Chapter Eighteen
Kurt was exhausted, but he refused to sleep. Blaine could tell the auburn haired man was one wrong move or word from shattering. Blaine had rushed here with the other assistants as soon as the final curtain had fallen, not even taking the time to change out of their last costumes. Kurt had collapsed into Elliott's arms, sobbing. Blaine had felt a pang of jealousy, but realized that Elliott was just as distraught as Kurt was. The older man had helped raise the animal, after all.
Marley and the local zoo staff vet had given Raja medications to reverse the effects of the powerful sedative once they'd confirmed that was what had been in the fish, and had pumped the tiger's stomach. It had been very fortunate for the large feline that he had gagged on a too large chunk of fish and had vomited up enough of it not to be fatal. Unfortunately, it had been enough to cause a grand mal seizure. They wouldn't know if there would be any long lasting effects for several days.
At ten years old, Raja was on the older side for a tiger. In the wild, he would most likely have been dead by now. The loving care and healthy diet Kurt and Blaine provided meant that he was in good shape for his age, and could possibly live a happy life for another five or six years, maybe longer. Kurt and Blaine had discussed retiring Raja after the end of the tour. Now it looked like the choice might be taken out of their hands.
Blaine had convinced Tina, Mike and Rachel to go back to the hotel and get some sleep. Quinn had refused to leave, but had fallen asleep on the couch in the zoo vet's office. Elliott had crashed on the floor in front of Raja's enclosure. Kurt and Blaine were inside the enclosure, the paler man curled around the tiger, murmuring and stroking his head, as Blaine sat behind them, running his fingers through Kurt's hair.
"You should get some sleep. You have to go on tonight," Kurt said. His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
Blaine shrugged, even though Kurt couldn't see him. "I will in a little while. I want to make sure you are okay first."
It was Kurt's turn to shrug. "I just feel so numb right now. I'm too tired to be angry any more, and too dehydrated to cry. I don't know what else to feel."
Blaine lay down behind him and wrapped him in his arms. "That's understandable. I promise, we will find out who did this, and they will pay for it. And Raja will be okay. Marley did everything right, and the zoo vet got him treated as quickly as humanly possible. He will pull through this."
He felt Kurt's body slowly relax as the tension eased out of him. "I love you," Kurt murmured so softly, Blaine almost didn't hear him. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to the blue eyed man's forehead.
"I love you, too. Go to sleep." And a few moments later, Blaine knew that was what the pale man had done.
…
Wes glared at the two men standing in front of him in the security office at the arena. One looked as cocky as ever, the other stood ramrod straight, like a cadet waiting to be inspected by the drill instructor. Sam stood off to the side, looking unsure as to why he was there.
"After everything that has been going on these last couple of weeks, I decided I could no longer rely only on the security cameras of the various venues we've stopped at, and I had Beiste install some cameras of our own." He glanced at the taller man beside him, who nodded and turned the laptop that was sitting on the desk to face the other two men. "As you can see, we have every inch of this place covered."
Beiste tapped on one of the dozens of camera angles, and that particular image expanded to take up the entire screen. "This is the footage taken from outside this office last night," Sheldon said, pressing play. "That is one of my staff, Spencer, putting the cleared packages into the cart to be delivered. I personally examined every one of those packages." They watched Spencer load the cart, as Beiste handed him the packages and letters. Once they had put everything in the cart, Beiste returns to the office, and Spencer moves the cart out of view. Beiste closed the image.
"Spencer took the cart backstage, and was picked up on this camera." He expanded another image and pressed play. "At this point, he is intercepted by a member of the stage crew." They watched as one of the two men standing before them came into view, bumping into Spencer, seemingly by accident, knocking a few of the packages out of the cart as he did. As Spencer bends over to pick them up, the stagehand is clearly seen placing something in the cart that had not been there before. As Spencer straightens up, Sam enters the view, and Spencer hands the cart over to him to deliver the packages. Once again Beiste closed the image, and both he and Wes turned to look at the two men.
"Well," Wes said, voice laced with danger. "What have you got to say to that?"
Adam scoffed. "I told you I didn't do it."
The man beside him, Hunter, didn't fidget or squirm. "I was paid to get the package past security. I had no idea what was in it."
"Who paid you?" Beiste demanded, arms crossed over his chest. The other man remained silent. "Was it Adam?"
