Tenderly Beats the Lonely Heart

by K. J. Janssen

  Once the show started, the Gap would be quickly filled by the VIP quests wanting to get an up-front look at the performers on the stage.

  It appears that everything’s in order for the show to go on. With all that preparation, what could possibly go wrong? What, indeed?

  CHAPTER 18

  Tiecher Park 7:15pm

  The General Admission gate opened fifteen minutes early. It was slow going at first as theearlycomers tended to be the youngest of the expected crowd, requiring a careful check of ID’s for most, as they requested the yellow wrist band. A casual check of loose clothing, handbags and backpacks was conducted as well, to assure that no contraband, especially in the form of alcoholic beverages was being smuggled onto the premises.

  The concession stands became busy immediately and within fifteen minutes a crowd of expectant devotees of the rock genre, cups in hand, was building along the temporary barrier set up along the width of the Gap. The Gap was reserved for VIP’s and their guests.

  Courtesy carts emitted a low beeping sound as they made their way slowly across the Gap transporting their passengers to the VIP tables. By seven-thirty the VIP area was almost filled except for the front tables which were reserved for the Mayor and The Dance Committee Chairman, their families and guests. As the guests of honor, they planned their arrival for several minutes before the show started.

  * * *

  Miriam went through the General Admissions gate at around seven-thirty, purchased a cup of red wine and started mixing with the crowd hoping to spot Thomas. After a few minutes she decided that he hadn’t arrived as yet and positioned herself where she would have an unobstructed view of the main gate.

  * * *

  Around the same time, Vinny and the Cruisers arrived at the VIP gate and were escorted backstage. Vinny waved to Pete Honeycutt as they made their way to the chalked area on stage. Minutes later he and the four other musicians that made up the band, were setting up their instruments and engaging in instrument tune-ups.

  * * *

  When Thomas and Louise arrived at the VIP gate they were immediately passed in. He waved-off the offer of a cart ride, preferring to walk across the Gap and rub elbows with friends and town officials.

  “Boy, you really are important,” she said, as they walked over to a wine bar. “I’m extremely impressed.”

  “It’s no big deal. They sent me two VIP passes with the invitation. I guess having once been Owensburg High’s star softball pitcher still carries some weight.”

  “Does that mean that we can be right here, this close to the stage, when the band plays and the fireworks show starts?”

  “It sure does. I think the band and the lasers will start around eight, but the fireworks won’t go off until its dark enough.”

  They both ordered a glass of red wine. When he offered to pay, he was told that refreshments in the VIP section were complimentary.

  “This really is first-class. Any more surprises?”

  Thomas thought about the ring in his pocket, as he answered, “The night is still young, my dear.” He smiled, as he added, “Let’s wait and see what develops.”

  They found their table and Thomas was pleased to see that several members of his school softball team and two of his favorite teachers and their wives or dates were at the same table. After several minutes of introductions, the couple picked up their cups to return to the Gap for the start of the program.

  As they walked, an announcement came over the loudspeakers that Vinny and the Cruisers would be filling in for Bobby V and the Rhythm

  Riders. No explanation was given for the substitution and the announcement was immediately followed by piped in soft-rock music.

  There was a soft murmur from the crowd as many Bobby V fans expressed their disappointment, followed by tumultuous applause from Vinny’s fans.

  Clearly, this was going to be a night of surprises or everyone.

  CHAPTER 19

  Aldo “Vinny” DeLuca finished tuning his

  Gibson guitar and set it down on its stand. He looked out at the crowd that was nearing capacity. He was momentarily upset by the crowd’s initial reaction to the announcement that his band would be playing instead of Bobby V, but his angst didn’t last long when a much larger part of the audience applauded the change. He thought to himself, Looks like a lot of “Cruiser” fans out there. I’m betting that we’ll convert the rest of the crowd before the night is over.

  Playing at Owensburg’s 200th Anniversary celebration was the best gig he and the band have had on the comeback road from their drug experimentation. During the past six months they scratched their way back into the soft-rock band circuit, and now with this show under their belt, they could command bigger paydays and be choosier about gigs.

  * * *

  As they made their way back to the Gap, Louise said, “This is so exciting, I’ve never been to a laser show, let alone one with fireworks. Have you seen it before?”

  “No, I haven’t, but I’m really looking forward to it. ‘The Beast’ has been around for years now. It was quite a plum for the Town to snag them for their Anniversary.” He looked up at the revolving platform at the top. “It has to be at least forty feet high. What a magnificent edifice. I read about some of their other shows and they got nothing but rave reviews. This is history in the making for Owensburg. We’re very lucky to be a part of it.”

  As they passed through the entrance to the Gap, Thomas looked around for the nearest concession stand. “Wait here a minute while I get us refills. Once the show is underway it’ll be damned near impossible to get anywhere near the stands.”

