Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Mr. Gilbert..." Charles frowned, a trace of concern in his voice. "Was that a gunshot?"

Yes!

Gilbert nodded sharply. The sound had come from backstage. This was bad-Sherilyn was back there!

Without hesitation, he swung open the door of their private box.

"Mr. Gilbert!"

Charles was right on his heels.

In just a minute or two, the theater had descended into chaos. Faces painted with horror, people were rushing toward the exits!

"Everybody, stay calm!"

"Please, everyone, remain calm!"

Theater security was doing their best to maintain order, but the situation was spiraling out of control.

In the midst of the turmoil, a stampede had already started!

Amidst the chaos, Gilbert was pushing his way inward.

"Mr. Gilbert!" Charles grabbed him. "Where are you going?"

"What do you think?" Gilbert shot him a look. "Sherilyn's in there!"

Saying so, he moved to go deeper in.

"Mr. Gilbert!" But Charles held him back, shaking his head insistently. "No! It's chaos up ahead-it could be a riot for all we know!"

Riots in Crestwood, though not a daily occurrence, were certainly not unheard of!

"So what?"

Gilbert raised an eyebrow, as if asking if Charles was really unaware.

He shrugged off Charles. "Exactly why I need to go in!"

"Mr. Gilbert..."

"Don't follow me!" Gilbert cut him off. "We can't both get caught up in this! Someone needs to be outside to coordinate! You wait for me outside, I'll bring Sherilyn out!"

"Mr. Gilbert!"

Charles wanted to protest, but Gilbert was already running off.

Charles clenched his teeth. Unable to stop him, what else could he do? He had to follow Gilbert's orders.

But making it backstage wasn't going to be easy for Gilbert.

He was facing a human current, all moving towards the exits, making his journey upstream all the more challenging. "Excuse me, pardon me!"

"You're going the wrong way! Why are you heading in?"

"Sorry, I need to get through!"

"Excuse me, please!"

Gilbert pushed through the crowd, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Bang!

Suddenly, another shot rang out!

"Nobody run!"

"Everyone, stop! Did you hear me?!"Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

The panicked crowd didn't heed the call.

Bang! Bang! Two more shots followed.

The scene was beyond chaotic!

Gilbert glanced ahead; the theater's main entrance was now under control. He frowned, wondering: Did Charles make it out?

He continued his struggle against the flow of the crowd, determined to push through.

Passing through the main hall and

silence made his footsteps oldest

slipping out a side door, the sudden

floor echo distinctly.

the

Gilbert held his breath, quickly ducking behind the door, his back pressed against the wall, daring not to make a move as he carefully watched his surroundings.

The footsteps grew closer-it was the theater's security team.

Their demeanor showed no sign of panic.

Why?

Either they were part of the rioters, at the very least in league with them, or they had already been

overpowered by the rioters ent

Gilbert's eyes darted around, a plan forming in his mind.

Once the footsteps had passed and the security team had moved on, he stepped out from hiding, glancing up at the sign above.

He had a plan.

...

In the dressing room.

All the dancers, both from the Lightning Dance Troupe and RED Dance Troupe, were being held at gunpoint.

Five rioters, fully equipped, had the entire dressing room under their icy grip.

Sherilyn was crouched on the floor, too terrified to move.

"You!"

Suddenly, one of the rioters pointed at Sherilyn. "You, get up!"