” the shorter cop said. “Didn’t Jamieson break up?”

  Garrett clenched his jaw and felt about two inches high. His star power was fleeting.

  Suddenly the balcony door opened. Strong hands grabbed him from behind and yanked him into the condo. Before he could react, his hands were pulled behind his back and cuffed.

  “Sir, you are under arrest for criminal trespass and recklessly endangering safety.”

  22

  Riley arrived at the dentist’s office the next morning, a few minutes after ten. A bell on the door dinged as she entered. Her mom paged through a People magazine in the waiting area. Riley took a seat next to her.

  “Hi, Riley. Matt is back with the dentist. We’ll get an estimate once he takes a look at the tooth.”

  “Okay.” Riley still hated that she was giving away so much of her own money, but she couldn’t let her little brother go through life with a broken front tooth.

  She opened her bag and pulled out the envelope of documents her mom had given her last night. “Here’s the paperwork back for your car loan.”

  Riley resented being the person in charge of bailing the family out of financial trouble when she barely got by on her own.

  “I knew you’d come through for me,” her mom gushed.

  Riley wanted to retort that it’d be nice if her mom came through for her once in a while.

  “Mrs. Parks,” the receptionist called.

  Riley and her mom stepped up to the desk.

  “Here’s what Matt’s procedure will cost today.”

  Riley looked at the invoice: $843. At least it wasn’t the whole thousand. Her mom looked at her expectantly. Riley pulled out the bank envelope and counted out nine one-hundred-dollar bills.

  “Isn’t it crazy when your own daughter has to float you the money until payday?” her mom said to the receptionist. “Don’t worry, Riley, I’ll pay you back on Friday.”

  Riley tried to ignore her mother’s lie, but it was still a sting to the heart. She handed over the money.

  The receptionist looked at Riley with sympathy. “One moment while I get you some change.” She disappeared around the corner.

  “Look at all that money. You must feel pretty rich,” her mom said.

  “Not anymore,” Riley snapped.

  Her mother frowned.

  “Here’s your change.” The receptionist put the bills in Riley’s hand. “Matt should be done in about two hours.”

  “Thank you.” Riley tucked the money into her wallet and slipped it back into her bag. They stepped away from the desk. Riley wanted to make a quick getaway.

  “Two hours is perfect,” her mom said. “It’ll give us plenty of time to hit the car lot and be back before Matt is finished.”

  “Why do I have to go to the car lot? I signed your papers.”

  “I’m not sure if they’ll accept the papers without you there. They’ll want to check your employment. Just a couple of hoops to jump through. It’s easier this way, and you said you don’t work until this afternoon.”

  Riley huffed. “Fine.”

  They hopped on the “L” and exited three stops later, walking the last couple of blocks to a small used car lot tucked next to a liquor store. Inside, the scent of burnt coffee permeated the office. A balding man with stained teeth greeted them.

  “I told you I’d be back for the car,” she said. “This is my daughter, Riley. She has the paperwork all ready to go.”

  Riley handed over the documents. He glanced at them. “Very good. I see you’ve been employed for over three months.”

  “Yes.” Suddenly Riley realized that she’d put down Sound Sync Studios as her employer. Would he out her and say the name out loud? Her mom thought she worked for an insurance company. She did not want to deal with her mom’s third degree about her working in the music industry. That was a door Riley would just as soon keep closed.

  “Hey, Mom, why don’t you show me the new car?”

  “That’s fine. I’ll take the loan papers and have a couple of things verified,” the salesman said.

  “Perfect,” her mom said. “My car is the cute little red Mazda over there.”

  They exited the building and for once Riley was happy her mom kept blabbing incessantly. Riley smiled and nodded, mostly ignoring her as she poured out the details about leather interior and gas mileage. All Riley saw was a ball and chain weighing her down and keeping her from escaping the insanity of her mom.

  After a few minutes, she noticed the sales guy waving. “He’s ready for us.”

  Back in the office they sat before his cluttered desk as he explained the various papers.

  “Everything here looks good. Your employer checks out, and you have a healthy bank account. I wish my kids were as responsible as you are.”

  “Riley has always been a good girl.” Her mom leaned over to brush back a lock of Riley’s hair. Riley leaned away and gave her a halting glare.

  “Only a couple more signatures.” He held out the papers and Riley signed her name. “Great. That’ll do it. Here are the keys.” He held the keys out, unsure if he should give them to her mom or the actual owner of the car, Riley.

  Her mom snatched them.

  “Enjoy your new car,” he said as they all stood.

  Riley nodded and escaped the stifling office as fast as she could. Her mom caught up. “Oh honey, thank you!” she squealed. “This is the nicest car I’ve ever owned.” She threw her arms around Riley.

  “Mom! You better make every single payment. You can’t miss one. Ever! And get it insured. Today!”

  “Calm down.”

  “No. This is nonnegotiable. You get insurance.”