"Of course not!" Adam shouted. "If I was going to hurt that tiger, I'd have the balls enough to do it in person!"
Wes ignored him, focusing on the other man. "Right now you are facing ten years for animal cruelty, four for endangering the life of an animal, and if we wanted, we could also charge you with tampering with the mail, a federal charge that can get you up to twenty five years in a federal penitentiary. So, either tell us who paid you, or I call the police right now and hand over the tapes."
Hunter's only reaction was a small tick in his jaw. "Sebastian."
Wes nodded, suspicion confirmed. "Get your things and get out of here. You're fired. But don't disappear. The police will be contacting you for a statement."
Hunter simply turned and marched away without another word. Adam turned to follow him.
"Not so fast, Crawford," Wes called out.
"What?" Adam demanded. "You proved I was innocent."
"True, you weren't the one to harm Raja. But upon further review of the security footage, we found a rather interesting clip of you tampering with the equipment for the shadow box illusion last night. Blaine didn't perform the illusion last night because Rachel was feeling too stiff to perform it, and Kurt wasn't here due to Raja being attacked. I had Sam check the equipment the moment we spotted you on the security camera. You tampered with the latches, so that the assistant in the box would be trapped inside at the reveal."
Adam looked furious. "Blaine Blackwell is a washed up has been! The only reason anyone comes to these shows is to see Kurt, the true star! But that charlatan has Kurt brainwashed into thinking he actually has a chance with him! Sebastian was right, Blaine leads these guys on, laughing at how he can string along gay men, while he goes out and screws women!"
"Name one woman I've had sex with," Blaine said, suddenly appearing in the doorway.
Adam sneered at him. "Oh come on, it doesn't take a genius to figure out you and Quinn have been running around behind everyone's back. Tell me, how can you live with yourself, getting her pregnant like that, then pretending the kid isn't yours?"
The room went dead silent for a moment as Blaine just stared at him, unable to believe that Adam could have possibly thought any of that. But then, he narrowed his eyes. "Do you honestly think I would abandon my own child if I had one? You're delusional!"
"She's not his," Quinn said, having heard the accusation and entered the security office. "Beth's father is dead. He died in a motorcycle crash a month before Beth was born. Blaine and I dated twice. We never had sex. I'm not his type."
"Stop covering up for him, hussy!" Adam shouted. "Prove Blaine's not the father! PROVE IT!"
"You're insane," Blaine said. "But I am more than willing to take a paternity test if that's what it takes."
"And how am I supposed to know you wouldn't bribe the doctor to say you're not the father?" Adam sneered at him.
Quinn glared at him. "My daughter is a Tayzac's carrier. Her father was Jewish. Blaine isn't."
Adam glared back at Quinn and then glared at Blaine. "Stop leading Kurt on before he gets hurt! He's too good for you anyway!"
"That's enough!" Wes shouted. "Beiste, will you show Adam out? I believe there is a police car waiting for him outside."
"Excuse me?" Adam said, incredulous. "I didn't do anything! You can't have me arrested!"
"Your fingerprints were found on the handle of the broom you used to lock Blaine in the bathroom the other night, as well as on the bathroom door. And we have you on camera tampering with the shadow box. There is enough circumstantial evidence to link you to the tampered rigging that caused Kurt's injury."
Blaine narrowed his eyes and took several bold steps towards Adam. "Not to mention, I'm sure Kurt would be thrilled to file harassment charges against you. But all that being said and done, there is just one thing left to say." He glanced over at Wes, who nodded at him as Beiste loomed behind the arrogant man. "Adam Crawford, I would say it pains me to say this, but that would be a lie. You're fired."
Sheldon dragged the protesting man away, as the others watched. Once Adam's shouts of retaliation faded away, Blaine turned to Sam. "Congratulations. You've just been promoted. Oh, and I was going to give you these last night after the show, but, well…"
He handed Sam an envelope. Inside were airline tickets and V.I.P. backstage passes for his parents and siblings for the Vegas show.
Sam was not the kind of person to cry, not usually, but he blinked back tears as he looked up from the envelope to Blaine's very sincere face. "I don't know what to say. Thanks, man," he choked out, moving in to give Blaine a tight hug.
"No thanks necessary. You earned it."
