Chapter 7 - The Sabotaged Stage
The heavy velvet curtains parted gracefully, and the blinding stage lights washed completely over my panicked face.
The massive, packed audience sat in total silence, waiting eagerly for Contestant Number 23 to officially begin.
Ryan was already sitting confidently on the leather piano bench, preparing to place his hands on the pristine keys.
I sprinted aggressively onto the polished wooden stage before the backstage security guards could even react to the madness.
"That man is a complete imposter, I am Emily Sterling, and I am the real Contestant 23!" I yelled fiercely into the silent auditorium.
The massive crowd erupted into confused, frantic murmurs, and the prestigious panel of judges leaned forward in complete shock.
Two armed police officers quickly rushed onto the stage and forcefully dragged a screaming, thrashing Ryan away from the Steinway.
I stood panting heavily, clutching my mechanical right hand closely to my chest as the adrenaline surged through my veins.
Judge Vance walked proudly out onto the stage and officially verified my identity to the stunned panel of judges.
"You have exactly ten minutes to complete your audition piece, Ms. Sterling," the head judge announced strictly over the microphone.
I nodded gratefully and walked slowly toward the magnificent, shining black grand piano.
I sat down heavily on the warm leather bench, adjusted my rigid posture, and took a deep, incredibly shaky breath.
My original audition piece was a highly complex Chopin sonata that heavily relied on a fast, fluid right hand.
I knew the rigid carbon-fiber brace would completely prevent me from hitting the necessary high-speed trills without causing a disaster.
I made a desperate, split-second decision to completely change my entire audition piece on the spot.
I was going to play Maurice Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand, a dark masterpiece specifically designed for an injured pianist.
I raised my uninjured left hand and struck the opening, thunderous chord with absolute, raw emotional power.
The majestic sound resonated beautifully through the massive hall, immediately commanding the attention of every single person present.
I confidently reached down with my right foot to press the heavy brass sustain pedal to hold the beautiful note.
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My heart completely stopped beating when my shoe met absolutely nothing but empty, useless air.
Ryan had purposely broken the piano's delicate pedal mechanisms right before I ran onto the stage.
