Free Serious People by James A. Shea Page B

known for over twenty years, began to make hopelessly pathetic sounds. They somehow more closely resembled a cat being slowly water boarded, than the electric guitar that Wild was trying to mimic. He had to put the animal out of its misery. It was the only fair thing to do.
    “The label has dropped you, Ronny.”
    Wild froze momentarily. “What, why?”
    “Your last two albums… The sales have been down significantly compared to their other acts. They’re looking to take a new direction. Move away from that classic rock vibe; find a new sound,” Fame said, with little sympathy in his voice 
    On occasion, there was a benefit to be found in bending the truth. But on this occasion, the truth was all that needed to be said. Wild had been around the block. He’d made a reasonable amount of money. He must have got that this was coming.
    “Um, hello; accapella album? You can’t get a newer direction than that,” Wild argued.
    Fame looked back at Wild. Was he high or something? How could this be news to him? Fame had had to cancel his last tour after three dates; because the venues had been practically empty. It was frankly embarrassing.
    “I don’t think that’s the direction they’re looking for Ronny,” Fame said crossing his arms. “And your last album, well lets face facts, it was a complete flop.”
    “What are you talking about? I had a number one on the last one!” Wild said, now getting more agitated.
    Fame looked down at his desk. “In Albania, Ronny.”
    Wild stood up, unable to contain his frustration. “Albania is a big market now! One of the last great bastions of CD sales, in contrast to all this download shit around the rest of the world.”
    “Well, that’s their view Ronny, and to be honest it’s also mine,” Fame said, looking back toward the ageing rock star.
    “What!” Ronny said astounded.
    Fame took off his glasses. He always did this when he was about to give a frank assessment. “We’ve had a good run, Ronny. But every good thing comes to an end, and I don’t see where else I can take you?”
    “A tour of Albania?” Ronny said desperately.
    Fame shook his head and put his glasses back on.
    “Oh it’s like that! Well, we'll see about that! As soon as I leave this shitty office, I’m going to have offers coming out my ears! Ha! My phone’s vibrating right now.” Ronny took his phone out of his pocket and scowled at it.
    “Well?” Fame asked.
    Ronny was still looking at his mobile phone. “It was just a network message; but that’s not the point. It could have been an offer! I'm going to be beating them off.”
    “Good luck with that,” Fame said trying not to smile.
    “Fuck you!” Wild shouted, and stormed out of the office, slamming the door.
    “Prima-donna,” Fame said looking at the door.
    Fame turned to consider the laptop on his desk. Well then. That went about as well as it could have done, he thought. He had just started to type when there was a knock at the door. “Yes, come in.”
    Ronny Wild put his head around the door. “Hi Mr. Fame, just wanted to clear something up before I go.”
    Fame shook his head with despair. “What’s that Ronny?”
    “So, we’re ruling out the tour of Albania completely?” Ronny said hopefully.
    “Get out Ronny,” Fame replied, returning his gaze to his laptop.
    “Oh fuck you!” Wild said, slamming the door shut again.
    It was a shame that a great relationship that had made both men a great deal of money should end like this. But on the other hand, the meeting had finished about twenty minutes earlier than his diary had suggested it would. This meant he had at least twenty minutes to play candy crush on his phone. Every cloud…

Chapter Nine - Billy Blake
     
    Robert Payne’s house was on one of the most sought-after streets on the outskirts of west London. There only were six houses on a road that had space for well over ten four bedroom detached. This was what being a name got you.
    “We should be in one of