“If that’s your choice, princess,” teased Jake, lifting his guitar from its resting place on the floor.
“You’ve got the music from it tattooed on your arm, haven’t you?”
“Part of it,” acknowledged Jake.
“What’s the story behind the song and the tattoo?”
“I wrote the song soon after I met a very special person in my life. The lyrics reflect them and their situation at that time. The tattoo followed on naturally in the grand scheme of things,” explained Jake. “Every time I play it, I’m reminded of the first time I met them.”
Sensing she was treading a fine line towards being too personal, Debbie said simply, “It’s one of my favourites.”
Back in the green room, Jethro was watching Lori’s reaction to Jake’s response to Debbie’s line of questions about the song. Her cheeks reddened as she listened to her fiancé skirting round the truth behind the lyrics. Like Debbie, the song remained one of her favourites. As the first, it held a special place in her heart.
“What’s the real story?” asked Jethro, curiosity getting the better of him.
“Not a million miles away from what was said,” replied Lori softly. “It’s the first song Jake ever played for me not long after we met. It reflects my situation at that time.”
“You met on the beach, didn’t you?”
Lori nodded. She looked at Jethro, noting the fatherly concern in his eyes, then continued, “I was a mess when I met Jake. Physically and mentally. I guess mentally I was stronger than I was physically. It was only a few months after my accident and things weren’t healing the way I expected them to. The way I wanted them to. Without his friendship, love and encouragement, I don’t think I’d have recovered half as well.”
“And he saw you were “stronger within”?”
With a wistful smile, Lori nodded.
Not wanting to push her any harder, Jethro said, “There’s no denying, it’s a beautiful song.”
Eventually time ran out and Debbie’s show ended for the day as she handed over to a fellow DJ for a classic rock show. Having switched everything off and tidied up the desk while the boys stowed their guitars back in their cases, she asked what their plans were for the rest of the visit.
“More promo stuff tomorrow,” replied Rich, opening the door for her. “And a photo shoot. It’s all at the record company offices. Suspect it will be a long one.”
“Then are you flying home?”
“No,” said Jake. “I’m hanging on for a week or so. I’ve a guest slot with Weigh Station on the 31st.”
“I’m going to hang on too,” added Rich. “Keep him out of trouble.”
“We tried to get Dan to come in before that show, but he’s declined,” commented Debbie as they arrived back in the green room. “Shame. I’d have loved to have them on the show for their anniversary.”
“Pity,” mused Jake, taking a mental note to call Dan. Spotting Lori getting to her feet, he said, “Mz Hyde, are you taking us to dinner?”
“I might,” she teased. “Since you sang so beautifully for your supper.”
“Debbie, do you want to join us?” invited Jake.
“Not this time, thanks. I’ve got plans. Maybe next time, if the offer’s still open,” she replied coyly. “Thanks for tonight. You guys were fabulous. Will you come back in when you’re here in December?”
“If time allows. Did you get tickets for our show?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I got a couple of standing tickets from your management.”
“VIP?” checked Rich, glancing over at Jethro.
“No.”
“Jethro,” continued Jake, taking up on Rich’s lead. “Can you sort a couple of passes out for Debbie, please? Full access.”
“Sure. I’ll get them to you. Before and after show?”
Both Jake and Rich nodded.
“Consider it done, boys,” promised Jethro. “Now, can we go and eat before I die of hunger?”
♫
The following night, Friday, with the promo work completed, Jethro announced that he had organised a surprise for them. He had secured invites for them to a gig at a small venue in Islington.
“Who’s playing?” asked Rich curiously.
“A new band Jason signed recently. He wants us to check them out as a possible support act for the shows he’s trying to set up for the start of the year. They’re called After Life,” explained their manager.
“Ok, let’s check them out,” agreed Jake readily. “Always open to new musical experiences.”
“Are we eating first?” Rich asked as they headed out of the record company offices in search of a taxi.
“Wasn’t the plan,” commented Jethro as he hailed a passing black cab. “We can get you something to tide you over if you’re hungry.”
