Something in the Water

Criminal

"What do you mean a stalker?" Stephanie asked backstage at the CMA concert. "And where are your kiddos?"

"Hunter and I agreed they would be safer at home than coming out here tonight." I turned my back to Steph, "can you zip this? He told me last night that this fan had been harassing him and sending him inappropriate letters and mail for three weeks. Even followed his car." Stephanie zipped my dress and I smoothed it out before looking at her, "This is like, nightmare stuff. So he got a restraining order."

"Holy crap." She shook her head and sat back on the couch. "Do you know what she looks like?" I shook my head.

"Hunter said all the security staff had been made aware. She is allowed to come to the festival but she has to remain five hundred feet away. That's basically the length of our street. So she could hypothetically stand at the street corner and see our house but can't get closer than that." I shook my head. "I don't want to be afraid but it's just weird."

"It is so messed up." She changed the conversation to my set, "how many songs? Any surprise duets?"

"Five songs, duet with Dustin. That's all." Hair and make up swooped in, then Stephanie and I were walked to the wings of the river front stage by security. I was handed my mic and just as I put a foot on the stair, a security guard grabbed my arm.

"Sorry Jenna, you have to wait a moment." I looked at Steph and her eyes were wide. "All clear, ten-four." The security guard nodded toward me and let go of my arm. I climbed the stairs and greeted the crowd as the music began to play.

"Hello CMA Fest! My name is Jenna Hayes!" I played Everywhere, Take You Away, Heart Like Mine, A Life That's Good and paused before bringing Dustin out. "I am so lucky that I'm this line of work I get to meet and work with so many incredible and talented people. I have a guest I would like to bring out. I'm not sure if anyone knows what I'm about to tell you, but I first went on tour with this person ten years ago. When we were in Vancouver, British Columbia, my appendix actually ruptured and I needed to go to the hospital. Without a second thought, this person took me and my family in a rental truck to the hospital where I underwent emergency surgery. I know I've always been able to count on him as a friend. CMA Fest, give it up for Dustin Lynch!" Dustin emerged and the crowd cheered as we finished my set with our duet. Hand in hand we bowed and moved off side stage.

"Thank you so much Dustin," I hugged him, "it's been a while but Stephanie is here." He pulled me aside quick.

"She living here?" I nodded, "she seeing anyone." I shook my head and he nodded as we walked together toward my dressing room. Dustin greeted Stephanie with a hug, "Jenna tells me you moved out here."

"Yeah I'm working over at the Vanderbilt Children's hospital as physiotherapist." They caught up and I excused myself to go see Hunter side stage. A security guard caught me slipping out of my room.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Hayes you have to stay in your room."

"Excuse me? I want to go see my husband. He's on."

"Sorry ma'am, he had to be taken off stage. I need you to go back in your room." I went back in and called Hunter. Dustin and Steph stared, silently.

"Where are you? Yeah I'm locked in my room. Dustin and Steph are here. Really? This is freaking crazy Hunter. No it's not, I know that. Yeah I can hear the crowd. Okay. Yep we will be here." I hung up the phone. "I'm stuck in here because crazy fan girl is wandering around back stage and they can't find her. Stephanie jaw dropped and Dustin just looked confused. I caught him up and he shook his head.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with this but I'm glad your kids aren't here."

"I second that." After what felt like forever, security knocked on the door and escorted me and Steph in a decoy vehicle home. Hunter insisted on playing, and immediately after his show, he was sent home in another vehicle. Sam drove our suburban home and gathered around the backyard fire pit to decompress with us.

"We've never had anything like this occur," he sipped his water, "Jen, you okay?"

I nodded, "Did they end up finding her?"

Hunter nodded, "And she's being charged with breeching a court order." He reached over for my hand, "I'm just glad the kids weren't there."

"So am I." I squeezed his hand, "thanks Sam for bringing the car back. Do you need a ride?" He shook his head.

"I'll Uber. You guys need to be home." He hugged us and we saw him out and made our way to bed.

"Everyone's asleep," Hunter said quietly, pulling back the duvet, "this is going to be on the news tomorrow. I'm sorry Jen."

I shook my head, "No need to say sorry." I climbed into bed, "I'm just glad we're home. Safe and together."

"Agreed." He kissed my head, "I caught a little of your performance. You did amazing. Everyone was singing along."

"Wish I could've seen yours." He hugged me.

"There will be more shows. Are you ready to hit the road again?" I nodded.

"East coast up to the Canadian maritimes." I kissed his cheek, "Sweet dreams."