  “Look at you, Miss Know-It-All, now that you work for an insurance company. There’s nothing to worry about. I have everything under control. You’re such a drama queen.”

  “How can you say that? Everything you touch is drama.”

  Her mother curled her lip. “You know, I put up with a hell of a lot of your attitude. For once, you could act a little supportive.”

  She stared at her in disbelief. “Mom! I just signed loan papers for you to get a car! I paid for Matt’s dentist bill. I don’t think I can be much more supportive than that!”

  Her mom sniffed. “Come hop in the car. We’ll take it for a spin before I drop you at your apartment.”

  Riley took a step backward. There was no way she could stand another minute of her mother gloating about a car that literally belonged to Riley. “No, thanks. I’ll walk.”

  For a moment her mom looked annoyed, but then she smiled. “Suit yourself.”

  Riley turned the opposite direction and started walking before she said or did something she’d regret. A
minute later she heard tires squealing away.

  23

  The next day, after sleeping until almost noon, Garrett rolled out of bed and pulled on cargo shorts and a plain green T-shirt. He needed air. The walls of Brad’s condo seemed to press in on him, and he didn’t know why. Spending most of the night in jail hadn’t made him claustrophobic, but in the light of day, the reality of his life did.

  He stepped onto the balcony of the condo. Warm, humid air blasted him. He leaned his elbows on the railing and looked to the street below.

  Climbing down the side of the building was a dumb-ass thing to do. What the hell had he been thinking? Something needed to change, and soon. He needed a fresh perspective on life. Maybe getting arrested, again, was the sign he needed.

  He returned to the cool air of the condo and slipped on some shoes. With it being Sunday, there was nowhere he had to be. He grabbed his phone, wallet, and sunglasses. At the last second he pulled on a baseball cap.

  Outside in the oppressive heat, he walked past the House of Blues. Jamieson had performed there a handful of times before they hit it big and needed arenas to accommodate fans.

  Would he ever walk through the stage door again instead of the front doors as a patron? Not at the rate things were going.

  He hooked a right onto State Street and crossed over the Chicago River, pausing to look down at the murky water. Boats filled with tourists motored past, and the sound of the guide’s voice crackled through the air, mingling with the buzz of traffic. He pushed off and continued on, weaving his way over to Grant Park.

  People bustled everywhere, but no one paid him any attention. He was still getting used to that. Couples with young children wheeled past with helium balloons tied to the strollers and ice cream smeared on the toddlers’ cheeks. Bikers whizzed by and joggers dodged people walking their dogs. Everyone seemed so happy and content. Why couldn’t he be?

  He came upon Buckingham Fountain, a granite structure in the middle of the park with water spraying in a festive pattern. Tourists gathered around the edge, some tossing in coins and making wishes. He should try. Nothing else seemed to be working, so what the hell? But what should he wish for? The band to get back together? For Riley to record with him? Both seemed impossible at this point.

  Garrett reached into his pocket for a coin, but found none. He didn’t even have a damn nickel in his pocket, and tossing in a five-dollar bill wasn’t exactly appropriate. He kicked the edge of the fountain and moved on.

  The humidity in the air grew heavier, but the strong breeze off the lake refreshed him. Above, the overcast sky blocked the sun. Leaving the park, he crossed Lake Shore Drive and followed the breakfront along Lake Michigan.

  It was barely four months ago that he’d been touring with his brothers, each day packed with interviews, meet-and-greets, and sound checks. The demand for his attention was at an all-time high, but now, nothing. His own brothers had rejected him, opting for an ordinary life rather than to make music together.

  He came to the Shedd Aquarium, but followed the lakefront sidewalk away from the building, avoiding all the tourists on a mission to see exotic fish. The walkway jetted out into the lake; the planetarium sat at the end. Stretching his legs had been a good idea. He may not have any answers, but at least he had fresh air in his lungs.

  The ring of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts. He pulled it from his pocket and groaned.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Climbing the side of a skyscraper! What the hell is wrong with you?”

  Garrett held the phone away to save his eardrum.

  “I told you to get a new dream, not give your mother a heart attack, not to mention giving me one, too.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad. I wasn’t thinking.”

  “That’s perfectly evident. Your grandmother is the one who alerted me to this mess. How do you think she feels?”

  Talk about a guilt trip.

  “I thought you were out there working on contacts and learning a new craft, not finding ways to ruin your reputation and that of the band. Who do you think will want to work with you now?”

  Garrett looked out across the choppy waves of Lake Michigan. There was no response that could possibly satisfy his father.

  “What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “I messed up big time.”

  “Damn right you did!” he barked, reminding Garrett of all the times his father chewed him out as a kid when he got caught throwing stones at the river taxis near their childhood home in San Antonio or some equally bad scrape.

  “Your mother wants me to ship you back here to Boston, but you’re no longer a child, Garrett, and you need to handle this one on your own.”

