Page 147 of The Last Love Song
‘Good.’
‘The valuation is looking healthy. My analysts have predicted a thirty-per-cent growth in the next two years.’ Jeremy looked up as his secretary brought in a tray. ‘Thanks. Leave it there and we’ll pour.’
Helen watched Jeremy fill two cups with strong coffee before offering milk and sugar.
‘I was thinking of setting the flotation for around the middle of November. What do you think?’
‘I’m happy to go with you on dates.’
‘Okay, fine.’
Helen took a sip of her coffee. ‘Jeremy, can I just check the projection figures for The Fishermen?’
‘Sure. They’re your largest asset at present, responsible for about twenty-five per cent of Metropolitan’s turnover.’
‘What would happen if the band announced that they were splitting up?’
Jeremy stared at her across the table. ‘It would be extremely bad news for the flotation. Is it likely?’
‘Put it this way, they’re having a few personal problems. I’m hoping they’ll be sorted out, but I can’t guarantee it.’
‘I see. Well now, this does rather throw the cat amongst the pigeons. I had read something about one of them in the papers last week but I don’t take much notice of the scandal rags. Unfortunately, other people do. Apart from anything else, whenyou’re going public, any media coverage you receive needs to be positive. And of course, without The Fishermen, there’d be approximately twenty-five per cent wiped off your turnover and probably more off the profit forecast.’
Helen drained her coffee cup. ‘Everything you’re telling me I already knew,’ she sighed.
‘Could the band delay their split for, say, six months? That would allow the flotation to take place at the company’s present value. Your investors will realise that the world of popular music is unstable, and if The Fishermen are to split, so be it. Of course, there is every chance that in six months’ time, Metropolitan may have discovered a new group that will make it big. And you’ll still retain the rights to The Fishermen’s songs.’
‘So the timing of the split is crucial.’ Helen drummed her fingers on the desk. ‘The trouble is that you’re dealing with people here, rather than an inanimate commodity. I can put pressure on them to stay together for another six months or so. Theyarestill under contract to us. They have an album to record, plus a single. If they don’t produce, I could threaten to sue them.’
‘Another step you obviously don’t want to take at present. There’s nothing like a court case for putting investors off. Metropolitan needs to be whiter than white for the next few weeks, Helen.’
‘Of course.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I’m seeing their manager in forty-five minutes. I’ll have a clearer indication of the position after that.’
‘The only other thing you could do is delay the flotation. It would be a shame, what with the company riding so high at present. And any sudden change of plans makes the City jittery and therefore harder next time round.’
Helen stood up. ‘We’ll just have to wait and see. If you have any other thoughts, please do let me know.’
‘Other than one of The Fishermen being shot dead, becoming a legend and massively boosting sales of their former albums, I don’t think I have much to offer you,’ smiled Jeremy. ‘Keep me informed, Helen.’
‘I will.’ Helen held out her hand. ‘Goodbye, Jeremy.’
Helen arrived back at the office and slid the flotation details into her locked drawer. As she did so, she realised something was missing. She felt around at the back. She was sure the gun had been there last time she’d looked.
Her intercom beeped. ‘Freddy Martin for you.’
‘Send him in.’
Helen closed the drawer, making a mental note to have a thorough search of her office for the gun. If she couldn’t find it, she’d need to inform the police as soon as possible.
Freddy strolled through the door.
‘So, Freddy, what news?’
‘Do you want the bad news or the bad news?’
‘Go on.’
‘I managed, after several attempts, to gain an audience with Todd. God, he looks rough. He has all the curtains drawn in his house and he’s playing the Grateful Dead over and over. It turns out Lulu’s gone and left him.’
