Finding Forever: Band on the Run Part Two — A Rock Star Romantic Suspense

by Lara Wynter

  Joss

  I pace back and forth across the floor. My bandmates sit and watch me. Probably hoping that I’ll regain my sanity somehow. But I can’t relax. It’s been a week since we found the gun, and it feels like we're no closer to finding Willow. And now, we’re supposed to go and do an interview with some stupid magazine. How can I sit in front of some journalist and talk about how excited I am about the new album, or how my personal life is going?

  “I need to get out of this,” I mutter under my breath.

  Harrison shakes his head. “I’ve tried to talk to Blythe about it, but she won’t budge on this. The label deemed this as ‘vital’ in building momentum for our new album.”

  “Sorry, man,” Jase adds. “If we could cover for you on this one, we totally would. But you’re the lead singer and you know that makes you the main focus of the band.” He grins. “As dumb as that is, everyone knows chicks dig the drummer.”

  I smile despite my inner turmoil. What would I do without these guys? My family. They’ve done everything they can to make recording the album go as smoothly and as stress free as possible. “Can’t argue with your logic. Be sure and bring that up in the interview.”

  Will punches Jase in the arm. “That just ain’t true. Bass is obviously much sexier than drums. Plus, it only takes one hand to carry. You’d still be packing up all your crap by the time I’m already talking with the fans.”

  Harrison gets to his feet and stretches. “When was the last time either of you actually had to pack up your own gear?” He throws an arm around my shoulder to bring a halt to my pacing. “We need to go. We’ve got your back, Joss. If any of the questions get too invasive, we’ll jump in with our usual banter. She won’t stand a chance against the four of us.”

  I let them lead me out to the idling car and half listen to their playful banter as we drive. I just have to keep telling myself this will all be over soon, and I can get back to Jasper to see if he’s learned anything new.

  I’m still trying to convince myself that I can do this when we pull up in front of a gray, nondescript, concrete and glass office building. Trailing along behind the guys as we head to the elevator, I stand against the back as we go up to the sixth floor. Finally, we enter the offices of the reputable music magazine, Alto Style. I remember how excited I was for my first real interview, if only I could harness that feeling now. That giddy thrill at having made it. The excitement of talking about the music.

  But that was before. Before I knew about the downside of fame. Before my ex crucified me in the media and they all believed her lies. Before I had something to hide. Before the life of the one I loved more than anything was at stake.

  We’re ushered into an office space, comfortably furnished with black leather couches and glass and chrome tables. The far wall is painted vivid red with the magazine logo splashed across it. The whole look is a little outdated — not that I care. I just need to get through this without imploding.

  Well-known music journalist, Jessica Redfern, enters the room accompanied by an overpowering floral scent. She’s dressed in a tight, red pencil skirt and a flowy white top. Her light brown hair is curled into perfect waves. She smiles, her eyes lingering on me a little longer than the others. I wish I could sink down into the floor and escape all this.

  “Good day, gentleman,” Jessica smirks at her choice of words. “I’m so glad you were finally able to make it in for an interview.”

  “Yeah,” Will pipes up. “We’ve been flat out making the next kick-butt album.” He winks. “But I’m glad we didn’t have to stand you up again. That just wouldn’t be the gentlemanly thing to do.”

  Jessica’s face flushes slightly under her make-up. “Thank you, William. I appreciate it.”

  I almost smile. She’s in trouble now. Calling Will by his full name is just asking for trouble.

  Will reaches across to Jessica and takes her hand, his long blonde hair loose around his shoulders. He kisses the back of her hand, his compelling gaze locked with hers. She smiles. He flips her hand over and kisses her palm and then her wrist. She pulls her hand back, her cheeks flaming.

  “Anything for you, darlin’. I’ll even let you call me William if you promise to have a drink with me later.” Will sits back on the couch in a relaxed, confident pose.

  Jessica licks her lips and refers to her clipboard notes, which I’m sure she had memorized before we came in here. I’ll have to remember to do something nice for Will later. I owe him for this.

