“That was uncalled for Trace. I’m just relaying the information I had been given and asking for a response.” Molly tried to stay reasonable but they could all see she was ticked off while there was an avid look in her eyes as she looked at Jay.
Next to Diego Jade sat rigidly, her eyes as cold as ice. “Oh I will give you a response Ms. Rutherford. My lawyers are going to have a field day, not to mention what Rick’s lawyers are going to do.” Looking past the camera she raised an eyebrow at Rick and he nodded giving his permission to do what she had to do.
“Right, you wanted a response to the allegations so here it is, and I hope the crow you are about to eat tastes just great Ms. Rutherford. My stage name is Jay Gallado but I was born Jade Moira Galloway, only daughter of Michael Francis Galloway and Maureen Galloway. Michael Galloway is my Dad not my sugar daddy! Rick Gaines is in fact a family member, a close family member seeing as he is my father’s youngest brother. So suggesting that he fathered my child is just sick!” Jade looked at Molly Rutherford with disgust as shock washed over the reporters’ face.
“Let’s get on to your so called proof that I aborted my child. I met my husband at a benefit concert when I was nineteen. We married about eighteen months later. We got pregnant five months before we married but when I was two months along I fell down the stairs at our apartment building and we lost our child. We were devastated, we married three months later and the next day he was killed in a car accident. I’m sure you now realise that my husband was Val Delgado, eldest son of my manager Luis Delgado. So to make it crystal clear for you and your audience my name is in fact Jade Moira Galloway Delgado. Oh and alleging that I am a closet lesbian is just laughable. I assure you that if I was I would not be hiding in a closet because it is nothing to be ashamed about.”
Taking a deep breath she looked at Molly Rutherford with ice in her eyes as she sat arrow straight next to Diego. She grew up the pampered only daughter of one of the richest men in the world and could turn into the upper class princess she had been raised to be at the drop of a hat. As she faced the reporter that was who looked out of her eyes and the woman knew it, felt it in the icy disdain that was directed at her.
Molly Rutherford knew that she had fucked up. She had made an enemy of the band, the Delgado family and of Rick Gaines. She didn’t even want to think about Michael Galloway! Her only defence was that the shit they had been sent had checked out! Her team had confirmed there was a termination of pregnancy. She had been so sure of her case and that she had the story of a lifetime she hadn’t even checked further. For heaven’s sake she had the doctors and hospital records! She had statements from four witnesses to Jay Gallado’s lifestyle choices. She had photographs!
“Ms. Gallado I’m so sorry. When we had the information checked it confirmed a termination not a trauma. We didn’t know.”
Diego Delgado shot her down coldly as he touched the small device in his ear. “Ever heard of hackers Ms. Rutherford? You just did their job for them by spreading your poison. My security just made me aware of the fact that you are sending this interview out live instead of recording it as had been prearranged with Storm Front’s management. You thought you had the biggest scoop of your career and you set everyone involved up. I hope you enjoyed your interview with Storm Front Ms. Rutherford because if we have our way it’s going to be the last you’ll ever have with anyone. We are done here.”
Looking to the side he signalled the security that had steadily been flooding the room. Storm Front rose almost as one and walked off camera and out of the suite leaving Molly Rutherford sitting there looking stupid and lost. She realised what was happening and turned to the camera to sign off. Luis allowed it, letting her make her apologies on air as he and Rick Gaines stood to one side watching. As soon as the camera and sound was turned off Rick Gaines attacked.
“If it’s the last thing my brother does he’s going to make sure that your career is history, I hope you realise that Ms. Rutherford. Jade has never asked him to use his influence in her career of choice nor has she ever used his name to get ahead. Michael is a cold bastard except where it concerns family and Jade is his favourite, seeing as she looks so much like his late wife. Michael isn’t the only one you should be worrying about Ms. Rutherford, her brothers are going to be on you before you can take your next breath and lastly there is me. Let’s just say that while you were spreading your cheer I have been setting up interviews with some of the top talk show names and I will be spreading my cheer as of tomorrow morning.” Rick shook his head as he looked at her with disappointment.
“Hell Molly I’ve known you for almost ten years and never ever have I suspected that you were one of the gutter hounds. That you would turn on an innocent person with such animosity just made me realise that I never really knew you, that you are just like all the rest, willing to do a character assassination on a person for your five minutes of fame.”
“I thought she had purposefully killed her child because of her lifestyle Rick! You know how extremely sensitive a subject that is to me! I was taken for a ride as much as Jay Gallado was. I will go back on air as soon as I can get into the studio to make a formal apology for the tone of my questions and for advancing the agenda of the person who had set all of us up. I will fix this, you have my solemn promise.” Molly looked up at him with completely sincere eyes.
