Chapter 11

Jason had just gotten off the phone with Rick when it rang again.

“Hello?” he said into the receiver. He was wide awake now.

“Jason. It’s Christian.” A voice said.

“Christian, don’t tell me you guys had something to do with what happened to Rick tonight.” He said firmly.

“If you’re talking about the falling lights then no we had absolutely nothing to do with that.” Christian assured him, “But , uh, did you by any chance speak to Rick yet?”

“Yes I just came off the phone with him.” He told Christian, then caught the note of worry in Christian’s voice, “Wait, don’t tell me you guys are responsible for the pillow being tied to Rick’s bed?”

“Yes, but-“

“Jesus Christian, Rick is scared to death now. He really thinks someone is after him!” he stated his voice hard.

“I know! I’m sorry! It’s just that, we did that whole pillow thing BEFORE the concert.” Christian told him, “It’s just coincidence that we happened to use the same rope that was used to hold the lights that fell on him tonight..”

The line was silent then.

“Jason? Are you there?”

“I’m right here. I was just thinking.” He said, “You know Rick thinks that the two are related right?”

“I figured that.” Christian admitted, “That’s why I called. But I thought the whole lights thing was just an accident. That’s what the guy that checked it out said.”

“So I heard.”

“But you don’t believe that?” Christian asked him.

“I don’t know. I wasn’t there so I can’t say anything.” Jason stated.

“Are you going to tell Rick?” Christian asked then.

“Don’t you guys think you should do that? I mean, hasn’t this prank gone on long enough. You’ve got him scared and that’s what you wanted right?” Jason answered.

“Yes, but things are just starting to get good.”

“Christian, you guys promised me that this was going to be harmless and now Rick has a shoulder injury!” Jason stated.

“That wasn’t our fault!” Christian protested, “Besides, it’s not that bad. Nothing’s broken.”

Jason shook his head on the other end of the line moving the phone with him.

“Look Christian, the point is, he’s hurt and I know you said it’s not your fault, but I think you guys should stop anyway.” Jason told him, “Besides, Rick’s getting on my back to put someone on this case for him. He’s really worried and honestly, I’m getting tired of it. I’m really busy with work as it is.”

Christian sighed.

“Fine. We’ll stop.” He finally said, “Good.”

“Well thanks for all your help then.” Christian said.

“Sure. You know any joke to get Rick, I’ll be in on, but this one has gone a bit too far.” Jason told him.

“Yeah. I understand. Bye.”

Jason hung up his phone and leaned back against the bed while running his hands through his brown hair.

Something was off here, he could sense it. But he wasn’t exactly sure what that something was. He thought there was more going on with Rick than just some prank.

He had no reason to think that Christian was lying about anything he had said so what was it?

Usually his friend had an overactive imagination and in any other circumstances, Jason would have dismissed his fears by saying just that.

He sighed loudly. It was late and he was tired. He’d be sure to talk to Abigail the next day and get her side of the story. Maybe then he can finally draw a conclusion about what was going on with his friend.