On his own terms. Yes. If Trickster continued, he’d listen to advice, but in the end, he’d make the decisions. Or rather, him, Mike, Val, and Jake. “You can make this happen?”
She gave him a sly, sidewise look. “Oh, yeah. But we don’t want you selling yourself short. A few club gigs, whet fans’ appetites, then we can schedule larger venues.”
“What about control? I want all four of us to have a say.” Mike brought an entirely different perspective, knew the mechanics of recording, and Jake and Valerie contributed their own wealth of experience.
“What do you know about recording sessions? Scheduling a concert? Obtaining studio musicians?”
“Some, not much. Mike knows about recording, but our manager shot down his ideas.”
“Mr. De… Killy. Never let someone else completely control your career. You need to know as much as you can about this business. In fact, we often send clients to classes to learn financial and other aspects of the music industry.”
“Really?” Didn’t sound much like job security to him.
She nodded. “We form partnerships with our clients. The ability to speak the same language helps, especially with the idea you have about your career. The more you know, the more you communicate, the better our ability to make it happen.”
Damn, but she made sense.
Killian stared out the windows for a long, long time. Him and Mike, together, traveling the country, finding a place like Merle’s and doing only the songs they wanted to do. Would Val and Jake come along? He’d have to ask, but as much as they loved playing, they probably would. But… “What about my current contracts?” If he had any.
“Leave those to me and my legal team. Killy, I’m not a manager. I represent a management company. Producers, managers, you name it. Gone are the days when one person handled all the details for an act. My booking team can get you in some of the top venues. We have people to handle everything, from concert halls, to hotels, to setting up your instruments, and arranging music videos, managing the band’s website, and working with booking agents in other countries to make tours run smoothly. You and your band will pretty much only have to show up and play.” She grinned. “How does that sound to you? And if you want a bowl of all green M&Ms waiting backstage, we can do that too. We’ll devise a plan that fits you and your band.” She stood, smoothing a hand down her skirt and causing the half-dozen or so golden bangles on her wrist to chime. “Come with me.”
Killian followed her into a conference room. Gold and platinum albums hung on the wall. “I think our records speak for themselves.”
Well, dayum! He wandered around the room, checking the names on the albums. Come to think of it, where had Trickster’s platinum album wound up?
“Now, if you’re agreeable, let me look over your current contract.”
“And if we can work out a deal?”
“Then my team will write up a plan and schedule a meeting with the entire band. Sound good?”
“Sounds too good to be true.” Way too good. Like, sleeping and dreaming good.
“It’s not. I’m not bragging when I say we’re a valuable asset to our clients. I’m simply stating fact.” She nodded toward the albums again.
“Do it. Check the contract.” He dug a battered business card out of his wallet. “This attorney keeps up with my legal documents. I’ll let her know to expect you.” The sooner, the better. Anything to keep Mike from running screaming. In hindsight, he recalled comments from the attorney implying she didn’t like Gus either. Which meant she’d likely bend over backward to help shove the man out of Killy’s life.
“I will. I’ll call you with any questions.” She thrust out her hand and gave Killy’s a solid shake. “Now, go have fun and make music.”
Have fun and make music. Sounded like a plan.
Christy walked him to the door. Yes, Jake did good by recommending her. “Now, it might take a few days or even weeks to arrange things, depending on what we find, and the fewer people who know about this, the better. But if you need me sooner, I’ll be here and will do whatever I can.”
“I need to think about it. And discuss it with Val, Jake, and Mike.”
“I wouldn’t expect any less.”
Killian left her office with a lot to consider.
36
Mike sat on the back patio in the sun. If he tried really hard, he could pretend his life wasn’t going to Hell in a handbasket.
Annie opened the back French doors. “Mike? Gus is here to see you.”
Without waiting for Annie to step aside, Gus pushed his way past, pulled out a chair at the table where Mike sat, and plopped down. He didn’t even bother with a greeting.
“I’m sorry, Killian isn’t here,” Mike said, wishing for a sudden appearance of his lover. Being alone with Gus wasn’t high up the list on how he’d like to spend his time.