  Garrett didn’t need to be parented at his age, but he’d disappointed his mom and grandmother. Ashamed, he hung his head. He’d let his dad down when he wanted more than anything to show him he could be a success.

  “Pull yourself together.”

  “I will.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Yes, sir. I will.”

  24

  Riley grinned at Erika and tapped her red plastic cup to hers. “I can’t think of a better way to spend the Fourth of July.” After all the mama drama, she needed to let off some steam.

  The music blared at the rooftop party in Wrigleyville. Red, white, and blue pennants waved in the evening breeze, and the scent of cold beer and warm bodies filled the air.

  “I think it just got better.” Riley tilted her head toward the blond, dreamy-eyed Chad as he worked his way toward them.

  “Looks like he brought a friend,” Erika said, spotting a guy with shaggy dark hair following behind, a full pitcher of beer in hand.

  “Hi, Erika. You made it,” Chad said with an eager smile.

  Erika grinned back.

  “Hi, Riley,” he said. “You guys, this is my friend, Bennett.”

  “How ya doing?” Bennett stood slightly shorter than Chad and possessed an infectious smile and warm eyes. “I brought beer.” He held up the pitcher he’d nabbed from next to the keg.

  “Bennett, I like you already.” Erika held out her cup, and he filled it.

  “Hi.” Riley held out her cup for a top-off, and smiled.

  “I hear you’re kind of famous,” he said with a playful glint in his eyes as he poured.

  Riley lost her smile and turned to Erika.

  “It came up, okay?” Erika said. “I mean Chad found the YouTube video, so it’s not like it wasn’t already public knowledge. I guess he told Bennett.”

  “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Bennett looked from Riley to Erika and back again.

  “No. It’s fine. You just caught me off guard. Trust me. I’m not famous.” She offered a tentative smile. She hadn’t meant to scare the guy away. He was awfully cute.

  “Are you kidding? You were singing with Steven Hunter. That’s epic!” Bennett said, so full of excitement.

  “Is it okay if we don’t talk about that?” Riley asked.

  Bennett seemed taken aback, but recovered quickly. “Sure. If you don’t want to talk about yourself, I guess we’ll have to talk about me.”

  Riley relaxed. “I’d be a lot more comfortable with that.”

  “Riley, we’re gonna go find the food table. Back in a few.” Erika and Chad wandered off.

  Riley let Bennett do most of the talking, and the evening flew by as they laughed at each other’s stories. At dusk, a fireworks display lit the night over Wrigley Field. Bennett slipped his arm around her waist, and Riley didn’t mind a bit. She relaxed into him as a new display sounded and a huge burst of colorful lights filled the night sky. She could get used to this.

  Between the oohs and the ahhs, her phone vibrated in her back pocket. She didn’t want to interrupt her perfect night, but it might be Britta. She hated to leave her sister to fend for herself if there was a problem.

  Riley reached for her phone. It wasn’t Britta at all, but Matt.

  “Excuse me, it’s my broth
er. I’ve got to take this.”

  Bennett smiled and released her. She felt a chill where his warm arm had been.

  “Hello,” she answered, trying to make sure she didn’t slur her words.

  “Hey, Riley. I’m calling because I know Mom won’t.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Not for you. Mom’s car was stolen.”

  “What!” She moved away from her friends and stepped into the stairwell where she could hear better.

  “Mom was at the bar with her friend Tess. They were playing darts and she left her purse at the table. When it was time to go, she couldn’t find it. And when she went outside, her car was gone.”

  Riley couldn’t believe her ears. It wasn’t possible her mother could be that stupid. “Do you think maybe it was one of her friends just borrowing the car? Or maybe they were pulling a prank? Maybe they’ll bring it back tomorrow.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it. It happened two days ago. The only reason I found out is my friend Steve’s brother works at the Alibi Room and told him.”

  “Oh my God.” She pressed her hand to her head. “This can’t be happening.”

  “Well, it did, and I figured you’d want to know since she made you sign those loan papers.”

  “Where the hell is she? I want to talk to her.”

  “She’s out somewhere with Tess and Sue.”

  “Thanks.” She hung up on Matt and called her mom, pacing in the small stairwell while the phone rang and rang and then went to voice mail. She called again, and this time her mom answered. Riley heard laughter in the background.

  “Hi, Riley, what’s up?” she said as if she hadn’t a care in the world.

  “Mom! Did someone steal the car?”

  “What? Where did you hear that?” she asked, but her voice wavered.

  “Matt told me.”

  “He shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Please tell me you insured the car.”

  There was silence.

  “Answer me, and don’t lie. You know I’ll find out.”

  “I was going to tell you. But with the holiday coming up and my new job, I didn’t get a chance.”

  “How could you do that?” Riley yelled. “I never ask you for anything. Ever. And the one time I need you to do something, you don’t.”