"You guys would be nothing without me. I lost my wife, and my son turned to drugs, because you took up all my time making you into stars. You weren't easy to deal with in the beginning, and the pay was horrible."
"What I don’t get is your legit pay is still several million a year. Are you really that greedy?" I ask.
He grunts. "I do all the work. All you two do is sing. Why should you get all the money? And no, I didn't set all this up, Jimmy did, but it made sense, so I went along with it. Got him addresses and info."
"Great, well we’re done. You are released of your job as of today." Landon says.
"Like hell, I am. You still have another year on your contract!" Dave yells.
This time it's me who smirks. "Hard to do your job from a jail cell."
We walk out of his office and right to the studio big-wigs, who have been waiting in a conference room for us. We close the door and sit down.
"So, what’s this about that we all had to rearrange our schedules?" Milton asks. He is the owner of the label, and while his tone is nice, I know he was none too happy, when we called. He knows this is serious, because we have only ever called one other meeting with him, and it was when we did the drug ban on our tours.
Landon pulls out the tape recorder and sets it on the table, as everyone eyes it.
"We just had a meeting with Dave that we wanted to inform you about, before we go to the police and the media gets wind of it," I say, and everyone sits up straight. They never like even the slightest hint of a scandal.
Landon starts, "As you know, we have been upfront and honest with you about wanting to go off on our own and turn around and help the next generation."
All the heads around the table nod.
"Apparently, Dave didn't like that. His son sought out Austin in Portland and started trying to date her. When he proposed after three months of seeing each other, she left and came home. That was right before the last tour." I tell them.
Landon goes on to tell them about the run-in with Dave and Austin after the tour, his son showing up at our house multiple times, him attacking Austin, and down to the meeting we just had. Then, he plays the recording of the meeting.
Pens are flying across paper, as everything starts to come to light, along with many angry and worried faces.
Once the recording is finished, Landon leans forward in his chair.
"We want out of our contract with you and Dave as of today. This evidence and everything we’ve learned we’ll be taking to the police, and we’re pressing full charges against Dave and his son. Any money recouped will go to charity. You let us out of our contract, and we’ll spin this story about how helpful you were, once it came out and we’ll sing your praises. You don't? We will assume you were involved, and you’ll be the next investigated." Landon says and sits back.
We both wait, and finally, Milton looks back at us.
"Will you gentleman give us a moment to talk? You can wait in my office. Also, I had our security detain Dave. He was trying to make a run for it." He says.
That explains what he was doing on his phone, as we talked.
We head to his office and collapse into his leather chairs.
"Think this office is bugged?" I ask.
"Wouldn't surprise me, if they are listening to us now. Text Austin and check on her, please." Landon says.
I pull out my phone and shoot her a text.
Me: Hey, baby girl. How’s your book?
Austin: Good. Just finished it and started a new one.
Me: You doing okay?
Austin: Yes, I'm good. Hurry home.
Me: I'm trying. I did invite Deanna to stop by this weekend. Give you time to talk books and have girl time.
Austin: Thank you. I love you.
Me: Love you, too.
"She's fine just reading. I told her about inviting Deanna over, and she's excited." I tell Landon.
"Good. I like she found someone who shares her interest in books," Landon says.
"Me too." I agree.
"Boys, we’re ready for you." One of the ladies who were in the conference room earlier peeks her head in. I think she's a secretary, but I can't remember her name.
We follow her back into the conference room and take our seats. Since they didn't talk long, I hope it's good news.
"Gentleman." Milton starts. "I will let you in on a little secret. We had always planned to let you out of your contract early. Yes, we hate to lose you as clients, but I love what you’re doing to help the next generation. But we have a few stipulations, and if you agree, I can send you home with a contract to have your lawyers look over."
"What are they?" I ask.
"The biggest one is we ask that you don't poach any of our clients. If they choose to leave us and go to you it's one thing, but what we don't want is you pursuing them."
I look over at Landon, and he looks at me and nods.
"We agree to that. We want new talent we can help grow, and not old ones who need their handheld," I say.
That earns a few laughs around the room.
"That describes some of our clients perfectly." Milton says.
“But we ask the same of you in return.” I say.
"Agreed. Next, we'd like you to consider working with us." Milton says.
"What do you mean?" Landon asks.
"Well, you’re a
