Page 56 of The Drummer

“So you saw Luke yesterday?”

“Yeah.”

“What about today? Do you know where he is?”

“Yes, I know where he is. I’m with him now.”

“Great! Get him on the phone too. We can finally sort this out.”

“No, it’s not?—”

“Casey! You’re not understanding the position you’re in. The Label is done waiting. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I had a call with Alberto last evening about the Kara Corbin situation. They arepissedand out for blood.You have until Friday to deliver a demo or everything’s off and you’re getting sued for breach of contract.You getting this?I don’t care if it’s fourteen seconds of Luke sneezing, I just need him on a damn track. Why can’t you just get me that?”

“Because he’s not ready!”

“Well, when will he be ready?!”

“I don’t know. I’ll figure something out.”

“We don’t have time for that! How are you still not getting this? We need that demonow.”

“Dammit, TJ, I told you I know! I’m working on it!”

“I sure hope so. You better deliver this time. No more excuses.”

“Okay yeah?—”

“Look, you know how much I love you, but I can’t cover for you anymore, Casey. You have less than a week to decide if you’re in or out.”

“Okay, just don’t?—”

“I can’t go back to them and ask for anything else. They already conceded as much as they’re going to.”

“No, I know. Just don’t call him again, okay? Call me if you need anything.Me,not him.”

“Then answer your damn phone!”

“Okay—”

“I’m trying to help you, Casey. I’m on your side.”

I take a deep breath. This conversation is going nowhere.

“Yeah, okay.”

“Good. Take care of yourself, all right?”

“You too.”

I can’t hang up fast enough.

“What an idiot,” I grumble to the phone gods.

Do all managers like to hear themselves talk so much? And he wonders why I never pick up the phone.

Then I remember Callie.

Shit.

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