  * * *

  Miriam was just about to give up looking for her son when she saw him cutting through the crowd up near the stage. Her heart was pounding as she started wending her way in that direction. After a series of accidental bumps, accompanied by some muttered expressions, some not too nice, she reached a point where she could get a clear shot of Thomas as he passed no more than twenty feet from where she was standing. She had the camera set for “video” so she could capture his every move. Oh, this is so exciting. I knew he’d be here.

  Well, it looks as if the Owensburg 200th Anniversary Show is about to start.

  Hold on to your hats folks. It’s going to be a thrilling ride.

  CHAPTER 20

  Tiecher Park 7:55 pm

  Mayor John Martin, Anniversary Committee Chairman Wendell Phillips, their wives and friends arrived at the VIP gate; six in all.

  One of the organizers said, “Mr. Mayor, you’re due stage-left in a couple of minutes for the opening remarks. It’s too late to ride across the Gap because of the crowd. Anyway, the carts are on the other side.

  Gus, one of the maintenance men, spoke up. “My convertible’s parked right over there. I can scoot two of you gents over there if you don’t mind a tight squeeze.”

  The Mayor turned to the others and said, “Fine. Wendell and I’ll ride in his car.” The others nodded as John and Wendell got in to Gus’s 1995 Corvette.

  Gus turned to the Mayor, “Ain’t she sweet. That’s the original leather. I drove her in the parade this morning. You guys are in for a real treat.”

  “It’s a beauty, Gus, but can we get going?

  I’ve got a speech to make.”

  “You bet, hold on gents.” That said he floored the pedal and headed the car around the back of the stage. Gus had driven behind the original Owensburg stage many times but had never driven behind “The Beast”.

  * * *

  Gus had only one thought on his mind. I’ve got to get these folks to the other side, pronto. In his haste, he didn’t see the guy wires until it was too late. The car caught a rear bumper on the first wire, spun around and while he frantically attempted to regain control of the 3,337lb vehicle, it hit the second wire head on. The car came to an abrupt stop, throwing John and Wendell head first, past Gus and over the front of the vehicle. Both hit the ground, rolled over for several t
urns and came to a dead stop; neither showing any signs of life.

  The force of the car against the first two guy wires proved too stressful for the fin plates attached to the top of “The Beast”. As the plates separated from the frame they created an eerie grating sound emulating the scratching of fingernails across a blackboard; only many times louder. The vibration created by the impact also short-circuited the laser panel and the lights started to strobe wildly across the stage and the audience.

  At the front of the structure, the loud noise immediately got the attention of the crowd, but since it sounded like the ear-piercing noise of a mike/speaker feedback it caused no immediate concern. The sudden panoramic advent of the lasers acted as a confirmation that the show was about to begin. All eyes were riveted on the stage.

  CHAPTER 21

  Tiecher Park 7:59pm

  Within seconds of the fin plate failure of the first two guy wires, “The Beast” pulled agaist the remaining plates for support and found them inadequate. Both plates also gave way within seconds causing the structure to pitch forward. The gap at the base, so artfully and only partially filled by the eight inch sliding panels, was soon filled by “The Beast” seeking purchase. The movement was slow to start, almost deliberate, as if structure was performing in slow-mo, but “The Beast” wasn’t going to stop its forward journey until it was resting firmly on the ground; it’s journey complete.

  The collapse began with a slight wobble followed by the top rigging starting to tilt forward. The leaning continued and anyone watching the collapse unfolding knew that there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. ‘The Beast” was going to devour the stage and part of the audience.

  Thomas, his hands filled with two cups of red wine, was returning to Louise when the collapse began. He heard some screams from the back of the crowd; saw a few people pointing at the stage and when he looked back at the stage he saw the band, their instruments and several large pieces of scenery sliding across the stage in his direction. He turned his head and attempted to move away, but the crowd and time prevented his escape. Within seconds he was struck in the neck, head and upper back by several flying objects. He was knocked to the ground with several fans falling on top of him. Parts of the structure rained down on them as “The Beast” gave up pieces of its framework, followed by the complete collapse of the structure as it surrendered to gravitational forces. 60,000 lbs, that was once “The Beast”, settled down into a massive pile of debris.

  The audience was stunned beyond belief as the collapse enfolded before their eyes. As they attempted to run away from the stage; only a few were fortunate enough to elude its grasp. The screams of those beneath the falling stage were quickly snuffed out when it finally came to a stop. As a fog of dust settled, only a scattering of screams was heard, quickly replaced by a cacophony of shouts, cries of despair and prayers.

  * * *

  As she filmed her son, Miriam saw “The Beast” begin its collapse. She screamed, “Thomas, lookout,” as she realized what was happening. She watched as he was knocked down by debris sliding off the stage. She continued to watch as the superstructure’s collapse reached out into the audience, engulfing the spot where Thomas had been and stopping within three feet of where she was standing. The last moan of “The Beast” was deafening as it found its final resting place.

