Chapter Sixteen
Well hidden in the shadows near the lobby door of the Music Hall, Michael and Kitt waited patiently.
"Kitt, scan the area and check to see if they are still coming this way," Michael whispered.
"Scans indicate that all four people are approaching the lobby door and headed this way," Kitt answered.
"Very good, here's the plan, Kitt," Michael began, "Go back through the door, when you reach it, I need you to stop Lena. I don't care what you do, just delay her long enough for me to get a good look at Josh and Tina and then slip back to the fireworks before I am missed."
"Michael, what should I say?" Kitt asked.
"I don't care. Anything. Make something up! I know.... Tell her you're looking for the men's room! Please, JUST KEEP HER AWAY!" Michael begged.
Kitt stepped out of the shadows and back onto the path leading to the lobby door of the Music Hall. Just as he reached for the door knob, the door swung open and nearly knocked him off his feet.
"Excuse me," Kitt said politely.
"Oh, Kitt!" Lena declared with surprise.
She stepped aside and allowed Tony, Josh and Tina to pass her and exit through the outside door.
Tony glanced curiously at Kitt, nodding politely but continued on his way; however, Tina and Josh passed by without even a glimpse. Josh walked with his arm around Tina protectively, who kept her head down, shielding her face with her hands.
"Kitt, where's Michael?" Lena asked looking worried.
"Oh, never mind him. He is back at the fireworks enjoying the show," Kitt answered. "Pardon me, I wonder if you could do me a favor," Kitt asked in his most courteous manner. "I noticed that my watch has slipped off my wrist and I was wondering if I may have a look about in the theatre. It may have dropped off during the concert."
Lena looked sympathetically at Kitt. "Sure Kitt, I'll need to turn on the house lights first," she said turning back to the theatre.
As they reached the seats they had previously occupied, Kitt looked along the floor and beneath the seat while Lena looked at the floor beneath the neighboring seats. After a few moments Kitt held up his wristwatch and proudly announced, "Here it is, Lena!"
Lena stopped her search and smiled happily, rising to her feet. "I'm glad you were able to find it. I recently lost a necklace that was very precious to me," she confided.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Kitt apologized. "Were you able to find it?" he asked.
"No, unfortunately it was a one-of-a-kind antique necklace and I'm afraid it will never turn up," Lena explained sadly, "It used to belong to my mother."
Kitt waited for Lena to turn off the lights and lock up the Music Hall so they could head back together.
"I didn't realize you worked here, Lena," Kitt remarked, "What do you do?" he asked.
Lena smiled, "Actually, I work as a laboratory assistant at Kontec labs. Kontec has several test projects here that I supervise."
"Really?" Kitt asked. "What sort of projects do you work on? I understand Kontec is the most advanced research facility in the country. I am fascinated by new technology and the promises it has to offer the world. I truly believe there is great promise in the advancement of technology," Kitt said enthusiastically.
"I'm impressed," Lena responded, enjoying Kitt's interest. "Actually, my primary projects are automotive based. If you'd like to see the lab I'll give you a tour sometime. How would you like that?"
"Just name the time, and the day; I'll be there, Lena," Kitt replied.
"Hmmmm, how about after lunch tomorrow, say around 1:00?" Lena asked.
"That would be fine, I am looking forward to it," Kitt answered.
As they drew closer to their group, Kitt noticed that Michael had seated himself on a deck chair beside Dora and Jake, both of whom were fast asleep and snoring away. Cleon was nowhere to be found.
"Hey Lena," Michael called as he rose from the deck chair and approached her. "How did it go with your brother?" he asked smiling calmly, not betraying his ill-gotten knowledge.
"I'm afraid all he could tell me is that Class Action is not here and no future appearances are yet scheduled," Lena answered nervously looking around for Cleon.
"Is that so?" Michael commented looking directly into her face skeptically. He casually shifted position, resting his hands in his back pockets, expectantly
"Listen, Michael, I don't know what happened between you and Class Action, but I do know that some rock stars can be uppity and difficult with their fans. They are people with real problems, just like us. Everyone has an off night, just chalk it up to that and let it go. Don't take it personally. Okay?" Lena said trying to console Michael.
"Is that what you think?" Michael asked incredulously, "That I'm some kind of star-crazed fan who is upset because my 'Idol' mistreated me?!"
"Well, aren't you?" Lena asked tentatively, looking confused.
Michael briskly rubbed his face. Frustration, anger, grief, and desperation, welled up within him. Michael bit his lip. Taking a deep breath before speaking, Michael began again, "I am not some dejected fan whose idol has fallen. I'll have you know that I happen to be a very close friend of Stephanie March. Tonight when I saw her, she looked me right in the face and asked me who I was! She clearly had no recognition! I also happen to know that Greg Noble died last year, perhaps you can tell me how it is that he is resurrected from the dead to appear here for personal autographs?"
