Arthur’s fingers rippled across his guitar, the sound faintly echoed in the air around him. His mouth hummed and head rocked as his mind kept to some unheard beat. The small waiting room wasn’t much for acoustics, still, it was all he had at the moment. Soon, he would head onto the stage and perform for a bunch of strangers.

After a year of doing random opening gigs for some of the bigger names he’s more or less used to the experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop the butterflies from fluttering, nor does the fact that this is his first true solo gig. A friend, acquaintance really, knows the owner of the joint. Apparently something came up with his main act and he settled for Arthur. Though the way his friend tells it, The owner was more than delighted to have him. Arthur knew the truth, he was...

“Mr Wade?” A feminine voice floated from the other side of the light wood door and broke through his wild thoughts.

“One moment,” Wade answered as he took in a deep breath and settled his mind one final time.

His face steadied as he fluidly stood, his body showed the years of work he’s put into keeping it at the peak of fitness. His muscles clenched then relaxed as he entered performance mode, no hint of anxiety would show through. Beyond the door stood a young waitress, her eyes lingered on him as he asked her to lead the way. A second or two passed before she blinked then replied.

“Right, this way,” The woman answered as she turned and walked to the right. Arthur followed her deeper into the shadows as the lights grew more sporadic. They turned the corner and before him he saw the familiar clutter of a back stage. Stray sound equipment, a control booth, and rope for the curtains to name a few.

A glance towards the curtained stage told him it wasn’t as big as one might have liked, still it was large enough for a band to stand without crowding itself, even if just barely. For him, it was honestly far larger than he needed. He grabbed one of the stools and a mic with a stand before he walked to the center of the stage.

“This will be all I need,” Arthur said matter of factly as he set the stool and stand down. “Oh, and the plug for my guitar.” He continued as he adjusted the mic height. Moments passed before he turned to find the waitress standing and staring at him. “Miss?” He questioned as he focused on her.

She twitched her head before she bowed, “I’m sorry Mr. Wade, right away.” With that she stepped toward the booth and brought out an audio cord. Arthur plugged it in and closed his eyes. His chest felt warm as he controlled his breathing, controlled his nerves. In a few moments they would announce him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, for your entertainment, might I present the wondrous Arthur Wade!”

The audience gave the customary clap and minor cheer as the curtain began to open. Arthur already had hand to strings as a melody started to fill the room, he felt that warmth in his chest spread to his lungs as he began to sing.

Soon he was in a trance, mind focused solely on the performance before him. He registered the passage of time only as he finished one song and moved onto the next. Perhaps he should’ve talked to the audience more, engaged them more, but, he found himself lost in the music. From what he could tell, the audience was similarly engaged with the songs.

The melody slowed, the pressure in the air lifted as he neared the end of his final song. The lights upon him made it difficult to view every face in the audience, but the ones he saw were filled with mirth. At least he lifted a few spirits this night.

“I would like to take this moment to thank the Twisted Nipple for the honor to play for you all, enjoy the rest of the night!” Arthur stated as he stood.

The cheers this time were far grander than when he started. He could’ve sworn he even heard a few calls for an encore.

With a bow he politely signed for the curtains to be drawn. Around him the shadows started to close and the clapping started to slow, though it did continue for a few moments after the curtains finally closed. Arthur let his body relax as he turned towards the exit.

He reflexively tensed as his eyes caught the movement of a shadow slipping from the group. He had to force himself to relax, to realize he wasn’t at work at the moment. He always struggled the most on his first day off. The faint sound of shoes on the hardwood clicked as the owner walked around the corner.

“Mr. Wade,” A slightly overweight older gentleman spoke as he stepped into another of the faint shadows.

“I will say it was truly an honor to have you,” he continued as he reached into his coat jacket. “Well worth the coin, I do hope you will grace us with your presence again, as well as mingle in the bar for a bit. The first drink is on the house.” With that the man held out a small check.

Arthur grabbed and glanced at it to make sure the amount was right as he pulled out his wallet. He paused and studied the numbers.

“Mr. Barnes, I think you made an error.” He said as he looked up toward the shadow walking away. “There are one too many zeros.”

“Like I said, well worth the money,” He heard as the footsteps continued.

Arthur sighed as he looked at the check for another moment before he placed it in his wallet and headed towards the exit. He was caught up short as he passed the employees entrance to the main hall, the offer of free drink lingered in the air. He didn’t want to stay in Port Coulee too late this night, yet, he didn’t have work tomorrow.

Today was Wednesday, the start of his four day weekend. It was one of the main reasons he took the job this far out. It would take over an hour of driving to get home, the downside of which was he couldn’t get drunk. But would one drink get him drunk?

“Would you only drink one drink?” He muttered to himself before he fortified his will. He would have that drink, but sadly it had to be a nonalcoholic one. He blinked a few times as he entered the much darker room, lit only by various off color lights.

