Utterly disgusted by people and their tactics, James rejected the idea of returning to his hotel. Just as had been the case with Olivia, he would leave the city behind in a hurry, eager to go back to the safety of his cabin. Still, this time, there was something very different: For the first time in his career, someone he had worked with had let him down. Every other artist had valued his work and showed him the necessary respect. Of course, they had had a few quarrels and some minor disagreements, but, in the end, things had worked out just fine.

The next morning, it occurred to him that he had not seen Helen or her parents the night before. He had no idea whether they had attended the concert and with everything that had been going on, he had completely forgotten about them. Therefore, he decided to go over to the supermarket. Just before he started his car though, someone tapped his fingers on the roof of his SUV. It was Rick and he was not alone. Howard Peterson was with him. Rick was about to speak, but Howard gently pushed him away.

“Good morning, son.” He said. “I need to have a word with you.”

“Can’t it wait?” James squinted up at him. “I need to go buy some supplies.”

“I just need a few minutes.” Howard assured, opening his door. “It’s about last night.”

“No shit.” James hummed. “You never visit me here, Mr. Peterson. What made you want to come over?”

“Michelle did.” Peterson maintained. “She told me everything this morning, before she tried to quit.”

“Everything?” Suspicion was lingering in James’ gaze. “She tried to quit?”

“Yes.” Peterson said with a firm nod.

“Maureen Ellis was married to a German oil tycoon.” Rick interjected. “He died last year. She reached out to Michelle on Facebook. She said she liked her dancing. Long story short, she promised to make her famous. Anyway, about two months ago, Jonathan Russell, Atlas CEO had an accident. He’s still in a coma. Roger Duncan was appointed temporary CEO. He’s Maureen’s cousin. He bypassed board approval and…”

“Hostile takeover: Ellis bought Atlas from right under their noses.” Peterson explained.

“Why are you telling me all this,” James wondered? “Who cares?”

“That’s what she told me, son.” Peterson lowered his tone. “I came here to apologize to you. Michelle did what you told her to do. She called the cops. Both Ellis and her hitman were arrested this morning. If it hadn’t been for Michelle…”

“I wouldn’t have been there at all if it hadn’t been for Michelle!” James cried, feeling his blood pumping through his veins. “So don’t tell me you can understand what I’ve been through. You can’t. You just can’t!”

“You’re right.” Peterson sighed. “I can’t. She also told me what you said to her. She was pretty devastated, James. I felt for her. That’s why I need to ask you a favor. Write some more songs for her. Sure, she wants to quit, but I’m sure you can talk her out of it.”

James was on the verge of yet another anger outburst. His boss’ request had sent his adrenaline into the ozone layer. He would not dignify it with an answer; instead, he turned his attention to Rick.

“Rick, how did last night go?” He asked. “What did people think?”

“Fucking amazing,” Rick smiled. “Michelle’s video has more than 30,000 views already. Reports on last night are all over the internet. People loved it. They are also speculating on the identity of the pianist.”

His friend’s words put a bitter smile on his face. James suspected Peterson’s motive, but now, it was crystal clear to him.

“Howard, do you think I was born yesterday?” He said, his voice reeking with sarcasm. “Are you expecting me to believe that you came here because you felt sorry for her? What a load of bullshit… why can’t you be honest, just for once? Come on, Howard. Say it. ‘We think we’re going to make a lot of money off of you and her’.”

“Yes, we do, James.” Howard admitted. “It’s called ‘doing business’.”

“Business…” James groaned, clenching his fists, once again trying hard to control his temper. “Put yourself in my shoes. You’ve just discovered that Michelle had been plotting with someone to throw your ass in jail. That same someone put a gun to your head last night. Would you work with Michelle again?”

James’ question was met by silence. Howard even tore his gaze away from him, tightening his mouth.

“That’s what I thought.” James gave a sarcastic nod. “Now, get the hell out of here, before I really lose my temper.”

“Hey, that’s your boss you’re talking to, man!” Rick attempted a businesslike tone.

“Not anymore.” James shook his head sideways. “I quit.”

“What?” Rick opened his eyes wide in disbelief. Peterson didn’t even flinch.

“You heard me.” James’ voice became even stiffer. “No more ‘Jimmy X’. We’re done.”

“James, don’t…”

“He’s angry.” Howard interrupted. “Give him some time. He’ll get over it. Think about your decision, James. I’ll be waiting for your call. Let’s go, Rick.”

“I can’t believe the nerve of that son of a bitch. And Rick, what the hell was that all about? I get it; you’re trying to protect your job. Friendship my ass: I’m pretty sure you were following orders yesterday, you moron. Like you always have…”

Just when James was about to get back in his car, he noticed Helen’s pickup truck on the uphill road. He leaned his back against it and folded his arms across his chest, watching as Rick drove off in his Mercedes.

“Hiiiii!” Helen sang, with a toothy grin on her face, as her truck rolled to a halt. “Nice to see you back!”

“Hi, Helen,” he replied while he winked at her. “Did you come to the show last night?”

“Of course I did!” She exclaimed. “My folks couldn’t make it. Can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure.” James agreed. “Come on up.”