“Like none of your business what,” said Tobias. The edge in his voice could cut glass.
The two men stared each other down, and I swore under my breath. This was not the time for another blowout. Jersey seemed to sense that too and offered up a question.
“And how do you propose we get ready for this concert?” said Jersey.
“We’ll work with your individual bands while the three of you contemplate the seriousness of the shit you’ve generated.”
“And then we’re supposed to get on stage and play like we are ready?” Jersey was incredulous.
“You know your songs, don’t you?”
“Screw that, Jacine,” said Jersey. “That’s dreck. I won’t know the marks on the stage and the sound check will suck. No.”
“What can we do? It’s not like I’m your mother and can put you in your rooms. So maybe I’ll have to let the police do it.”
“Screw it,” said Jersey. “Then I won’t go on stage.”
“I kinda like the idea of you being mommy,” said Cole. “Can I be your dirty boy?”
“Shut up!” said Jersey and Rory together.
“You’re right, Attorney Marshall,” I said as I stood to leave. “They can’t behave themselves. We’ll leave them here.”
“You can’t do that,” protested Jersey. “I’ll get another lawyer.”
“You can do that,” said Marshall as he stood too. “But since I filed as attorney of record, not until we go to the arraignment and see the judge where you can fire me properly. And then you’ll have to get a new lawyer, and the trial will wait on that.”
“Bastard,” muttered Rory.
“He’s a lawyer,” I said easily. “That’s what we pay him for. Come along, Tobias. I’m starving. Perhaps you can take me to dinner.”
Tobias’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion.
“Wait!” said Jersey. “What do you want from us?”
I glanced over my shoulder.
“One. Stop hitting on each other.”
“Fine,” said Cole.
“Not a problem,” said Jersey.
“Two. Stop hitting on me.” This last was Tobias’s suggestion as a way to reduce conflict between the three. Reluctantly, I agreed, because he was right. This was the smart course.
“Wait, baby,” said Rory. “That’s a low blow.”
“I’m not your baby, Rory. No more than anyone else in this room is.”
“Now I can see you are peckish, darling,” said Cole. “Get me out of this wrist jewelry, and I’ll show you a good time.”
I sighed. “Let’s go, Tobias.”
“Stop,” said Cole. “I’ll agree. On one condition. That lawyer man keeps his mitts off you, too.”
“Now wait a minute,” grumbled Tobias.
“No. He’s right,” I said. “This is supposed to be a business relationship. And we should keep it that way.”