Luis cleared his throat to gain her attention. “As of this minute you are no longer one of Storm Front’s preferred reporters. All passes are hereby rescinded until further notice. Please pack up your gear and get out of here, you are no longer welcome.”
Not giving her a chance to say anything Luis stalked out of the suite.
“Oh hell! This is getting to be my worst nightmare!” Molly gasped.
Rick nodded as he raked his fingers through his long hair. “What I’m about to tell you is not for public consumption Molly. What very few people know is that it has taken Michael and Luis years of prodding and pushing to get Jade to start entering life again. She has been in mourning for her child and her husband all this time and if it wasn’t for Luis pushing her she would still be hiding in a house somewhere pretending to live. Richie’s troubles played right into their hands and they grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I love my niece Molly and if you do your homework properly you will find that Jade Galloway is on the board of several charities and donates hours of her time at various hospitals and outreach centres. She is not the person that the media have portrayed her to be. She is not a spoilt little rich girl. I suggest you go back to the office and do your own research, interview the people she works with, her charities, her friends and family and then, and only then, can you do a program about the real Jade Delgado. If you do that I’ll stall Michael and the boys as long as I can to give you a chance to redeem yourself, if you don’t I’m afraid you are on your own.”
Molly pushed her elegantly styled hair off her face and nodded. “I promise you I’ll not rest until I have this mess sorted out Rick. I’ll messenger all the misinformation we had been sent regarding Jay Gallado over to Luis as soon as I get to my hotel, maybe there is something there that could help nail the bastard who used me to get to her.”
Rick drew her into his arms and hugged her. “Thanks Moll, you’ve always been a good friend, please don't make me regret trusting you as we both don't want that to happen.”
Molly Rutherford stood in Rick’s arms and knew that was exactly how he saw her, a good friend and nothing more. And now she was a friend who had broken his trust and she desperately wanted that back. Lord, could she be more pathetic!
Jade felt sick to the bottom of her stomach. She felt betrayed and disgusted at the manipulation employed by the reporter who was supposed to be a friend of the band. Shit, with friends like her who the hell needed enemies! She was a one stop shop, friend and enemy all in one. Everyone had congregated in her room and she listened distractedly to the guys raving about how they were going to get even with the bitch. She didn’t want to tell them they wou
ld have to get in line because if there was one thing she knew for a fact it was that her father and brothers would be moving heaven and earth to exact vengeance on her behalf. Her phone rang across the room and she walked over and picked it up. Think about the devil and there he was!
“Hello Dad.” She said softly but it was enough to silence everyone in the room.
“Hello Princess. Your brothers and I are flying to Seattle tonight. We’ll meet up with you there. In the meantime I don’t want you to worry about anything. I’ve got this under control.” Her Dad’s voice was soft and reassuring as he spoke to her.
“What have you done Dad?” Jade asked nervously as she glanced at Diego.
“Nothing that you need to concern yourself about Princess, you just relax and we’ll talk when we meet up in Seattle. I understand from Luis that you have two days set up as travel days to get to Seattle. Mike despatched the company jet, it will pick you up tomorrow morning and fly all of you to Seattle to ensure that you avoid the media until such time as we release a statement as to the actions we will be taking against Rutherford, the station she works for and the corporation that owns that station.” Jade could hear the cold rage in her Dad’s voice.
“I’m grateful for the jet Dad but don’t you think it’s a bit of an overreaction going after the corporation who owns the station?” She made big eyes at Diego and the guys as she spoke to her Dad.
“Princess no one fucks with my family! Absolutely no one!” Jade gaped as her Dad swore, something she hardly ever heard him do. “I didn’t work this hard to give security to my kids to have some jumped up tart talk trash about my girl. She is going to regret the day she crossed swords with a Galloway.”
“Dad I don’t want you to go all terminator on her ass! We need to find the bastard who fed her the false information and then you can have your fun.” She gave big eyes to Diego again but he grinned at her as if her father’s actions were completely normal as far as he was concerned.
“Is Diego there with you?”
“Yes he is.”
“Let me speak to him Princess.”
With a sigh Jade held her phone out to Diego. “My Dad wants to speak to you.”
As Diego took the phone from her she threw herself down on the couch next to Jimmy and dropped her head on his shoulder with a big sigh.
“Molly Rutherford is so totally fucked it’s just not funny.” She murmured.
