Page 110 of Sycopation
Ray tookoff Zavier’s leather bracelet before showering, but tied it right back onto his ankle when he was done. He liked it there and he needed the reminder that Zavier wasn’tgonegone, even if he wasn’t here at the moment.
The A/C in the hotel room cooled his damp skin when he plodded out of the bathroom. The shower had helped clear his head, but not enough. Too many questions and fears swam like sharks around him. Problem was, he didn’t have nearly enough information to even start to chart a course. So, first things first.
He got dressed. Comfortable clothes. Loose jeans and an old T-shirt from the Wildwood Boardwalk—a little memory of home.
Mish had left coffee and a bagel on the dresser, next to his phone and a business card. He took his time eating and letting the coffee work his magic. Next, he turned on his cell. The business card was from the police, and had a case number scrawled on the back.
Yeah, he’d have to talk to them, since he’d been the victim of a crime.
Ray shivered. Why why whywhydid Carl hate him? He couldn’t work it out. Even jealousy didn’t make sense and nothaving a reason—a legitimate reason—baffled him more than anything else. He could havediedthat night.
Mish had suggested getting a lawyer, but who knew how thefuckhe was going to find one of those? He wasn’t about to trust any who called him, since he had an inkling of what this whole series of events could mean.
He wasn’t sure he wanted to go through the pain and drama of suing the record label. Yeah, it might mean big bucks, but what would it do to him and the band?
Shit.
Once he turned on his phone and sifted through the messages—text and voicemail and email—he didn’t have many more answers, either. The label wanted to talk; there were several messages, both from execs and label lawyers. The underlying theme—the unwritten thought—was that they wanted to work things outwithoutlawsuits.
How complicit had they been, though? Did he want to keep making albums and money for the company that had given himCarl Robertsas an advocate?
Yeah, he needed a lawyer of his own, and to figure out whathewanted, which was whatever was best for the band. He’d need their input for that—including Zav’s thoughts.
’Cause Zav was as much a part of this as everyone else.
When you’re ready. He nearly heard the words in Zavier’s smooth voice, and nodded absently. He had a good idea when that was. Hopefully Zavier would be ready by then, too.
That time wasn’t yet, though. Lawyer first. He rubbed his eyes and paced the room. If Zavier were here, he’d ask him about Nadia Rudd. Surely she’d know a good entertainment lawyer. But he had to do this without Zav. Problem was, he didn’t know anyone else, really. Just the band, the crew and?—
Five Asylum. He sucked in a breath. Gregor had given him his business card.If you ever need to talk shop.
Well, this was shop, wasn’t it? Ray dug out his notebook and fished the business card out of the little pouch in the back. He dialed the number before he changed his mind and listened to the ringing while his breath caught in his chest.
“Hello?” Given the deep voice, it absolutely was Gregor Daye on the other side.
“Hey, it’s Ray Van Zeller.”
A pause. “Hello, Ray. I suppose I shouldn’t be entirely surprised to hear from you, given everything.”
He couldn’t help the bitter laugh. “To be honest, I have no idea what’s out in the public right now. It really doesn’t matter.”
“It never does.” Spoken like Gregor knew and felt that. But then, he had fifteen years of stardom, so Ray bet he did. “Are you healthy?”
“Yeah, I am. I’m—lucky.”
“Good. And yes, I gathered that.” Another long silence. “What can I do for you?”
“I was hoping you could recommend a lawyer. Or knew someone who could.”
A laugh. “You’re a smart kid. And yes, I can. She’s worked very hard for us over the years, and I’m sure her firm can help you with what you need.”
Ray scribbled down the name, Tara Gonfaus, and the number into his notebook. Everything about the band was there—and this wouldn’t be any different. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“Shit, there’s no need. Just be yourself and do good for someone down the line. That’s all.”
“Yeah, I can do that.”
Another chuckle from Gregor. “Take it easy, Ray.”