Sam pulled back, his eyes going wide. "Wait a second," he said and dug out his phone, scrolling through the feed. "Look at this!" He pointed out the most recent tweet from that Disillusioned person and then frowned. "Didn't Hunter say Sebastian paid him to deliver the tainted fish?"
Wes nodded. "Yes. Why?"
Blaine was reading the tweet over Sam's shoulder and his whole body tensed. "This person keeps making Disillusioned accounts to threaten Kurt. This one calls direct attention to having harmed Raja and it says Kurt is next. Can't we link this tweet to Hunter's confession?"
Wes shrugged. "I'll have Beiste get on it when he gets back. For now, Kurt and Raja are safe. Spencer and Alistair know their jobs are on the line if anything happens to Kurt."
…
Saturday night's first show went as smoothly as possible with one assistant missing and no Raja to steal the show. Tina was leaning on Mike, trying not to let her tears flow. "I still can't believe Sebastian would do something like that."
Rachel, who was leaning against the wall nearby, shook her head. "What about Adam?"
Tina bit her lip and wrapped an arm around Mike, who was stroking her hair. "Adam's always been kind of jealous of Blaine because he had Kurt's attention, something Adam wanted. I'm kind of not surprised he finally snapped, but I am surprised Blaine didn't fire him sooner."
Mike shook his head. "Without proof of wrongdoing, Adam could have sued for wrongful termination. Yeah, there was the sexual harassment, but most of that would have been Kurt's word against his."
Rachel narrowed her eyes slightly at Mike. "I hope you're not implying that a judge would believe Adam over Kurt," she said carefully.
Mike let out a sigh. "Kurt will kill me for telling you all this, but this isn't the first time he's had trouble with sexual harassment. Last time the courts acted like, because it was a guy making a pass at another guy, it wasn't a big deal, and dismissed the case. That's part of why Kurt hasn't bothered filing against Adam. The courts don't seem to care when it's a gay man complaining."
The petite diva frowned. "I thought Blaine never fired Adam on the grounds of sexual harassment because Kurt insisted he could handle it, since Adam hadn't tried anything physical."
Tina frowned. "He was touching Kurt the other night. That's why Raja got upset and swiped at him."
Mike shook his head. "I think what pushed Raja to stand up for Kurt that time, was the tiger knew Adam was responsible for Blaine being locked in the bathroom. He could smell it."
Both Tina and Rachel looked thoughtful at that. "I hadn't even considered that," Tina said.
"Me either," Rachel admitted. "You know, I think it might be a good idea for all of us to learn more about tigers in general. You know, what they eat, and what all they are capable of. We've all kind of neglected Raja until now, leaving him to Kurt to care for."
"Not going to lie," Tina said. "I think part of that is because we hated Kurt."
Rachel shrugged. "I can't really say I hated him. More like I didn't pay attention to him. I was so focused on trying to get noticed, I didn't notice anyone else."
Mike regarded her for a moment. "Why are you a magician's assistant instead of acting, anyway?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Rachel blushed and looked at her feet. "I was on Broadway once. I played Fanny in a revival of Funny Girl. I was great, too. My opening night reviews were everything I wanted them to be. And then I blew it. I ruined everything by being greedy and wanting something more. Instead of getting everything, I lost it all. Blaine was the only one willing to give me a chance after that."
Tina sighed. "Sometimes, I feel Blainey-days has such a big heart, it could be dangerous and detrimental. Which might be why Sebastian was still here for so long."
Rachel looked at her curiously. "Blainey-days?"
"It's a nickname I gave him. I haven't used it in so long though, probably because crazy Tina took over."
"I for one won't miss her at all," Rachel said.
"I don't know," Mike said. "I think she was just confused Tina, not crazy Tina."
Tina reached up and kissed his cheek. "And this is why you are amazing, Mike. You still cared, even through my crazy, even without knowing me. I feel like I owe Kurt the world for bringing you to me."
The mention of Kurt sobered all three of them as it reminded them of his current pain. "I really hope Raja is going to be okay," Rachel said.
Mike, being the sweet guy he is, reached out and put an arm around her comfortingly. "I've known both Kurt and Raja for a long time. I'm sure they will both be fine."
"No one deserves to be put through what they're going through," Tina said quietly.
…
SunShineSings: It was a good show tonight, BBlackwell. It was just sad that GlaszandPorcelain and KingRaja weren't there. I hope Raja gets better soon!
yadivagirl: I lit a candle for Raja today when I stopped at my Church. I'm praying he makes a quick recovery.
blueandhazellove: I prayed today too. I think I may try and go to church tomorrow. I haven't been in a long time, but I feel like I need to go now.
