‘Okay, get to the point, will you?’
‘He’s talking about The Fishermen in the past tense. As far as he’s concerned, it’s over, for good. He told me he was considering moving abroad, that he couldn’t stand being on the same land mass with that “wanker”, as he affectionately calls Con.’
‘Okay, what about Con?’
‘Same story. Doesn’t want to know.’
‘Derek?’
‘Naffed off abroad. Don’t know where. Can’t get hold of him. Sorry, Helen.’
‘Ian?’
‘Oh, I saw him all right, for the difference it made. He’s happy to dowhatever anybody wants, man,’ mimicked Freddy.
‘It’s no laughing matter, Freddy. Metropolitan’s flotation is coming up in a couple of months’ time. If The Fishermen split, their in-fighting could wipe millions off the value of the company.’
Freddy sighed. ‘What can I do?’
Helen’s eyes were hard and cold. ‘I’ve no idea, Freddy, but you’d better come up with something, otherwise I’ll sue the band to high heaven.’
Freddy stood up. ‘I’m sorry. I’m just as pissed off about this as you, you know. They’re my livelihood too. Maybe you’d have more influence. I still believe in time this will blow over.’
‘We don’thavetime, Freddy. See yourself out, will you?’ she said abruptly, before picking up the receiver on the desk and beginning to dial.
Freddy shrugged and left the room.
‘Yeah?’
‘Con, it’s Helen McCarthy.’
‘What do you want?’
‘To talk to you. Urgently. Shall I come to you or do you want to meet somewhere for lunch?’
‘I’m busy today, sorry.’
‘Make yourself un-busy. I’ll be with you in an hour.’
Helen slammed the telephone down, wondering why she had invested so much effort in arrogant, childish pop stars when she could have had a nice easy life dealing with bloodstock or raw sewage. She dialled her home number, let it ring three times then put the receiver down and rang again.
‘Hello?’
‘It’s me. Have you rung?’
‘Yes.’
‘And?’
‘It was positive.’
Helen attempted to strike the right tone between compassion and practicality. ‘Well, it wasn’t a surprise.’
‘No, but I’m pretty shaken up.’
‘I can imagine, Sorcha. Keep your chin up, I’m here for you. Try not to brood.’
‘It’s a bit difficult when I’m a prisoner in your house with nothing to do but think.’