“And I thought backstage had many shadows.” His thoughts leaked as he walked.

His gaze swept the room as his eyes adjusted to the light, or lack thereof, on the lookout for an open table or booth. A good moment later and he found one in a far off corner. His mind drifted through conversations in the background as he walked and sat down.

“What would you like Mr. Wade?” the familiar femine voice from earlier spoke from beside his table.

He blinked, his hand going to his side before he took a breath.

“I will take a simple coke, and one of the plaintiff burgers.” Arthur answered as he finally took a look at the young woman before him.

She stared for a moment as her pen paused its writing.

“Will that be all?” She spoke a second later, her eyes returned to the notepad before her.

“That and your number Krystal,” Arthur said with a smirk.

Krystal paused for a moment before she returned the smirk. “I will get on this right away.” With that she quickly turned and headed for the kitchen.

Arthur laughed to himself as he leaned back in his chair. There were fairly good odds Krystal or another of the ladies within this establishment would be willing to go out with him. There were always a few after a gig.

Tonight though, he wanted to get a good night's sleep. It was a long week, and as much as the comforts of a woman might help. His mind wasn’t really there. Still, he would ask, and perhaps make plans on a future day.

“That was quite the performance tonight.” Gil, an acquaintance from the state forest department said as he sat opposite of Arthur.

“Surprised to see you here, Mr. Bennet.” Arthur said as standoffish as he could. Gil wasn’t a bad man, but Arthur really wasn’t up for much chatting tonight.

“How could I miss the wondrous Arthur Wade,” He smiled with a half genuine smile.

Arthur sighed, “What is it you need?” He asked as he sat forward.

“Is coming to a friend's performance not reason enough?” Gil asked, Arthur only leaned a bit further in and held the man’s gaze. Gil’s gaze faltered before he resolved himself and spoke again. “Fine, do you still hike the divide?”

“On the occasion,” Arthur answered, not sure where the conversation was going. “Though it has been a half a year since my last endeavor.”

“Good, good,” Gil said as he took another deep breath. “You see we’ve lost contact with a pair of hikers, and I was hoping you might be willing to help me search the divide tomorrow.”

Arthur closed his eyes and sat back. A deep breath followed before he spoke again. “Why do you need me, don’t you lot have a whole search and rescue squad?”

“Well, they only missed their check in tonight right before I got off work,” Gil spoke, his volume lowering a bit. “I won't be able to send out search and rescue for another thirty-four hours or so.”

“So,” Arthur replied. “They only just missed their check in. Rare as that is, it is not abnormal. Most dedicated hikers should have enough supplies to go a few days after check in.”

“Yes but you also know the chances of finding them goes down drastically after every day.” Gil answered resolutely, a moment passed before he looked toward the table. “To be honest, this is also a gut thing. I just feel like something is happening, that they are in danger.”

Arthur looked at the man, his initial reaction was to deny the request. Especially after the week he’s had. He closed his eyes and forced the image of one of his teammates taking a bullet to the shoulder out of his mind.

A deep breath in and he opened them once again. He again studied the man before him and looked back over the course of the conversation. The man was genuinely concerned over these hikers. Could Arthur turn down such a request for help?

“Alright,” Arthur answered with a sigh. “What time tomorrow?”

“Really?” The stance of the man changed, a bit of hope returned to his eyes. “Well then, umm, here.” He said as he pulled a card out of his shirt. “Meet me at the rangers building tomorrow around seven. We will go from there. Thanks again.” Gil spoke as he slid over his card. “It seems your food is here, I will leave you to it.” He answered as he stood and walked away.

“One coke and a plaintiff burger.” Krystal said as she placed down the dish, a slip of paper underneath it.

Arthur looked towards the slip then towards her. “Looks good, thanks.”

“You’re welcome, is there anything else I can get you?” Krystal asked her eyes on him.

“Yeah, is there a hotel you would recommend in the area?” Arthur asked as he realized his plans had changed.

“Umm, Mr. Wade it’s…” Krystal paused as she began to reach for the paper.

“It’s not like that,” Arthur replied as he quickly realized the implications. “My friend just invited me on a day hike of the divide, so now I must spend the night.”

It was a bit insulting how quickly relief flooded over the young woman at his words, though he wasn’t sure he could blame her. She had offered a date and clearly nothing more.

“That sounds like a good time,” a frown briefly filled her face as she mumbles “If only I didn’t work tomorrow.”

Arthur pretended he didn’t hear as she continued. “Well there is the Grand Splendor over on Fourth. I’ve heard decent things about them. Would you like me to get their number?”

“Thank you, That would be much appreciated” Arthur replied.

“I’ll bring it with the check,” She said quickly as she turned back to the kitchen, her face slightly flushed. Arthur sighed to himself and looked at his coke. He again wanted something a bit stronger, but unfortunately, now had a greater excuse not to drink this night.