  Jessica clears her throat. “So, is this new album in the same style as Chasing Forever, or are you evolving into a new style?”

  Harrison answers. “We’re definitely not trying to emulate anyone else on this one. The sound is all ours. I know that everyone will try and put us into a box — give us a label… that’s how this works, but we just want to create great music and great lyrics to take people on a journey.”

  Jase nods in agreement before adding, “We’re not gonna try to say we don’t have musical influences, because, of course, we do. But what we create together is all us. Of course, it’s a mix of all our experiences, personal and in music. I think when you hear it, you’ll feel like we’ve built on our debut album.” He laughs. “But hopefully even better.”

  Jessica nods. Her professional persona back in place. “Joss, did you write all the lyrics for this album as well?”

  I nod and try to smile. “I wrote some of the songs, but we all agreed, this time around to all have a go at writing a song.”

  “Fascinating!” Jessica smiles at me. “So, can the other boys write? Is this album a mixture of lyrics from all of you, then?”

  Jase full on cracks up. It’s infectious and we all join in. We all know how our brilliant plan to all write something turned out. When he regains his senses again, he replies, “Apparently the world isn’t ready for my songs just yet.” He drums a rhythm on the tabletop. “But I’ll squirrel that song away, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll release a solo album.”

  Will bumps his shoulder. “Yeah, I can’t wait until Heaves Gone Dry, comes out. Killer, man, totally killer.”

  I chuckle. “You want to argue that your inspired lyric of ‘Smells so ripe I almost chucked on the counter,’ was much better?”

  Jessica laughs. “Right, so you wrote all the songs for this album again I take it, Joss?”

  “No,” I shake my head. “Har’s was actually really good. We’ve included Better Off Alone on the album. Turns out Harrison’s been holding out on us.”

  Jessica turns her attention to Harrison, the band's most introverted member. “And what was the inspiration for Better Off Alone?”

  Harrison shrugs. “Everyone’s been through heartbreak. Sometimes you’re just better off alone. I think it’s a sentiment that will resonate with our fans.”

  Jessica nods. “You keep your private life pretty close to your chest, Harrison. Do you want to say anything about the woman who broke your heart.”

  Harrison grins, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Who said the song was about me?”

  Jessica’s eyes fly to me. Harrison realizes his mistake immediately and mouths “Sorry” at me.

  Jessica taps her pen on her clipboard. “We all know you’ve been through a serious break-up, Joss. Your break-up with—”

  “Don’t go there, Jess,” Will says, interrupting Jessica’s question.

  Jessica turns to Will. “I wasn’t informed that anything was off limits. Your manager actually said I had free reign to ask anything.”

  Will raises his eyebrows. “I guess, technically, you can ask anything. But do you want serious answers from us that you can actually print? Or do you want a bunch of gibberish that you’re liable to get fired for?” He winks. “The choice is entirely yours.”

  Jessica huffs. Her knee bops up and down. She’s more flustered than she’s letting on. Me, on the other hand, I could kiss Will right now. I chuckle. That’ll give Miss. Nosy something to write about.

  Jessica purses her lips. “
So, how many songs made it to the new album? Did you have many extras to choose from?”

  I decide to answer. I need to contribute something. “We’ve picked twelve songs for the album. They all fit together well, and I think the fans are going to be really happy with what we’ve put together.” I pause to take a breath. “We cover some more serious themes this time around. It’s up to people how they want to interpret the songs, but I really think, and hope, that we can really help people with whatever their personal struggles are.”

  Jessica nods. “Do you want to say anything about the inspiration behind the lyrics on this album, Joss?”

  I glance away. Do I? Do I want to say anything about my own heartache and personal struggles? I want to protect Willow at all costs, but if I say nothing, that might just make people dig harder for the truth behind my pain. It’s pretty obvious most of the songs aren’t about my cheating, lying ex. girlfriend. “Well… my songs aren’t always about me personally, Jessica. I get my inspiration from a lot of places. From life in general, really. There’s a love song on the album that’s inspired by some good friends of mine. I can’t say who they are, but I will admit that you know them. The whole world knows about their epic love story. Undoing Shadows, is my tribute to their love story.”

