Page 98 of The Jaded Notes

Jaxon studies me with a stillness carved in stone. “Then stop orbiting it, Cash. What do you want?”

“I want out. Out of the chokehold the industry’s got on me. Out of the strings he—” My jaw locks. I force the truth back down. “I want my own label. Something that’s mine. Something that can’t be fucked with.”

The words spill fast. My pulse thrums hard enough to rip through my skin.

Jaxon finally shifts as he leans back, gaze steady and unnerving. “And you want me to back you again.”

I nod. “Financially. Strategically. Whatever the fuck it takes. You helped me before, and it worked out well. You’ve got the resources, and I’ve got the vision. Together?—”

“You could finally breathe.” His tone slices clean with no hesitation. “But this isn’t about music. That isn’t what has you shaking like you’re about to snap a vein. Why don’t you tell me what this is really about, Cash?”

I freeze. My throat constricts. The weight of Leon Baker’s name presses against the back of my tongue like poison. I don’t say it out loud. I can’t. Instead, I let out a jagged laugh that isn’t funny.

“Mr. Crowne, there are things I can’t talk about. Things tied to him. Shit, nobody can ever know. It’s too fucking dangerous.”

Jaxon’s eyes narrow with the kind of stare that melts right through lies. “Then you’ve already said too much.”

“Probably, but I can’t give details.” I rake my teeth over my lip. “If the wrong person heard, I’d be finished. But I need leverage. Something to keep me alive and give me the upper hand.”

Jaxon lifts his drink. “And you think starting a label gives you that?”

“Not just the label.” I lean closer, breath unsteady. “You’re a tech guy, right? You invest in shit nobody even knows exists yet.”

“That’s correct.”

“Tell me… Do you know of anything that records conversations without being detected? It can’t be a phone or a wire. Nothing like that would work. It’s got to be something no one would suspect.”

The faintest smirk slides across his face. “Yes. I know of just the thing you’re requesting.”

My chest seizes. “You’re serious? I thought it was a long shot.”

“I’m serious.” He gives a single dip of his chin. “One of my companies manufactures jewelry with embedded tech. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, tie clips. You name it, they can make it. It’s undetectable. They capture everything and send it off-grid. Invisible unless you know where to dig and no one does.”

“Fuck. That’s exactly what I need.” I run my hand down my face, hoping this is the answer I’m looking for. “Would you… Would you put me in touch with them?”

“I’ll make the introduction. But understand something, Cash. If you’re stepping into this, you’re going to be marked.”

A bitter huff breaks loose. “I’ve been marked since the day I was born. At least this time, I get a weapon.”

“Then pray this works out for you.”

“I’m too close to hell to pray. No one up there can hear me.”

Jaxon tips his glass until it clinks against mine. “Then take your weapon and let’s get your label started.”

“Speaking of praying. Has anyone ever told you that you’re a fucking god?”

He chuckles. “Once or twice, but remember what I said to you years ago. If you’re fighting your destiny, something will stop you and put you right back where you belong. Are you sure you’re up for this, and this is the right way to go?”

“Absolutely.” I almost vomit thinking about the past years. “The path I’m on isn’t my destiny. It was my pops’.”

“Ah, I see. This is about some kind of family karma of sorts.”

“Yeah. Something like that, but it ends with me.” I throw back my drink. “I have a woman I’m supposed to be with, but I have to stop him first. With your help, I’m destined to win.”

“Then I’m glad to be of assistance.” He seems to consider something. “Love… If this is about love, go forward with all you’ve got. It’ll be a tough road, but I’m sure you’re up for the challenge.”

“Thanks, Mr. Crowne. How do you wanna go about making these arrangements?”