“A burger would be good,” Rich suggested as he climbed into the back of the cab.
Once they were settled in the taxi, Jake checked with Lori that she was alright about going to the concert. He had been a little concerned that his fiancée had been quiet all day and pale.
“Of course,” she replied, taking his hand. “Actually, I spoke to Jason earlier. He’s asked me to do their album artwork. They’ve just finished recording it.”
“When does he want that done by?” asked Jake, knowing full well it would be another of Jason’s rush jobs.
“End of November. Original artist let him down. Creative differences, I believe,” explained Lori. “I’ve suggested he talk money with David though. I’m asking for at least double my usual fee for such a large rush job.”
“Good for you, princess Don’t let him push you around,” stated Jethro, proud that she had stood up to the overbearing Jason.
“Not the first time we’ve had that discussion,” laughed Lori, remembering the “rush job” that led to the creation of the Silver Lake imp. “David’ll talk him round to a nice figure.”
Fans were already queuing outside the small venue as their taxi pulled up at the kerb. Leaving Jethro to pay the fare, Rich stepped out first, followed by Jake who then helped Lori out. He kept a protective hand on her waist as Jethro led them over to the doors. Fortunately, with their hoods up and dark glasses on, none of the After Life fans at the front of the line recognised the Silver Lake musicians. Once inside the venue, Jethro led them backstage to meet the band.
When Jethro entered the dressing room, After Life’s manager called out a loud greeting.
“Nice to see you, Rocky,” replied Jethro before introducing the two Silver Lake musicians and Lori.
“Delighted that you could come along, folks,” said Rocky, reaching over to shake their hands. “Let me introduce the guys to you. Lying on the couch over there is Luke, our bass player. In the corner, on the phone, is Jack our drummer. Beside me, to my left is Taylor on guitar and to my right is Cal, the other guitarist. Our leading lady, Ellen, is still getting ready. She’ll be through shortly.”
It was almost an hour later before After Life’s vocalist made an appearance. Both of the Silver Lake musicians were deep in conversation with After Life’s guitarists while Lori was chatting with Rocky and Jethro about Jason’s proposals. She was choosing her words carefully to avoid committing herself to the project and was silently relieved when Ellen’s arrival interrupted the discussion.
“Darling,” called out Rocky theatrically. “We have rock royalty in our humble midst.”
When Jake looked up, at first glance Ellen’s appearance caught him off guard. The singer was wearing skin tight black pants, spike heels that Maddy would covet, a purple corset with a black velvet cape draped over her slender shoulders. Over her right eye, she wore an eye patch with Egyptian hieroglyphics on it. It was the Eye of Horus, he realised after a few seconds. Her white blonde hair fell down below her waist. Striking didn’t begin to cover her look, he thought.
“Ellen, let me introduce you to Jake Power and Rich Santiago from Silver Lake, their manager and my old mate, Jethro Steele, and the beauti
ful Mz Hyde,” continued Rocky, guiding her over to join them.
Jake extended his hand to shake Ellen’s as she approached and was a little surprised when she took it with her left.
“Nice to meet you. I was listening to your new album on the bus this morning,” she said shyly. “Love the vocals on Depths and adore Mysteries.”
“Thank you,” replied Jake, feeling himself blush at her unexpected compliments. “You have me at a disadvantage, I’m afraid.”
The strange singer turned her attention to Lori and commented that she hoped she would be able to do their artwork for them.
“I hope so too,” Lori responded “If the numbers add up, we should have a deal. Are you playing anything from the new album tonight?”
“Three songs,” revealed Ellen. “Pyramid, City Of Bones And Heartache then Cyclone near the end of the set.”
“I’ll listen out for them,” promised Lori, noticing for the first time that girl’s cloak rested unevenly down her right hand side.
“How’d you guys feel about jammin’ with us on stage tonight?” asked Taylor, with a nod to Ellen. “We could jam one of your songs?”
