Jake shook his head, “Dr Jones gave him free rein. Trusted him. Basically, I have ten seniors who want to go to college to study either music performance or production to teach for ten days. One hundred hours of study max.”
“That’s a lot of time to fill.”
“Sure is but I’ve got it more or less worked out,” said Jake, accepting the glass from her. “Rough plan is to spend the first day getting to know each other. Find out their strengths and weaknesses and musical ability. Hopefully, I’ll be able to put them in pairs to work on a songwriting assignment. I’ll teach where I’m needed whether it’s vocals, guitar, songwriting, arranging. Then, all going to plan, we’ll head out to JJL for a couple of days. Let them experience the studio and record their songs.”
“That sounds great to me,” enthused Lori, genuinely impressed by the simplicity and fluidity of the plan. “What’ll happen to their songs?”
“Hopefully a CD that can be used to raise funds for the school.”
“Brilliant!”
“I hope so,” laughed Jake nervously. “All Dr Jones advised was that the goal wasn’t to form a band and put on a show. These kids want a real-life experience. With Dr Marrs and maybe even Garrett onboard plus Grey and Paul, we can give them the experience of a lifetime.”
“That’s a lot of work for one teacher,” mused Lori as she sat down beside him.
“I’ve that base covered too, li’l lady,” revealed Jake, draping his arm around her slender tanned shoulders. “Dr Jones is going to ask his new head of the music department to come and assist.”
“Who’s that then?”
“No idea,” laughed Jake. “But I’m not turning down any offers of help here.”
Together, they sat in silence for a few moments listening to the waves crashing onto the beach in the darkness. Forgetting about the dressing on her husband’s chest, Lori rested her head against him. He winced at the weight touching his fresh ink.
“Sorry,” apologised Lori, immediately moving her head. “I forgot you had snuck off to see Danny.”
“It’s fine. Just a bit tender,” replied Jake. “Want to see it?”
Lori nodded.
Setting his glass down first, Jake stripped off his vest t-shirt then gently peeled away the tape to reveal the new crossed arrow tattoo.
“Simple. Nicely done,” commented Lori as she gazed at the clean lines of the basic design.
“It’s the Native American symbol for friendship,” explained Jake, pressing the tape back into place. “Spooky story attached to it. I went to see Dan with this design in mind. My tribute to Rich. Apparently, Rich had been emailing him a few weeks ago about a new design he wanted. Native American symbols. This particular arrow was the design in that larger piece. Danny tricked me. I didn’t want to see the piece that Rich had been designing. Danny gave me three templates to choose from. The one I chose he’d copied from Rich’s piece.”
“That’s beautiful. It’s the perfect tribute and it balances out the knot.”
“Dimensions are the same.”
“Danny’s done a great job,” acknowledged Lori, admiring the definition of the design. “Think the others will get matching designs?”
“Maybe,” said Jake, kissing her on the forehead. “Time will tell on that one.”
“I was chatting to Maddy earlier. Do you think there should be a musical tribute to Rich? I said I’d ask you,” began Lori quietly. “Both her and Jethro are getting pressure from Jason and the media.”
“Too soon, li’l lady,” stated Jake instantly.
“That was what I said.”
Pulling her close, Jake added, “I know we need to speak to them. The fans deserve something from us too. Maybe at the end of next month.”
“You can’t wait till the end of next month to give the media an interview or a statement. That’s too long.”
“I know. I’ll talk to Jethro and the others next week. You’re right. We need to give some sort of press statement. Maybe even a video or something,” relented Jake, knowing in his heart she was right. Then, changing the subject he asked, “Have you bought a chocolate birthday cake for Jesse?”
“No. Why?”
“I had a very long in-depth conversation with our son earlier. He has high hopes of a chocolate cake tomorrow.”
“A long in-depth conversation with a three-year-old?” giggled Lori, snuggling into his side.
“Yes,” laughed Jake. “Actually, he was really sweet but he’s expecting a chocolate cake.”
“Shit,” muttered Lori, hating the thought of disappointing her son. “I’d better call the restaurant and beg a favour. I’ve booked a table for us for dinner in Baltimore.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve booked a table at the Hard Rock Café!”
“Might have done,” replied Lori, feigning innocence. “And I better call them about sourcing us a chocolate cake.”
It was late morning before the Power family reached Baltimore. Trying not to swear at the traffic, Jake negotiated the unfamiliar roads as he searched for a car park within easy walking distance of the National Aquarium. Eventually, he found one and, with the truck safely parked, the family set off on foot. Not wanting to take any chances of Jesse escaping, Jake hoisted the birthday boy onto his shoulders and carried him along the waterfront walkway to the large building.
“Daddy,” asked Melody as she skipped along between her parents. “Where are we going?”
“That big building at the end beside the submarine.”
“What’s in the building?”
“Fish,” replied Lori with a wink at Jake.
“And sharks and dolphins and rays and jellyfish,” continued Jake.
“Nemo?” quizzed Melody hopefully.
“Well,” began Lori, taking her daughter’s hand. “We’ll need to find him first.”
“Dolphins!” squealed Jesse, wriggling excitedly on Jake’s shoulders. “Real dolphins? And sharks?”
“Lots of them,” promised Jake, lifting the little boy down. “But you need
