Devil's Night

Bait

The sequel to this story, taking place two years later after this chapter scene. Link here:   https://www.wattpad.com/487573898-reincarnate-still-damaged

Ricky's POV

"I am going out for a smoke. Be back in five." I say while beginning to pull out my lighter from the back right pocket of my skinny jeans.

"Don't be too long Ricky." Chris called back while adjusting the amp's settings from across the stage with Ghost.

On my way out, I snatched my beanie from one of the shelfs backstage and settled it on my head. Grabbing a bottle of water to rinse my mouth afterwards, I made my way off stage. I took a right to the exit leading outside of the concert hall. Once I was outside and behind the venue, I pulled out my phone to check out my daily feed. Lighting a cigarette, I inhaled deeply taking in as much as I could. When I exhaled, a rush of tranquility washed over my body and all of my anxieties vanished from my current thoughts. Being worried about the show, a pre performance drag was just what I needed to be able to think clearly again.

I heard a loud "Crunch!" come from the dumpster near the woods that lead out to the main road. Making me jump from the break of silence, I lowered my phone from my field of vision and quickly scanned the area. For the slightest second I could feel the instinct of fight or flight mode kick in. A primal urge crossed my senses. After a moment of being frozen in a stance of defense, I then dropped my shoulders as I took in another drag of my cigarette. I relaxed myself and continued browsing through my phone. Smiling and chuckling at the comments from the concert the other night in Dallas.

About half way through my second cigarette, another louder "crunch" caught my attention. This time whatever was there, it sounded a hell of a lot closer than before. I sharply turned to check what was making all of the ruckus behind me. Turning on the flashlight mode, I raised my phone to get some light on the subject. I was well past paranoia and now legitimately scared. I currently felt threatened for my own safety and debated on whether or not I should head back inside to join the others.

"Who's there?" I called out in a shaky and nervous tone trying not to sound like a threat. I waited for a moment.

There was no response and only the crickets were singing in the distance.

Nothing seemed to be here or after me but I promised himself that I would remain vigilant. Feeling my phone buzz in my hand, I brought it back up and turned the light off then going back to my messages. I looked up every few seconds to scan.

About ten minutes passed and by the time I was about to stomp out my cigarette butt to go back inside, it was far too late to prepare myself for a fight.