“I’m up for it,” agreed Rich, beer in hand. “But we’ll need the loan of a couple of guitars.”
“Not a problem,” assured Rocky. “We can sort you both out with something.”
“Will you duet Dragon Song with me?” Ellen asked Jake hopefully.
“Pick an easy one, why don’t you?” joked Jake, flashing her one of his “Power” smiles. “It’d be my pleasure.”
Shortly before nine, Rocky rounded up After Life and, accompanied by the Silver Lake party, moved them out of the dressing room towards the stage. The support act had just finished their set and squeezed past them in the narrow corridor. As they passed Ellen, someone’s hand caught her cloak, drawing it back over her shoulder. Cursing loudly, she swiftly drew the velvet back round her, fully aware that Jake and Rich had seen the withered stump of her right arm, covered in its black satin sleeve. Neither of them said anything and they continued on their way to the side of the stage.
Safely positioned out of sight of the small audience, Jake stood with his arm around Lori’s waist, watching closely as After Life took to the stage. Beside him, Rich was studying their potential support act intently and surveying the crowd, trying to determine what kind of fans they attracted. Neither of them were ready for the raw power of Ellen’s voice. She had a surprisingly deep, husky voice, but it blended perfectly with the band and their image. With her long cloak on, she played the “black witch” persona to perfection. In front of the stage, the crowd were loving every minute of the set. Just beyond the midpoint of the main set, they watched as Ellen jumped nimbly down into the front of the crowd, staying on the stage side of the barrier, to woo the audience with a haunting ballad about the pits of hell.
At the end of the set, the band briefly left the small stage, stopping beside their special guests.
“You boys ready?” asked Taylor as their guitar tech handed the two Silver Lake musicians two guitars. “Watch for Ellen giving you the nod to come out.”
Before the crowd grew too restless, Ellen led her band back out.
“There’s a special blend of magic in this room tonight,” she purred into the microphone. “Silvery, watery magic.”
She paused, scanning the audience, before continuing, “Time to make it a little more rich and powerful.”
The crowd cheered loudly, with a few fans down on the barrier, beginning to chant “Silver Lake, Silver Lake, Silver Lake Lake Lake.”
“I’d like to welcome two new friends to the After Life,” Ellen continued over the roar of the audience. “Rich Santiago and the heavenly Jake Power from Silver Lake, people!”
At the sight of the two members of Silver Lake, the crowd roared themselves into a frenzy as After Life began to play Silver Lake’s Dragon Song. Despite having had no rehearsal, the two Silver Lake musicians slickly slotted in, with Jake allowing Ellen to lead the vocal. They shared the chorus and she graciously allowed him to take over for the second verse, but he brought her back in for the closing section and the final chorus. Their voices had complimented each other well.
“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Rich and Jake!” screamed Taylor loudly as the song ended. “Fucking awesome guys!”
In the centre of the stage, Ellen stepped into Jake’s embrace and quickly asked if he would stay out for one more. He shook his head, kissed her on the cheek then left the stage behind Rich, to the raucous cheers of the small London audience.
They stood in the wings watching as After Life closed their show with a rendition of Deep Purple’s Smoke On The Water.
A couple of hours later, as Rich and Jethro sat in Jake and Lori’s hotel room enjoying some take away Chinese food that they had picked up on the way in, Jethro asked if they thought After Life would make a good support act for Silver Lake.
“That girl’s got a fantastic voice,” commented Jake, his mouth full of noodles. “What shows was Lord Jason thinking about?”
“He’s trying to set up ten west coast shows for the end of January into February. Maybe a few in the Midwest too, if he can find a promoter. Nothing too big. Small sized venues. No more than two thousand seaters,” explained Jethro calmly. “I think they’d be fantastic. She’s quirky and, from experience, that goes down well out there.”
“What’s her story?” asked Lori quietly.
“Not sure the whole story. I asked Rocky but she came over and he never finished. She lost her eye and her arm in a night club accident in the Far East. Something about an explosion and a fire. That was five years ago, I think he said. She was only eighteen.”
