Kat looked around like she was searching for a hidden camera. “If you’re that guy, why would you be in Galena Illinois?”
“It’s a rather long story.”
"I'm an editor. I always have time for long stories." She had a sodding attitude but that was understandable. It pained me to see her confused and pissed at me.
“Here’s the Letts. I’m in town in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.”
Kat laughed out loud startling me a bit. I didn’t expect that reaction and I didn’t know what to do with it.
“Haha, Jason—”
“Jagger.” I corrected.
“This little joke isn’t that funny.”
“It’s not a joke. My name isn’t Jason. I’m not American. I can do the accent. I’ve been doing an American accent this entire time. I’m doing it now. I want to stop.”
“How do I know you’re not lying now?”
I blow air out my mouth and decided to stop the accent and speak in my normal way, born and bred Londoner. “I’m totally being honest with you now. I don’t want to lie to you anymore.”
“You said Letts, instead of Cliff Notes.”
“This isn’t a trick. I’m from Southgate London. This, us, it started all wrong. The entire point of rehab is, to be honest with yourself and the people around you. I don’t want to do this anymore, this charade. I don’t want to lie to you. The fake accent is over. I want to just be truthful. I just want to be me when I’m with you.”
I couldn’t read her face. I couldn’t gauge her feelings. My Brit was back and she was assessing it wisely and properly.
“Katrina, I’m properly sorry about this. Really bloody sorry.”
Her eyes bulged and I knew I’d said something wrong. But what?
“Who the fuck are you?”
“Honestly, I don’t exactly know. I’m in therapy trying desperately to sort things out.”
Katrina’s eyes enlarged as she listened even more to my British accent. Not an accent to me but American’s thought so.
“Am I a joke to you? Is this all a fuckin’ joke to you?”
“No, of course not.” I pleaded.
“Is this job a joke? Why? Why would you do this?”
“This is not a joke to me. I’m an addict, drugs, pills, alcohol. Addicts need to occupy our time. People like me need structure. This job, working here, it gives me something to do, a solid foundation while in rehabilitation. I didn’t know I would fall for you.”
“Wait.” Her hands were now perched on her hips. “So, I don’t even know if I believe all this.”
“It’s all true. My therapist can confirm this.”
“Okay wait. What therapist?”
“David Glass.”
“What the fuck?” She took a deep breath. “You’re uncle?”
“He’s not my uncle. He’s a doctor. A psychiatrist that specializes in drug and alcohol addiction.”
She pursed her lips. “So, who is Jason Smith?” Her arms flow out to her sides.
“My alias, I know you don’t know anything about Toxic Shock but we have a pretty wholesome image. We’re pegged as clean-cut lads from the UK. To some degree, I’m considered the bad boy of the group. In the eyes of the public, I’m not allowed to be a drug addict. I’ve been hiding my addiction for years. If the drugs and alcohol abuse get out it would be bad for everyone, my bandmates, their families, managers, producers, the record company and my fans, the group’s fans. That’s why I’m here in an American rehab in this small town no one’s ever heard of. I’m hiding here with this stupid Jason alias. If TMZ, The Sun or the Daily Mail got wind of this it would be devastating for me and all parties concerned.”
There was silence that seemed to last as long as a Quentin Tarantino film.
“Kat, please say something to me.”
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to believe. Is this British accent real?”
“I’ll prove it.”
I removed my cell phone and placed a call. I watched Kat watch me and waited until Glynn picked up the other line. I quickly placed the call on speakerphone. I needed Kat to hear the exchange between Glynn and me.
“Hey, Jag. Why are you calling me?” He answered with his normal sense of upbeat astonishment.
“Glynn, I’m checking in. You say I never call.”
“Yes, I say that all the time. We talked this morning. Did you smooth things out with David?”
“Yes, he didn’t bite my head off but I had to take another drug test.”
“That’s all apart of the deal.”
“I know but it’s still bloody humiliating.”
“How’s the therapy?”
“It’s coming along well I think. David is trying to get to the root of my self-destructive behavior. It’s an awful lot of talking.”
“That’s how therapy works.”
“I’m doing better. I’m making a proper go of it.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“How are my mates?” I asked.
“The boys are good. I believe Winston is most worried about you. He found you. I think he feels responsible in some way. He thought you were dead.”
“Make sure he knows this was all me. It’s not his fault. Tell him I sound good. I’m doing better. I don’t want him to worry. Should I call him?”
“No, no, you need this time alone, away from all things Toxic Shock. I’ll tell the boys about your progress.”
“Thanks, I don’t want them to worry about me. I’m committed to this and I’m getting treatment. I’ll be back better than ever.”
“Of course you will. We can’t lose you. Hey, are you still working in that candy store?”
“Yes, Sweet Treats.”
“Good, David says you seem to like it there. I’m glad you have somewhere normal to spend your free time.”
“I have a pretty strict routine.”
“You still writing songs?”
“Yes, I wish there was a recording studio or maybe even just a piano.”
“We can’t build a recording studio in David’s home but I can maybe get you a piano.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I’ll make some calls and get it shipped out to you as soon as possible.”
“That would be great.”
“That’s my job. I manage.”
“Cool, Glynn I need to get back to work.”
“Yeah, yeah, stay strong Jagger.”
“Later Glynn.” I ended the call.
I’d been watching Kat’s eyes the entire
