Read Rock Hard Bliss - the Finale for Free Online Page B

only a matter of time. I suspect one discovery will lead to another,” Phil told us.
    “That’s great, Phil. Anything you need?” James asked.
    “I’m not finished. There’s more. This isn’t just about you and Simone. It’s not just about the band. You mentioned you always felt Victoria was looking out for her bottom line instead of the acts she represented. Well, that stuck in my craw. I did some digging, talked to some clients and then greased a few palms at your label. Things aren’t matching up. I don’t want to say too much until I know more,” Phil explained.
    “What are you thinking?” I asked him.
    “Let me find out some more. I want to be sure about this. The less you know,” Phil said. That sounded ominous but neither James or I pressed.
    “What studio does the makeup artist work for?” I wondered. Josie worked for a studio.
    “United,” Phil said.
    “My friend, Josie, works in wardrobe over there. Let me call her and see if she knows anything,” I offered.
    “No! I don’t want to scare you, but I don’t want anyone else involved. If I’m right, this is bigger than even I thought and people will go to great lengths to protect their interests. Don’t even tell her about it,” Phil said. I looked at James and he looked concerned.
    “Should we protect ourselves?” James asked. I was shocked to hear him ask.
    “I was just about to suggest it. I’d keep your heads down and hire some security,” Phil declared.
    “You’re scaring me,” I told him.
    “It’s a precaution. Better safe than sorry,” Phil told us. I didn’t like this one bit. I knew it was more than a precaution. I understood why Phil was hesitant to tell us what he suspected, but not knowing let my mind make up all sorts of scary scenarios. I wondered if we were in over our heads. I wondered if we were in real danger.
     

 
    ~6~
     
    I felt like a prisoner in my own home. Four armed guards kept watch over the house at all times. Another couple of guards accompanied James and I everywhere we went. We worked with the security firm that already provided security for the band on the road to provide even more. Each of the band members had security and Josie had moved in with Tommy sooner than she had planned to keep her safe. Battery was on a longer break than usual that happened to coincide with Phil’s ominous warnings. We took the opportunity to work out details on finishing the tour, one more trip to the upper Midwest and then a West Coast swing that would end with two shows in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.
    We also met with the major investors that were quietly acquiring the outstanding stock in Roland Talent. Rence Neil, the lead singer of the 80’s glam rockers, School Boys, and Vinnie Sagen, the Mad Rocker, whose club Battery played at in Cabo attended the meeting at the house. Blade, the former lead guitarist of Blood N Roses and Christie Anastasia, the blonde pop diva, were on a conference call. This was the group, all present and former Roland clients who wanted to see the agency return to its roots. Each was a friend of Samuel Roland, Victoria’s father, and weren’t happy about what was happening to his legacy.
    “Things may have changed, “James began. “I’ve hired a private investigator and he delivered some bad news. He didn’t give us details, but he suggested Battery hire additional security,” he told the group.
    “So that explains the guards. I thought you were just letting fame go to your head, James,” Vinnie joked. James laughed.
    “I wish, Vin. I know we’ve been careful up until now but we're close. By my count, collectively we own nearly forty-eight percent of the stock. We can’t let this slip away. We need to step up our efforts. I propose we do whatever we need to do to get the last of the stock we need and get it anyway we can. Even if we pay more than market value, even if we openly solicit. I’ll do it all. I’m already in trouble. I don’t what to put any of you in