  Several fans were suddenly thrust at her. She lost her balance and was carried backward by the force of the crowd, only to make contact with another wall of fans frozen in place by the shock of what was transpiring. Her movement came to a halt as she collided with several men. Either they fell on her, or she on them. It really didn’t matter because as they fell, Miriam struck her head on the ground and was knocked unconscious.

  * * *

  Louise was watching Thomas as he was hit. She screamed, “Thomas, watch out,” as she saw him engulfed by debris from the stage. As the superstructure completed its collapse she was thrown backwards by several fans rushing towards the sidelines. When she recovered her balance, Louise looked back at where Thomas had been standing and saw nothing but dust rising from a pile of debris. She felt faint but recovered enough to move out of the way of guards and maintenance men rushing toward scene.

  * * *

  Walter was enjoying an evening off with Emily, away from the hustle and bustle of the celebration activities that had kept him on duty for the greater part of the morning and afternoon. He answered the phone on the second ring, “Peyton, here.”

  He listened for a few minutes in utter disbelief as his deputy reported what happened.

  “I’m sorry for the delay in calling you, Walt, but hell just broke loose, all at once.”

  “What have you done so far?”

  “John and Wes are setting up an ECC and the rest of the guys are trying their best to maintain order. I called for the reserves and for all the emergency gear, including tents and chairs. I activated any trainees I could contact. Walt, there were several hundred-people standing up front when that thing came down. We found John Martin and Wendell Phillips behind the stage. They’re both dead with broken necks and I fear we’re going to have a lot more victims before the night is up.

  You’ve got to get over here right away.”

  “My son Thomas and his girlfriend are there. Have you seen them?”

  “No, Sir, I haven’t, but you have to understand that it’s chaotic out here.”

  Emily perked up at the mention of Thomas’s name. She nudged Walter to get his attention, “Has something happen to Thomas?”

  Walter asked the deputy to hold on as he turned to Emily, “There’s been an accident out at Tiecher Park. It looks like that fancy soundstage collapsed.”

  Emily gasped. “Are Thomas and Louise all right?”

  “George hasn’t seen them, but that doesn’t mean anything. I’m sure they’re safe.”

  “We’ve got to go over there.”

  “Yes, of course we do.” He returned to the deputy, “Do the best you can George. I’m on my way. If you run into Thomas, have him call either of us, right away.”

  “Will do.”

  * * *

  Within minutes of the collapse, hundreds of fans, police and park employees swarmed over the wreckage trying to help those trapped in the ruble. Police quickly cleared an area by the admissions gate and set up an Emergency Command Center and temporary receiving area for the injured as they were freed from the wreckage. The emergency dispatch summoned EMT’s, the town’s emergency crews and private practice doctors and within minutes dozens of helpers converged on the park to assist with the injured. Hospitals within a thirtymile radius of the park were at the ready to provide transportation and hospital rooms as would be needed. Fire Departments from surrounding towns dispatched their emergency vehicles and crews to help in the rescue efforts. The town’s morgue made preparations as well as early word got to them about the size of the crowd and the possible extent of the casualties.

  * * *

  When she recovered consciousness, Miriam was lying on a cot in a make-shift tent set up in the parking lot; one of the many that made up the Emergency Command Center. She attempted to sit up but was immediately restrained by a woman wearing a yellow safety helmet. “You’re going to need to stay quiet, dear. A medic looked you over and said that you probably suffered a concussion from a blow to the right side of your head. We’re not going to know how bad it is until we can check you out at the hospital. You’re on that IV to keep up your fluids; sometimes dehydration can be worse than actual injuries. You’ll be transferred to the hospital as soon we get you identified and we can get some transportation.”

  “No. I can’t go anywhere until I find my son. He was out there on the floor when that thing fell. I’ve got to help him, he needs me.”

  “There’s nothing you can do for him right now, dear. The debris is just too heavy. They’ve ordered in some cranes to lift off the heavy wreckage and until that happens, there’s little anybody can do.”

/>   Miriam’s voice took on an air of urgency, “But, I can help. I know where he was standing when it came down. I can show them the spot.” She started to rise only to be restrained again.

  “From what I can tell it will be a while before they can remove enough of the wreckage to help those that are trapped. I know it’s hard to just sit back and do nothing, but it’s all any of us can do right now. Give me his name and I’ll post it with the list of missing people that they’re compiling. That way as soon as they find him we’ll know it right away.”

  “It’s Thomas Mortinson. He was up close to the stage when it happened. I’ve got pictures on my cell phone. Give it to me and I’ll show you.”

  “I’m sorry ma’am; you were brought in here without any effects. Whatever you may have had with you was probably lost in the confusion that followed the collapse. We don’t even have your name. Can you give that to me now, along with your address so that I can add it to the list? By the way, I’m Patricia.”

  “Hello, Patricia. I’m Miriam… Miriam Walton. I remarried”. She gave Patricia her home address and phone number and added, “You need to find my purse, too. I have my identification in there.