That afternoon, the members of Vision of the Void converged in Andy's suite, a space echoing with the remnants of last night's adrenaline. Dominique Black, their manager, known to them as Ms. Black, stood resolutely amid the stark white décor, a stark contrast to the band's vibrant personalities. The purpose of the gathering was clear: a meeting with the local police. Despite having no direct involvement, the detective was keen on their statements.
“While we wait for the detective,” she started, “tonight’s show has been cancelled for obvious reasons. We’re going to tack it on to the end of the tour.”
Andy, half-listening, found his thoughts adrift, back to the enigmatic man from the front row. Unlike the typical fleeting encounters with fans, this one lingered in his mind, an unsolved riddle that intrigued him more than he cared to admit.
What was it about this stranger that captivated him so? Was it the raw magnetism, the striking contrast in his appearance, or an unspoken promise of something more? Andy couldn’t shake off the feeling that this was more than a mere fleeting attraction.
A knock sounded at the door drew Andy from his thoughts, without waiting for an answer Devon stuck his head in. “The detective is here,” he announced to Ms. Black.
She gave each one of them a stern look before nodding at the head of Andy’s security. Honestly, why the woman was a manager for a rock band he had no idea. She acted more like their security team than their security team acted most of the time.
As the door swung open, in stepped the very subject of Andy's preoccupation, but transformed. Gone was the flamboyant rock groupie persona, replaced by a more conventional, albeit subtly expressive, professional guise. His hair, now devoid of its vibrant streaks, was pulled back neatly, yet his attire hinted at the colorful personality beneath.
A wicked smile played on Andy's lips. Fate, it seemed, was playing its hand.
Said man smirked like he knew exactly what Andy had been thinking. “Detective Robinson,” he said with a smooth southern drawl.
Andy found himself ensnared in the man's captivating presence, feeling as if he were trapped in a web woven by their mutual attraction. The surroundings seemed to blur into insignificance as their hands made contact, sparking an electric surge that surged up Andy's arms, eliciting an involuntary gasp from his lips. With an undeniable connection forming between them, Detective Robinson responded with a knowing smile that widened, subtly acknowledging the intense energy that pulsed between them. In that moment, a silent understanding seemed to pass between them, setting the stage for a potential journey filled with intrigue, desire, and the exploration of uncharted territories.
“I'm Andy,” he responded, their exchange brief but charged with potential.
“I know,” he replied with the same smirk.
“Thank you, Detective Robinson,” Ms. Black interjected, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around them. It wasn’t like he believed in love at first sight exactly and he would definitely not call this love, he just met the man. But it was definitely one of those life altering meetings, he just wasn’t sure if he should fall or not. She proceeded with introductions, her tone businesslike. “I’m Dominque Black, but please call me Ms. Black. This is Devon Donnelly, our head of security…”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Devon interrupted Dom with a smirk. Without taking his eyes off Andy, he lifted the detectives hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it as if the man was a potential lover and not a member of law enforcement. Andy barely contained the growl that threatened to escape, what the f**k! Andy had never been a jealous type, in fact he’d often shared partners with his leady of security.
“Mr. Donnelly, if you would behave yourself,” Dom chided. “This is Chris Coma, Logan Tanner, Jovoni Potts, Kai Lee, and Wyatt Barrett,” she said pointing to each one of the band members as went.
“It’s unfortunate to meet under these circumstances, but rest assured, we’re dedicated to uncovering what happened.”
Chris raised his hand, instantly all eyes go to him. “Does this mean it wasn’t an accident?”
Regrettably, Detective Robinson confirmed their worst fears. “Evidence of explosives was found backstage. It seems an accidental jostling of one of the floor toms triggered the detonation. This was a deliberate act, intended to cause harm.”
A stunned silence enveloped the room. Chris, visibly shaken, stammered, “That... that was my primary drum. During warmup I replaced it because it sounded off. ”
Detective Robinson continued, “The stagehand who inadvertently triggered the bomb is hospitalized but stable. The positioning and design of the device suggest it was meant for maximum impact during your performance. You were lucky.”
The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air. The band, usually so vibrant and full of life, now grappled with the reality of their narrow escape and the implications of a targeted attack. Andy, while still processing the shock, couldn't help but feel a strange sense of fate intertwining his path with Detective Robinson's. This encounter, under such dire circumstances, seemed destined to evolve into something beyond the ordinary, a journey into uncharted territories of both danger and desire.