“Brett, it’s Tommy. Why didn’t you talk to us about this before? Why now?”
“It’s always been in the back of my mind. The end of the tour just seemed right.”
“So, you’re done. Just like that. You’re like a brother to us, man. Don’t do this,” Max chokes.
“You three might be, but I was never part of your brotherhood. We want different things.”
“Now you’re just talking shit,” Max snaps. He’s obviously hurt.
“Brett, this is Bernie.”
“Hey, Bern. I’m sorry. You gave us our big break, put all your faith in us. I won’t forget that.”
Jesus. How dare he play the humble card.
“Can I ask one thing?” Bernie says with sadness in his tone. “Give it a few days. Wait until your head is straight and you’ve had time to think. Maybe we could come and see you.”
“No. That’s not what I want or need.” Brett sighs. Dani shakes her head at his words and places her hand on her hips. She’s gearing up to explode, but her dad raises his finger to his mouth, shaking his head. She immediately backs down. Thank fuck. Brett and Dani have always had a fiery relationship, so fuck knows what she might have said.
“Okay. Understood. You’ve made your mind up,” Bernie adds. “But don’t burn your bridges, Brett. Just remember, we are your family and we’re here for you.”
“Fuck,” Max spits. “I don’t understand all this.” He gets up and paces the room.
“I’ve gotta go,” Brett says, avoiding a response to Bernie’s olive branch. “I just wanted you to know I’m not playing games. My statement goes ahead this morning at ten as planned. Go on without me, guys. It’s what I want.”
He cuts the call off. There’s nothing more we can do. At this moment in time, Koolum Law is falling apart.
Brett’s solicitor is a short guy; balding, with bright red cheeks. He looks out of place in a swarm of rock fans and reporters while he stands on the steps of his office.
“I will now read out a formal statement from Brett Richie. We will not be taking questions at this time.”
He clears his throat.
“To all the Koolum Law fans out there.
I’m a man of few words, so I’ll keep this statement short.
The past eleven years with the band have been the best of my life. We formed Koolum Law during our university years and took a chance together when an opportunity knocked at our door. We’ve lived in each other’s pockets, travelled the world, and have grown together as musicians.
As a band, we’ve played some of the biggest venues in the world, achieved so many of the highest accolades in the music industry today, and worked with the most incredibly talented artists. But there comes a time when you want different things. For me, that time is now.
My music is taking a different direction, so it is withsadness that I announce my decision to leave Koolum Law.
My love and thanks go out to our fans who have supported us this far. I hope you’ll continue to support the guys going forward with whatever they decide to do from here, and I also hope you’ll support me now with my decision to leave.
I’d like to thank our management team, Bernie and Dani Hill, at Election Management, along with our label, Election Records, for the opportunity of a lifetime.
I wish my brothers, Max, Ash, and Tommy, only the best for their future.
Thank you.”
“Is that it?” Dani says sarcastically. “What kind of statement was that?”
“Why didn’t we spot it?” Max says, staring into thin air. “We should have seen it coming.”
“We spotted it, Max, but we also put it down to Brett being Brett. He got away with too much.” I place my hand on his shoulder, glancing over at Ash.
“Maybe this is a sign to take things down a notch going forward. I’ve already decided to head back to Braebeach. I think we should all go. We could take some time for ourselves, write a few songs, take it easy, and decide where to take the band from here. What do you think?” I’m hopeful the guys will say yes.
