Page 91 of Scored

“Welcome,” I greeted person after person.

As the clock approached seven thirty, I climbed the steps onto the small stage, and the crowd grew before me. “Good evening, Coopers’ fans!”

The crowd cheered.

“I’m Maeve Hubbard.”

Cheering.

“And this is the Coopers CEO and my aunt, Rachel Marsh.”

More clapping.

“We are also honored to have Lexington’s own mayor, Janine Watson, with us here tonight.”

Applause.

“We welcome each and every one of you here this evening to support the Coopers. Is there anyone here tonight who will be cheering for the Lexington Coopers Sunday afternoon?”

Loud cheers.

“A few words from our mayor.” I stepped away from the microphone as Janine came forward.

“Isn’t this amazing?” she asked, gesturing with her hands.

The crowd cheered.

Janine spoke for a few minutes, showcasing the cooperation between the city of Lexington and the Coopers. Finally, she stepped back and motioned to me.

Back up at the microphone, I completed my speech. “We thank you for your fervent support. Tonight is about giving back to our wonderful Lexington community. Please enjoy yourselves⁠—”

Click, crackle, boom, boom, boom.

Screams came from the crowd as Virginia pushed me to my knees. Raphael rushed Aunt Rachel, and Mayor Watson’s team hurried the mayor from the platform. Crystal Light security swarmed the stage.

My heart thundered in my chest as my body trembled.

“Was that gunfire?” I asked, looking down, seeing if I’d been shot. There wasn’t any blood, only my fried nerves. “Aunt Rachel? Is she hurt?”

“Everyone is safe,” Virginia said as we stood. She escorted me to the floor below.

“Firecrackers,” Omer reported. “Firecrackers were placed under the stage.”

The PA system was telling people to stay calm.

“I’m going back up there.”

“Vee,” Virginia said, “I don’t think⁠—”

I didn’t listen. “Turn the cameras and my microphone back on,” I said, speaking to the cameraman.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please listen to me.” My voice reverberated throughout Crystal Light.

The mayhem calmed down to a low drone.

“Everyone is safe.” I flashed a smile. “You know we love our pyrotechnics here at Crystal Light. Someone decided to add to the fun. Harmless fireworks. And the Coopers don’t quit.”

Clapping. The crowd near the stage seemed to visibly relax. Smiles were returning to their faces.