  Jessica’s smile turns predatory. She wants the inside scoop, and she’s desperate to get it. “You can’t just leave me hanging, Joss. Whose love story? Will people be able to tell when they hear the song?”

  I smile. “Perhaps. You’ll just have to wait for the album to drop, like everyone else.” Even if people figure out the song was inspired by our brief stay with Hunter and Sophie, they won’t mind. They sing plenty of songs about their own love story. Those few days with Willow at Hunter and Sophie’s house hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always remember how their kindness helped bring us together.

  I sit and remember as I let the rest of the band answer the remaining questions. I breathe a sigh of relief as the interview wraps up and we leave the building.

  One task at a time. One day at a time. I just need to keep moving forward, believing that we’ll find Willow. That Finding Forever won’t just be the title of the new album, but our reality.

  Chapter Ten

  Willow

  I stand on the pedestal while Eliza, the seamstress, pins the hem of my dress for this farce of a wedding. I mean, I didn’t even choose this dress. With its plunging neckline and wide, thick satin skirt, it doesn’t suit me or my style at all. Not that I even really know my style, but I’m sure this isn’t it.

  Not that I really care — they can bury my cold dead body in the ground before I’ll walk down the aisle to marry Vance. He’s over here every other night now to eat dinner with us, boring me with endless prattle about his business prowess or, when Rudy isn’t around, his legendary status among women. If he’s such a skilled lover, he shouldn’t need an arranged wedding.

  “Almost done,” Eliza mumbles around a mouthful of pins.

  I try not to fidget. The quicker this is over, the sooner I can figure a way out of here. “Great,” I mumble. If only Rudy would let Vance take me out somewhere again. If we could go back to that dreadful seafood restaurant, I’m sure I could escape through the bathroom window.

  “There we go. All done.” Eliza stands back and assesses the dress with a critical eye.

  Her expression says the dress is too overpowering for my slight frame. However, she doesn’t say what she really thinks.

  “I can have this finished and back to you by next Saturday. That will give us a week until the wedding to make any last-minute changes.”

  I step down off the stand. “Thank you, Eliza.” I can’t quite manage a smile.

  Eliza glances nervously around the empty sitting room before scooting closer. “Are you alright?” she whispers, a slight tremor in her voice. “I know this sounds crazy, but are you marrying this man voluntarily?”

  I glance toward the closed door. “Shh. You can’t ask me that.” I take hold of her hand. “I know you’re just trying to help, but you can’t. Rudy is dangerous. You can’t say anything to anyone — not even the police. Trust me. If you do, your life will be over.” I blink. “You need to go now. Smile and tell Rudy everything is going according to plan.”

  Eliza’s eyes dart around nervously. “Are you sure?”

  I nod. “Yes. And whatever you do, get that nervous expression off your face. You look like the walls are about to swallow you whole. If you want to survive this experience, you’re going to put a smile on your face and walk out of here with your head held high.”

  Eliza runs a hand through her sleekly styled hair. “How do you stand it? Being here… with him, I mean?”

  I smile. “I’m stronger than I look.” I turn my back so Eliza can let me out of the dress. I quickly pull on my own clothes, feeling exposed even in front of this one woman.

  Am I as strong as I need to be? I turn back to Eliza. “Quickly now, you need to go.”

  “I’ll see you next week then.” Eliza’s voice sounds more composed.

  Relief washes over me. Hopefully, she can hold her composure until she leaves. I nod. With a little luck, I’ll be long gone before my final fitting next week. But I can’t trust Eliza or anyone with my plans to escape.

  Eliza gathers up the dress and her other things and leaves the room. I pace back and forth, waiting to see if she makes it safely out. I’d watch out the window, but this room faces the back of the property.

  Several interminable minutes later, the door opens, and Rudy enters.