FlashDanceGirl: I think we all prayed a little today. Why would anyone do that to that poor animal?
SmellsLikeAdamLambert: My heart hurts today
ItsANewDay (Formerly IShipBlina): I spoke to a therapist today. AsianMagic was right, it did help. I'm still very upset over Raja, but I am starting to rediscover me, the one that used to be so happy all the time. I'll get there again.
grlnxtdr29: Any updates on Raja's condition?
RajasRagina: Not yet, grlnxtdr29, but Lord Tubbington has been talking with a witch doctor all day, and they are going to do a ritual to make Raja well again, and put a curse on the evil person who did this!
IheartBlaine: My new hubby is amazing. When he saw how distraught I was over Raja, he immediately postponed the first couple of days of our Honeymoon so that we could wait for news. Praying for our beautiful tiger!
IStanKlaine: The moment they release the name of the pathetic loser who did this, they will learn to fear the name Sue Sylvester!
MRoseDVM: An Update on Raja's condition; He is alert, and responding well to treatment. He will be cleared to travel in a couple of days, but will not be allowed to perform for a while as we monitor his condition for any complications.
WMontgomeryMngmt: A suspect has been named in this case, and an arrest warrant has been issued. BBlackwell and his cast and crew will not be making any statements at this time.
…
Kurt hadn't left Raja's side the entire time, not just because he was worried about him, but because it helped keep the tiger calm for him to be there. He sat, gently stroking a hand through Raja's fur as he held his phone in his other hand. He'd put the phone on speaker to make it easier and so that Blaine could talk to Raja too if he wanted.
"So you fired Adam?" he asked, continuing to gently stroke his hand through the tiger's fur.
"Yeah. Beiste found security footage of him tampering with equipment. And since there is enough circumstantial evidence to link him to the incident in Dallas, he's been arrested for injuring you, too." Blaine sighed. "I missed you tonight. Performing was no fun without you. And I still have the second show to do. I just want to cancel it so I can be there with you."
Kurt couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "I miss you too, baby. It feels strange not being in the show while you perform. This is the first time since you hired me I haven't been. Raja misses you too. Don't you, boy?"
Raja grunted, and knocked his head against Kurt's leg beside the phone. He was doing a lot better, but still didn't have the strength to stand and walk around.
Kurt lifted his hand to scratch the big cat behind his ears. "I love you, Blaine. And I'll be thinking of you every moment we're apart, you know. Just go out there and put on the amazing show I know you can."
Blaine let out a little moan. "I love you too. And I will be there the minute the show is over. Wes is making arrangements for me to fly to LA later in the morning, so I won't have to leave you until after breakfast."
"Have I told Wes lately how much I appreciate him?" Kurt asked, leaning down to press a kiss to Raja's head. "Seriously Blaine, it's so nice to have a manager that gives a damn about us. And it's nice that he's going to give us that extra time because I am going to miss you like crazy."
"I'm going to miss you so much, too. Especially during this performance tonight. We were supposed to do that Tango tonight. I was so looking forward to it." He let out a dramatic breath. "It won't be nearly as fun doing it with Rachel. She always wants to lead." They both laughed, breaking some of the tension. "Has Finn arrived yet?" he asked.
Kurt sighed and gave his head a short shake. "No," he said. "He's been held up at the airport. Some sort of major mechanical problem. They've been trying to get another plane. But until then, unless he can get on another flight at short notice, he's stuck."
Blaine frowned. "I hate that you are there all by yourself. I mean, I know Spencer and the other security guy are with you, but you can't lean on their shoulders for comfort."
"I'll just sleep cuddled up to Raja until you come wake me with true love's kiss, then."
Blaine smiled. "And here I thought you were Prince Charming."
Kurt was smiling so wide his cheeks hurt. "Mm, no baby. You're the one with that Disney prince charm."
Blaine let out a little groan as Artie knocked on his door and called out the five minute to curtain warning. "I gotta go, love. I'll be there in two hours and fifteen minutes, not a second later."
"I'll be looking forward to it. Break a leg. I love you, honey." He blew a kiss into the phone.
"Love you, too," Blaine said, blowing a kiss back.