Page 39 of Not Another Rockstar
Sheen hesitated with his phone in hand as he realised the position he was in.
“Why the hesitation? Call the police.” Phoebe looked to Axel, telling him she knew he wouldn’t. “I’d love to tell them that I’ve found the person who ruined my studio. Threatened me, stalked me, the list just goes on. Damage to your car? I’ll get a fine, and a slap on the wrist, but the cost of what you did to my studio and the threats—that’s a far more serious charge.”
“You’ve got no proof.” Mr Sheen’s nostrils flared.
“I’ve a wonderful shot of you admiring your destruction as you left the gallery. If the police find out, at best you’ll be forced to pay me back. It’ll cost you far more than replacing or fixing your jeep.” Phoebe jumped down onto the concrete.
Axel stared at her proudly.
“Fucking bitch,” Sheen snarled, squaring up to her. Before Axel could get between them, Phoebe swung the crowbar, planting a shot between Sheen’s legs. An agonising groan escaped him as he fell to his knees. Axel cringed, but figured a good crotch shot might make him think twice about trying to intimidate another woman.
“I’m so sorry, the nerves in my hand are messed up,” Phoebe said. “Sometimes it has a life of its own.”
Axel knew she was lying. He leaned against his own car, letting her have her moment before he dragged her back to his place and didn’t let her out of his sight.
“Sadly—what was it you said, it should have been me who died in the accident? Well, it wasn’t, and to redo the work youdestroyed, I’d feel the pain you’re feeling now with every brush stroke.” Phoebe crouched down to get a better look at Sheen’s twisted expression. Seeing her get so close to the man who had hurt her made Axel nervous.
“If I can apologise, then I think you should be able to. Now, we can both consider ourselves even, and we can go our separate ways.” She glanced over her shoulder, and winked at Axel, who couldn’t hide his bemused smile. He didn’t dare intervene. This was her battle, and she wanted to take every inch of satisfaction she could from this piece of garbage.
“Still nothing to say?” Phoebe sighed, staring down at him on the ground. “I’m disappointed, but I can be the bigger person. If you ever come near me, my studio, my family or friends ever again, you can forget about being able to bring any more self-entitled pricks into the world.”
There was a long pause. Axel got the feeling this guy wasn’t used to women getting the best of him. Axel thought he was in love.
“Agreed?” Phoebe said sharply, putting her crowbar in her bag.
Mr Sheen nodded, but made no attempt to stand.
“Great. I wish I could say that it was lovely to meet you, but I’m glad we could come to a fair resolution.”
Phoebe started to walk away, and Axel wished she would get in the car so they could put this all behind them. However, a vicious laugh echoed from Sheen as he got to his knees.
“You’re so clueless,” he sneered. “I was paid to do it, and now I think you deserved it.” Sheen clutched his crotch, glaring fire at her.
Phoebe shot a look at Axel that made his stomach twist.
“What do you mean you were paid? By who?” she asked, while Sheen smiled smugly, like he had won.
“I don’t know and I don’t care. There was an envelope on my desk with five grand in cash and a note with instructions. It was easy money.”
“Do you still have it? The instructions, the envelope?” Axel asked. Phoebe went silent behind him, pacing back and forth.
“No, I’m not an idiot,” he scoffed. Axel begged to differ. “I trashed them. Once it was done, I got another envelope of money.”
“Why did you try to get in to see me in Munich?” Phoebe asked, and Axel’s ears perked up—this was news to him.
“I was trying to get the scoop, to get information, and none of the band would leave your side. When I got home, the envelope was on my desk. Sorry, but you’re nobody compared to them.” He didn’t get to finish before Axel grabbed him by his shirt and shoved him against his jeep with a yelp.
“Don’t you dare talk to her like that. You’ve just cost yourself a job. I hate singing, but I’ll make sure to sound extra pretty when I make sure no music company, PR firm, or McDonald’s hires you ever again. I hope you enjoy that money, because it’s the last you’ll see for a while. I suggest you go back upstairs and pack up your desk. By the time the elevator dings, you’ll be blacklisted from every company that matters.”
Phoebe rested her hand on Axel’s back, settling his rage. “Let him go, he isn’t worth it.”
“You ever speak her name, or even think about her, I’ll rip your tongue out,” Axel warned him, his blood hot with rage.
“I’m not the one you should be worried about,” Sheen said. He slid down the jeep when Axel released him.
Axel made sure not to turn his back on him on his way back to his car.
“You might want to crack a window before driving,” Phoebe said to Sheen as she took Axel’s hand. “I wouldn’t want you to pass out at the wheel from the fumes.”