  “Mea, my Mea.” His expensive charcoal suit fits him like a glove. He smiles at me. “You have made me cor patris.”

  Looks like I have ‘father figure’ Rudy today. I nod and smile. He likes to drop Latin words when he’s in a heightened mood, both good and bad. “Only two weeks until my life changes forever.”

  He takes a seat on the pale sofa and beckons me to sit. I perch on the edge of the seat, facing him.

  “There will be many changes when you become a wife. But some things will stay as they have always been.” Rudy holds my gaze. “You will be in a new household, but you must still submit to Vance as you have done for me.”

  I hold my composure while my heart races.

  “Of course, there will be some additional duties you will perform for him that I did not require of you.” He chuckles as I struggle not to let my distaste show. “Do not disappoint me, my Mea.”

  I frown. It’s now or never. “What about the last job you had me doing for you? You know, Jimmy Dubois still has your gun. I can still get it for you before the wedding.” I hold his intense stare with my own. Neither of us so much as twitch a muscle.

  Rudy reaches forward and grips my knee. “It’s so kind of you to think of me even now, parvulus. But do not worry your pretty little head about such matters. It is well in hand.”

  It takes all my years of training to not react to that bombshell. If Rudy sends someone else to retrieve the gun, he’ll discover the gun in Jimmy’s possession is no longer the real one. I blink. “Well, good then. That’s good that you’ve had it taken care of. Do you have it in your possession already?” It’s a risk to ask outright for information, but I’m relying on Rudy’s current mood, hoping it means he won’t explode.

  Rudy expels a big breath. “No, not yet. But I will, and then that vile prostibulum iudicium perversum will be mortuus est.”

  Dead. Even I know he means dead. I hope they kill each other. That would solve all my problems. It’s unlikely, though. They’ve been trying to take each other out for years.

  Rudy stands abruptly. “I have things to attend to now. You will dress for dinner at seven. Vance is about to sign the necessary contracts I need — so be on your best behavior. There can be no hiccups in my plans. You must be perfect tonight, columba mea.”

  I know that one, he’s used it before and I am not his dove. I drop my gaze to the floor. “It will be as you say.”

  Back in my room, I pace
across the floor. I’m running out of time. If things continue as they have been, I’ll never get out of here. I look out my window. The roof drops sharply, and there is a two-story drop to the cobbled path below. Even if I could get past the bars on my window, I’d probably kill myself trying to climb down.

  Returning to my door, I try the handle. To my surprise, it opens. A young man stands guard, but it isn’t Leo. This man has a slight build with darkish hair that curls at the ends, reminding me of Joss.

  He smiles at me. “Hello, Mea. I’m Devlin.”

  I smile. “Hi, you must be new?” My heart thumps painfully in my chest. This could be the chance I’ve been looking for.

  “Yes. I just started here yesterday. Rudy owed my father a favor.” His cheeks have a tinge of red at the admission that his father got him this job.

  A twinge of regret hits me at the thought of using this young, seemingly naïve man. But I may not get another chance. “Is Rudy still here?” I say with a flirty smile.

  Devlin shakes his head. “Sorry, he had a business luncheon to attend. That’s why Leo isn’t here. He took all his top security with him.”

  I grin. “That’s alright, you seem much more fun than Leo, anyway.” This poor guy won’t last a week here with the way he’s dishing out information. I bite the inside of my cheek. If I misjudge the situation and say the wrong thing, I’m lost before I even begin. I step out into the hall as if I’m normally allowed out of my room. “I have an important dinner tonight with Rudy and my finance, Vance.” I lick my lips. “I was just going through my wardrobe, and I don’t have a thing to wear. Do you think you could drive me to the mall?”

  Devlin blinks. “Um, I’m not sure that’s part of my job description… perhaps I should go and ask someone else to drive you.”

  I grab hold of his arm. “Please, there isn’t anyone else right now. They’re all out.” I blink, letting my eyes get a little watery. “Rudy said this is a really important dinner and everything needs to be perfect.” I allow a little fear into my expression. “I need to be perfect for them.”