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’l 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.
“Al 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.”
# # #
And hit it did. Twenty minutes after the conversation a few big fat raindrops pelted Peter. Seconds later the menacing clouds produced high winds. The crowd as wel as the band and crew took cover. Red Rocks suffered a severe thunderstorm complete with spectacular lightening and quarter-sized hail. Peter hoped Libby was safe. He listened as the storm blazed through and left a trail of toppled souvenir tents and turned over trash 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, like children on Christmas morning, they celebrated that the show would go on.
While the Jamieson team prepped the stage, Peter’s thoughts returned to finding Libby. “I know she’s here,” he said to Garrett.
“She’s had plenty of time to drive from Georgia.” He watched the monitor set up back stage. It showed each girl as she filed 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 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 pick-up.
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 over heated outside of Wichita.
She hoped the deluge of rain was a sign of cleansing and 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.
“Ma’am, 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.
“Tel you what. If you can back your vehicle down to that service lot, you should be able to pul 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’l get a tow truck on it’s 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.”
“Right.” The parking guy looked at them in doubt. “I heard something about a contest.”
“Wel, she’s the one.” DarLynn pointed at Libby. “We’ve driven halfway across the country to get her here and we’re not giving up. Libby, you hop out and walk the rest of the way. I’l stay here and deal with the truck.”
“Are you sure?” She wanted to go so badly, but hated to abandon DarLynn after everything she’d done for her.
“Don’t you worry about me. I’l be waiting for you after the concert. Now go on.”
Libby hugged her friend then jumped out of the truck, ticket in hand. She showed it to the parking guy. “Do you know where Gate 3A is?”
His eyes widened as he recognized the VIP entrance. “Al the way up. There are gold signs to direct you.”
“Thank you.” She began