Stix bounded into the studio. “The master’s OK!” He shouted. The band was sitting around watching producer John Haddon in the control room taking on the telephone.

Skullen said, “might not mean anything, we may not have a deal anymore.”

Stix’s jaw dropped. Literally. He picked it up off the floor and attached it.

“Ira Roth left Venom Records and all contracts with him were all null and void. At least that was what we understood so far.” Johnny said. Playing with his hat as he does when gets anxious.

Haddon hung up the phone and walked out into the main room where the guys were sitting.

“Well?” Tyred asked. “Are we done yet?” Strumming an ominous chord like you’d hear in a suspense thriller on late night TV.

Tammy has an appointment with the vice president at Venom Records tomorrow at ten am. Haddon said as he looked at Stix. “You’re supposed to be there too.”

He turned to address the rest of the band. “You guys might as well take the night off and relax.”

The band packed up and went home to crash.

Tammy Powell was sitting in her office still smelling of burnt drywall and electrical wiring but she refused to go home to work.

“Ciara can you help me find the original contract for the band? I think it is in the filing cabinet on the far wall.” She said as she sorted through what to put in her briefcase for tomorrow.

Her phone rang. “Tammy Powell and Associates.” She said rather proudly despite losing a client, a contract and an office all in the same day.

“Hey Tammy, It’s Todd. I got your message and I just had a client cancel his meeting so I can go with you. Am I tagging along as a friend offering legal advice or are you guys actually hiring my firm?” He asked.

Tammy sat down at her desk. Sighed heavily and said, “You tell me. Ira Roth quit today. I got a phone call from a rival label saying they wanted the band. When I told them we were with Venom they said all contracts with Roth were null and void and to check my fax. I’ve gotten nothing yet. I’ve got and depressed band at home that think they’ve lost their deal, my office still feels like it’s on fire and Ciara and I are about to be unemployed. You tell me.”

Todd was silent for a moment. To let Tammy breathe and then he began. “ Well don’t worry too much about Roth quitting. That may be a break for you. Whoever told you that is not legally correct. Unless the label decides to not recognize or agree to any contracts with Roth they are all still binding from a business standpoint. I am guessing the VP at Venom wants to make sure you’re happy with the deal you have and you’re not looking for a way out. That he would not want and he would probably try very strongly to hold you to the deal you signed. As far as the other stuff. You may need some security for your office. The band is happy with you and Ciara so I don’t think you're about to become unemployed.

Tammy took a long deep breath and for the first time in what seemed like forever tried to relax.

“So I am hiring you then tomorrow as my legal advisor to keep the status quo and find out what the label might be willing to renegotiate on.” She said feeling a bit more at ease as she heard the plan coming out of her mouth.

“Good. Now I’m off from work let’s go get some dinner.” Todd said.

After what seemed like a long pause, Tammy said. “Sure. Let’s go.”

Ciara had found the contract and put it in Tammy’s briefcase. “I’m done for the night too. I would have taken the boys studio hopping but they need a night to chill I think. Besides, we don't want to promote something if it isn’t gonna get released.”

“You sure you don’t wanna come with us?” Tammy asked.

“Sure, tag along on your date with Todd. Tammy this ain’t college. You’re not my roommate abandoning me at the last minute. I can fend for myself,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

“He’s legally legit and I’ve got a standing date at The Soundcheck with my own resident rock star.” She said.

Tammy rolled her eyes and headed out to meet Todd for dinner.

Ciara double checked everything and locked all the doors after turning out the lights and then she disappeared into the dark.

The Soundcheck was rocking when Ciara got there.

She looked for Jimmy at his usual booth.

He was there alright.

With Rona Reeves!