Lena looked genuinely worried. He was clearly getting to her. "How do you know these things?" she asked suspiciously.
"Lena, I came here to see Stephanie. Do you want to tell me what is going on here or do I have to find out for myself? Because I will. With or without your help. I'd rather have your help, but hey if you don't want to give it, I'll get to the bottom of this without you and you'll be dragged down in the process. I'd hate to see that happen because you're a sweet girl. So what do you say; are you going to level with me?"
"Michael, if I were to tell you that Stephanie is not and was not here, would that satisfy you?" Lena asked quietly.
"Lena, listen to me," Michael said tenderly with genuine affection. "You have got to level with me. I need the whole truth."
"Okay Michael, come to Kontec with Kitt tomorrow at one o'clock and I'll tell you everything I know. But Michael, I am telling you the truth. She isn't here," Lena said quietly.
Just then Cleon appeared. Wrapping his arm affectionately around Lena's shoulder, he drew her closer. "Hi, hon, did you just get back?" he asked.
Lena turned to face Cleon. "Yes. How are the fireworks going?" she smiled up at him.
"They're terrific. Listen, Jamison wants me to bring the Vega in tomorrow, thought maybe we can have lunch together. Say, if you like I'll pick up something special from Dora and we can have a picnic at Kontec? How about it?" Cleon suggested.
"That sounds wonderful, Cleon," Lena beamed. "You just got the car this afternoon, why does it need an adjustment? Is something wrong? Maybe I should have a look at it?"
"Oh no, the car is terrific, Lena. Jamison says he wants to upgrade the back-up battery. Something about a shorter recharge from the black lights,"
"Hmmmm, must have something to do with the stabilizers being down," Lena mumbled to herself.
"Lena! There you are!" shouted Jake, who was slowly approaching the small group with Dora in tow. "What's with all this loud music blasting from the loud speakers? I tell ya, these big shots think they can improve anything and everything including watching fireworks! I can't hear the fireworks!"
"Now, Jake, just because Lena's brother is the manager of the Getaway, doesn't mean that SHE has anything to do with the sound system here!" admonished Dora. "Never mind him Lena, he's just overtired."
"That's okay, Dora. I don't much care for the music accompaniment either," Lena answered.
"Michael, there is something very different about these fireworks tonight," said Kitt.
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"It is more than the piped-in background music," explained Kitt. "There are no fireworks here. What you see is a visual display being projected from the roof-top of the Music Hall, but not fireworks. By definition, fireworks are pyrotechnical exhibitions that use a mixture of chemicals to create explosions in the air. None of the commonly used inflammable materials such as gun powder and sulphur are being used here."
"That's incredible, Kitt," Dora remarked in astonishment. "How did you know that?"
"Gun-powder is a mixture of charcoal, sulfur and potassium nitrate. Since sulphur emits a distinct suffocating odor when it is burned its presence is easily detected," Kitt pointed out, matter-of-factly.
"I never noticed that," Dora answered. "Well then, if it isn't fireworks, what is it Kitt?"
"It appears to be projected light beams," Kitt replied.
"How can that be possible?" Dora asked Kitt.
"I'll tell you Dora. I'll bet it has something to do with Kontec! They have their hands in everything!" Jake grumbled.
"Jake, I wish you wouldn't say it that way," Lena moaned. "Kontec has our best interest in what they do for the town. And yes, Kontec did provide the fireworks display this evening. It is only one of the ways this town continues to benefit from the Kontec's tremendous technological advancements. Remember last year's fireworks accidents? Todd Riley and Joan Sorenson were hospitalized for weeks, suffering from severe burns. Tonight's fireworks displays are an example of scientific art in its safest form. Kontec has developed a holographic imagining process that virtually eliminates injuries associated with combustible pyrotechnic devices. I for one am grateful for Kontec's benevolent generosity. Most other companies are after the almighty dollar and expect the public to fend for themselves. Praise the Lord that Kontec looks out for the little guy who can't take care of himself."
"Let's not get into this again," Cleon suggested. "Why don't we call it a night, okay?"
"Sure Cleon," Lena agreed with a heavy sigh.
"Listen Michael, I gotta drop Lena home before we head back to the Inn. Would you like to come along or hang out here? I can swing by and pick you up on the way back if you prefer," Cleon suggested.
"Thanks, but don't worry, I'll hitch a ride from Kitt here," Michael said affably. "By the way, you got room for him at the Inn?"
"Not a problem, he can have his pick," Cleon responded. "Seems that most of the tourists prefer the luxury of a resort hotel than a small town Inn. Just see Todd at the desk and he'll get you all squared away, Kitt."
"Say, Michael, you and Kitt coming by for breakfast in the morning, aren't you?" Dora asked sweetly.
"Of course we are!" said Michael with enthusiasm. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"