Free London Harmony: Doghouse by Erik Schubach Page A

hear me.  So I knocked again.  Nothing.  I put my ear against the door and just started a continual knock as I said, “Heloooo in theeeere I caaaaan heeaaaar youuuuu.”  I heard a woman snort, but nothing.  Grrr.  Fine, I could be patient.  I had... I checked my cell.  I had fifteen minutes before they quit for the day.
    I sat on a little bench half way down the block and listened to some Jaco Pastorius, his bass technique was slammin'.
    I figured this was the main office for London Harmony and idly wondered where the studios were.  They had to have hundreds of employees to keep up with all the talent and releases they managed.  Hell, the owner was even J8 and they did her music too.
    I froze at that thought.  Oh, Jesus Christ!  I realized why the woman at the rave looked so familiar now.  That was J8 herself, June friggin' Harris-West!  I had pickpocketed J8!  What was she doing all dressed down at that rave?  I probably had Interpol on my butt now too, she was an international superstar.
    I wallowed in my own self-recrimination.  I shouldn't have gotten greedy and broke my own rule.  I still had cash.  I was muttering to myself when the black door on the corner opened and a couple guys walked out, followed by an overly cute goth woman in her mid to late twenties.
    I stood and wandered over that way as other men and women followed.  I saw one group step out and down the walk that were laughing and joking with a small woman, with Asian features, who had only one arm.  Oh hey, they were the Purple Horseshoes, one of the house bands for the studio.  I've heard of them.
    I squinted and looked up at the building again.  Why was the house band there?  Were they just having a meeting in there or were the studios in there too?  It was way too small for that wasn't it?
    The flow of people trickled to a stop.  I hadn't seen Francine, nor J8 as far as that went.  I waited five more minutes then exhaled in frustration.  Why was the universe working against me?  Was it karma coming back to slap me for breaking my rules?  Hey, I prayed in church so I have some karma points built up.  It shouldn't be this hard to locate just one person.
    I turned to stalk off to the bus stop when the door opened again.  A well-coiffed woman stepped out, noticed me and flashed me a smile as she made sure the door closed.  I checked her out when she turned around.  I know, I'm so bad, but I can't help it, I have this thing with sexy... I like it.
    She had long and luxurious black hair and wore a tailored skirt suit that accentuated her curves.  She was out of my league, a lady of class.  Everything right down to her flawless manicure to the tasteful pearl necklace and matching bracelet told me she was a woman of refinement.  Her smile offset that by broadcasting that she was a down to earth sort who enjoyed life. I had to grin at the little heart tattoo below her left ear, which told me she valued her individuality.
    My eyes stumbled a moment when I noticed she had the tiniest of Adam's apples.  She was transgender.  I caught myself biting my lower lip at how well she had transitioned and brought out her true self.
    She blushed under my scrutiny, and asked in a delicious low alto voice, “May I help you?”
    I am sooo bad.
    I blinked and locked eyes with her.  I smiled and asked, “Yes.  I was waiting for Francine Brighton.  Is she still working?”
    Her eyes narrowed a little and she said more hesitantly,  “Fran isn't working here tonight.  What is this about?”  Whoa, she took on the same protective mode that Amy had just earlier.  I was liking this Fran better and better, just knowing how fiercely her friends protected her.
    I crinkled my nose and offered my hand, “Sorry, where are my manners?  My name is Eliza Montrose.  I just needed to ask Fran about a friend of hers, Scratch.  He has something of mine.”
    She almost smirked when I said Scratch's name as she accepted my hand and shook.  I had a