Forbidden Serenade

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Sunday morning, I rolled out of bed as the sun rose in the sky. The house was quiet as the kids remained sleeping. We had gotten back late from the bar. I'd planned to come home earlier, but the girls had insisted it was only fair they got to stay out late since Sam was allowed late at the movies.

I showered and brushed my teeth before heading into the kitchen. Morning coffee sounded divine right now. A shiver went over my skin from the chill in the house. I should probably turn the heat on. In Iowa, when seasons transitioned, the low temperatures would lead to the furnace running overnight, but the next morning, we would open all the windows to enjoy the sixties.

The coffee machine clicked to life, loudly brewing my morning cup as the meteorologist gave the weather report on the television of the upcoming chilly October day. They expected the first frost later this week.

The smell of coffee filled the kitchen as I walked to the refrigerator to grab my creamer, which I would drown my coffee in. The news station switched from the weather to a reporter.

"All four members of the popular rock band Drenched Uprising were arrested in the early morning hours in New York today."

I froze, my eyes snapping toward the television as images of Elijah and his band flashed on the screen. There was a video of him performing, playing his guitar as he sang into a microphone. Jake head-banged while playing drums with his long blonde hair. Mason and Aiden played guitar on either side of Elijah. As the reporter spoke, they switched to video of the four men at award shows and promotional photographs of the band.

"Trouble started for the band yesterday evening as they performed as a surprise guest with Sterling Youngworth's band, Bloody Temptation. A barrier breach allowed hundreds of fans to rush the stage while the band played one of their hits."

My eyes widened as the television showed cellphone footage of Drenched Uprising on stage performing while screaming and excited fans scrambled up with them. Elijah continued singing and playing, seemingly oblivious to the chaos surrounding him. A fan stepped to the microphone he was singing in and appeared to scream the lyrics. Elijah laughed and took a step back.

"Authorities and security personnel deemed the scene and stage unsafe, but Drenched Uprising refused to halt their set. Eventually, the power was cut. The band, in retaliation, trashed their instruments and the stage."

In more chaotic cellphone footage, Elijah could be seen smashing his guitar on the ground several times, breaking it. Aiden kicked the drums while Mason knocked down the speakers and beat them with his guitar. Jake was nowhere to be seen.

I watched in stunned horror at the destruction they caused.

"Lead singer of the group, Elijah Wyatt, eventually leapt from the stage to crowd surf in the chaotic scene."

From several angles, cell phone footage showed Elijah doing just that. As police and security on the stage tried to calm the situation, Elijah jumped into the crowd and flipped them off while his fans lifted and tossed him around.

"The group was spotted partying at a popular nightclub afterwards before the call came into police shortly after three AM this morning. Upon arrival, police discovered the hotel room of lead singer Elijah Wyatt trashed. After being taken into custody for destruction, cocaine was found in his possession. His bandmates, Jake Deyrl, Mason Reich, and Aiden Yokum were also taken into custody on charges of obstruction."

The screen split to show videos of each band member walking out of a hotel being escorted by police. My eyes immediately focused on Elijah. With his head down, his hair hid most of his face. He had on jeans with a T-shirt and a black leather vest with patches. Necklaces hung around his neck. His hands were secured with handcuffs behind his back as a police officer held his arm. Countless fans lined the sidewalks as they escorted him to an awaiting police cruiser. Cameras flashed, brightening the early morning hours as they followed his every step.