“Shit,” muttered Rich, putting his empty food carton down on the table. “When I was talking to their guitarist. Taylor? He mentioned her arm. Said it was burn injuries. He said she’s badly burned down her whole body on that side.”
“Poor girl,” whispered Lori sadly. “I loved her voice. I’ve a few ideas for their artwork too, having heard those new songs.”
“And here I thought you were just enjoying the show,” teased Jake in an effort to lighten the mood. “And all the while you were creating in that beautiful mind of yours, Mz Hyde.”
Lori giggled.
“I think we should give them a shot,” said Rich bluntly.
“Likewise,” agreed Jake with a huge yawn.
“I’ll make the call to Lord Jason in the morning,” declared Jethro as he stood up. “Now, these old bones are tired. I’m calling it a night. What’s everyone’s plans for tomorrow?”
“Nothing planned,” said Jake. “But I need to talk to the Weigh Station guys. How about we meet for lunch here around one and take it from there?”
“Count me out,” said Jethro. “I could meet you for dinner, though.”
“I’ll skip both,” declared Rich. “I called Alice earlier. I’m taking the train out to visit her and Tom. Meet Gary’s parents. I’ll be back on Monday.”
“Give them our love,” said Lori sleepily.
“Invite them to the wedding too,” added Jake as he tried and failed to stifle another yawn.
Snuggled down in the large bed under the thick feather duvet, Jake watched Lori as she drifted off to sleep. Their lovemaking had been slow and gentle; neither of them in a rush to reach a climax; both of them comfortable to savour the intimacy of the other. No matter how often Jake made love to her, every time felt as special as the first. Watching his fiancée sink into a deep sleep in the crisp, white bed, he smiled. In a few short weeks he would be united forever with her. Tenderly he ran his fingers through the stray strands of her hair that were falling across her face. Her complexion was pale and he worried that their long day had taken its toll on her. No matter how many times she assured him that she was fine, Jake always worried about her. Gently he brushed a kiss across her forehead, then settled himself to sleep, curled protectively round her.
Next morning, he awoke to find Lori propped
up on one elbow watching him sleep.
“Touché, li’l lady,” he murmured sleepily.
“Pardon?”
“I watched you fall asleep last night. I like watching you sleep.”
“Likewise,” she purred as she leaned over to kiss him.
Before either of them could say or do anything else, Jake’s phone began to ring. He reached out to grab it before his voicemail cut in.
“Hello,” he said, his voice still husky with sleep.
“Jake, good morning,” answered an unfamiliar English voice. “It’s Mikey. Dan said to give you a call.”
“Good morning,” said Jake, sitting up in bed. “How is Dan? I was going to call tomorrow to see what the plan was.”
“He’s not great,” admitted the Weigh Station guitarist. “But he’s not giving in just yet. Plan’s to meet up on Monday afternoon. How does that sit with your plans?”
“I’m fairly flexible,” replied Jake. “We’ve finished all the promo work for the record so Lori and I were just playing it by ear for the next few days. Email me the address for rehearsals. What time do you need me on Monday?”
“The management will send a car to your hotel,” said Mikey. “Does half two sound alright?”
“I’ll be ready,” promised Jake. “Looking forward to it.”
“Appreciate you doing this for us. See you on Monday.”
Placing the phone back on the bedside cabinet, he rolled over to face Lori, with a mischievous smile forming around his mouth.
“Now, where were we, Mz Hyde?” he teased as he pulled her roughly towards him.
With a squeal, she found herself lying on top of him in one swift movement.
“Playing games, are we?” she murmured as she licked each of his nipples in turn.
“Seems like it,” he replied, then gasped as she bit his nipple hard. “Oh, that game!”
She laughed, filling the room with the beautiful, musical laugh that he adored, then rolled away from him, still giggling. He reached over and caught her, forcing her onto her back, then draped his long leg across her thighs, pinning her down.
Impossible Depths (Silver Lake series Book 2) Page 41