Page 30 of A Tragic Melody

He laughs. “I highly doubt Tuesday is capable of murder.”

“Maybe not, but she isn’t afraid to cause some damage.”

“I suppose she might be capable of causing some harm.” He nods in agreement, staring off to the side.

“So what now? Are we getting dropped?”

“Dropped?” He smiles. “Not yet, kid. I made an investment in you. I’m giving you a chance to try to fix this mess. If you fail, then obviously, your bandmates are out on their asses, but you won’t be so lucky. You got more talent in your left pinky than most of these fuckers. I’ll be using that up before discarding you.”

That I could work with. Having all the cards on the table makes things so much easier. Knowing I wouldn’t be completely lost if I mess this up is good.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you?” He raises an eyebrow. “I just threatened you.”

“You’re giving me a second chance. I appreciate that. And letting me know what happens if I fail helps me know what to expect. I enjoy the honesty.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at things.” He laughs. “You’re free to go.” I nod and open the door. I begin to slide out of the car when he grabs my arm. “And listen, I’m sure you aren’t too happy with Tuesday, but if you do anything, and I mean anything, to retaliate, you’ll regret it. I don’t need you dragging her down, do you understand?”

“Yes, sir. Loud and clear. You don’t want me messing with your golden goose.”

“You’re a smart kid.” He laughs. “Good luck.”

When I shut the door behind me, the dots connect. It all makes sense now. Tuesday may be out from under her mother’s control, but she isn’t free.

And I just completely fucked up.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I’m good at crying on demand. So even though I could care less that I pissed him off, I cry as I sit naked on the edge of his hotel bed. Hendricks stands before me, beet-red and sweating.

One blow job wasn’t enough to make him calm down.

“Who did you tell?” he snaps.

“Janet from Collapse,” I say softly. “I’m sorry.”

He reaches forward, gripping my chin between his fingers. He squeezes just tight enough to hurt, but not hard enough to bruise. Can’t leave any evidence on his cash cow.

“Do you realize how much I have riding on that punk? I poured money and resources into him. And you tried to ruin him! What were you thinking?” he yells in my face, spit landing on my cheek.

“I didn’t know he meant that much to you,” I whisper. Fake tears drip down my face. “I was just mad he picked that shitty band over joining me.”

“I could find you a hundred guitarists and a whole fucking choir to back you. Instead, you throw a fucking fit over him. Why? Do you want to fuck him? Want his dick in you?” His face is mere inches from mine. I can see all his pores and wrinkles. He tugs me closer, as I shake my head. Finally, he releases my face, shoving me back. “Don’t think I didn’t see you in Derrick’s lap. Doing exactly what I told you not to do.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m bored.” I keep my voice low. “And then my mother showed up at the Cleveland show and I just got overwhelmed.” I let a fake sob come out to sell my point.

“Your mother stopped by?” His voice shoots up. “And you didn’t tell me!” He grabs my hair, pulling me until I’m almost lifted off the bed. It hurts, but I know better than to complain. “What did that bitch want now?”

“Money.” I let my hand wrap around the wrist of the hand holding my hair. I’m worried he will rip out my hair, and it hurts.

“She wants more money? I’m still trying to recoup my losses from the last time I paid her off. Maybe I should just let her sell those pictures, huh? Let the world see what a filthy fucking whore you are. I could sell my own collection, too. Let the world know what you’re willing to do for fame.” He tosses me back on the bed. “How would you like that?”

“Please,” I cry. “I’m sorry.” I try to sound like I’m pleading, but honestly, I’m tempted to let him sell them. Let them both release all the dirt. I’m not sure it’s worth all this right now.

“How sorry?” he snaps, crawling up the bed and straddling me. “What are you willing to do to show me you’re worth all this shit? Prove to me you’re worth all the trouble you cause, you stupid little girl.” His head dips to my neck.

“I’ll do anything, sir.”