Rehearsal

Part VI

Brett saw how Eddy pointed his forefinger towards the ventilation shaft beneath the stage. The janitor had once entered it during their rehearsal and since then the grid was a little bit loose. The orchestra had made stupid bets in the past and the loser had to stay in there for more or less long periods of time. It was a good place to hide and not even two meters away from Eddy. He could be safe in there until this all would be over. Maybe there was even a connection to other rooms and Eddy could help the police saving the other hostages. Saving him. Another tear wandering down his cheek. This time a tear of desperation.

As soon as possible, but to not drag attention on him, he ended his playing of "Hide and seek" and started his last part. He placed his fourth finger high on the e string, played it two times short upbow, sliding his finger slightly higher each time and continued then with the first classical piece that came into his mind.

That Eddy understood immediately. Oui Oui. He almost heard Brett's voice in his head. But he was sure he wouldn't do what Brett suggested. First of all, there was no way he could just disappear into the ventilation area without the kidnappers noticing him in the act. Second thing, even if he would not be caught, what was about the others? What about Brett? They would let it out on them. He would not underestimate the leader again. There was no way he would make this move. No, he would just pretend to be unconsciousness for now.

Come on Eddy! Do it. It has been a few minutes. Had his plan been unclear? Didn't Eddy understand? Brett had listened to the group of kidnappers next to him as good as he could while playing the violin. He didn't understand every word, but he was sure that they were nearly finished with their planing and would start to take action soon. Then it would be too late for Eddy to just disappear.

Was he scared? Why wouldn't he do it? Brett wouldn't have suggested it if he wasn't sure Eddy wouldn't be caught. The group was way too distracted by themselves as being aware of Eddy moving. But they were running out of time.

Eddy was sure there was nothing they could do now than playing along with their captors. Him being conscious was an advantage, but for now, he would just wait and improvise later on. He listened to Brett playing. It was their cover of "Time" from Hans Zimmer. He played it a little bit too fast, even got faster every bar. He must be so nervous. I definitely would be. But his bow was not that shaking anymore. It seems as if he put too much pressure on it.

Brett was so frustrated. Get the hint, Eddy! There is no time left! As he was staring into a point far away he didn't even notice the leader approaching him at first. "You can stop now" As he did, his anger got replace with fear within a heartbeat. Now it was too late for Eddy to move.

"We will call our lovely Mr Parker again. Letting him know our demands." He held the mobile phone in front of Brett, recalled the last number and pointed at another device on which they had taken notes.

It took them a few seconds to pick up, but then a familiar voice answered "Mr Parker, here. Whom I am speaking to?" – "Brett Yang. They... They have demands... Number 1 is to get them five cars here. White vans with tinted windows." Before Brett could continue Mr Parker interrupted him "We will work on that, but we expect a sign of goodwill from you first." Brett looked at the leader and saw his face getting more angry. "For example letting half of the hostages go."

Brett saw how his captor was close to the edge. "I think... they wouldn't do that..." Brett whispered. "Well, without it there is nothing we can do for you!"

The leader took out his gun, aimed it at the ceiling and fired it a few times.

Brett winced hard. His violin and bow dropped to the ground as Brett covered his ears.

He began weeping. He couldn't take it. It was too much. Tears streamed down his face. His knees started shaking and he nearly fell to the floor, but the captor took him by the collar and lifted him up near the mobile phone. "Mr Yang? Are you still there?" – "Yes." His voice broke. "Yeah. I... I am here" His voice gave away by every word. "Is anybody hurt?" – "No, he aimed at the ceiling", he whispered between a few whines. He paused and got shaken by the big hand holding him. Shivering he tried to collect himself again. This was not over yet. "Num... Number 2 is... are... bl... black overalls. 20... in different sizes" He swallowed hard and tried to get control over his voice again. But it still gave away. "Number 3... 20 ski masks." His tears made it hard to continue reading, but it was just one point left. "60 minutes, or..." Brett started weeping again when he understood what he was about to say out loud. "or.. they start... shooting... hostages" The leader let go of Brett and hang up. The young violinist sank to the ground next to his instrument. He curled into a ball, hide his face in his hands and let his tears flow.