The guys sniggered as if they couldn’t give a damn as she tried to listen to what Diego was saying. But he had walked to the other side of the room and was quietly talking to her Dad with a heavy frown distorting his perfect eyebrows. Jade gave up trying to eavesdrop and closed her eyes instead and relaxed against Jimmy. Their amazing night had turned into a horror show of epic proportions and all she now wanted was a shower, a cup of hot chocolate and bed. The plans Diego had for them was going to have to wait because she wasn’t even a little bit in the mood after the shit they had just gone through. Her eyes slipped closed as she listened to the murmur of Diego’s voice.
“Thanks Michael, we appreciate it. We’ll see you in Seattle.”
Jade came awake as Diego stroked a hand over her hair as he finished his conversation with her Dad and threw her phone onto the coffee table.
“Okay so this is the plan. Jade’s Dad is sending the company jet to pick us up and fly us to Seattle to ensure no media or paps get to us. He’s putting us up in a corporate penthouse his company has there and arranging for a helicopter to transport us to where we have to be while in Seattle. There will be a complete media blackout until further notice as my Dad has cancelled all media appearances scheduled for the band. So if there is nothing else.” Diego looked around as everyone shook their heads.
“Great, if you guys don’t mind I’m throwing you out. My woman is dead on her feet and needs to get to bed.”
Trace grinned at Diego but said nothing just leant across, kissed Jade’s cheek and followed the others out of the room.
Diego bent over her where she was still lying on the couch and touched his lips to her cheek. “Get ready for bed baby.” His voice was soft and sweet. “I have to check on Tank and the guys then I’ll be back. Do you want me to order you a hot chocolate?”
He was so damned sweet!
“Yeah I would love a hot chocolate.” Jade whispered.
“Okay baby.” His kiss was soft and just a touch of the lips.
Jade watched him as he ordered her hot chocolate. Diego Delgado was one incredibly hot man and he loved her. Yay to her!
There was a tap on the door and Diego was at it before she could move. She smiled as Rick walked in.
“Just popped in to say goodnight Princess.”
“Are you staying in the hotel?”
“No Princess, I’m staying with some friends of mine.” He looked slightly uncomfortable and Jade frowned at him and then suddenly it registered and she grinned.
“It’s okay Rick I’m a big girl, and just to let you off the hook, I’ve always known what you and Mike sometimes get up to.”
“Shit Princess don't tell me that.” Rick sighed.
Jade smiled up at him as he kissed her cheek. “Good night sweetheart. I’ll see you in the morning as I’m going to Seattle with you lot. Michael’s orders.”
“Good night Rick. I love you.” Jade said softly as he reached the door where Diego waited.
“Love you too Princess.”
Then they were both gone and the door firmly closed behind them.
Jade changed into a camisole and soft cotton pajama pants, cleaned the make-up off her face and brushed her hair. She was grateful when her hot chocolate arrived with no fuss and she curled up on the couch with it, sipping the sweet deliciousness. Taking a deep breath she turned on the late night talk shows, she had to know what was being said. She was in time to catch the start of one show.
The host stood in front of his audience with his signature grin as he waited for the applause to die down.
“Hello everybody! Before we start the show tonight I want us all to reflect a little on the media storm that erupted around the band Storm Front tonight. Their drummer, Jade Delgado, or as she’s known in music circles, Jay Gallado was accused on air by reporter Molly Rutherford of aborting her child, of being a lesbian, of sleeping with her uncle, of sleeping with her father, of using sexual favours to get to the top of her profession, so many accusations it just boggled the mind.” He held his hands up as the audience erupted.
“Easy now, I’m not saying any of it is true, in fact I’m saying it is all a pack of carefully constructed lies. The Galloway family have responded in the media with the following statement. For those of you who don’t know, Jade Delgado is the daughter of billionaire businessman Michael Galloway. So let’s get to the statement."
"The Galloway family will at this time answer no questions in the media. The matter has been handed over to our legal representatives and they will be pursuing the matter to the fullest extent of the law.”
There was silence in the audience and then a voice shouted. “Why won’t they talk to the press? What are they scared of?”
The host had his hands full with the storm that erupted.
“Whoa there people! Just think about it for a minute! If your daughter was just attacked in such a manner on national television would you put her out there again? Would you let her suffer through it again? If she was my kid I would certainly not let any reporter anywhere near her. She lost a child and her husband in a three month period. Those among us who have a life partner and a child empathise with her loss. She was only twenty years old at the time, a young girl who had to go through one of the hardest life experiences there is.” He looked around the silent audience some of whom nodded with agreement.
“I want to state here on live television that Jade Galloway Delgado has my full support. I don’t believe any of the drivel that Molly Rutherford sprouted on her so-called exposé. Miss Rutherford needs to go back and re-check her facts. I had my people c
heck those very same so called facts and it quickly became clear that it was a carefully constructed smear campaign against Ms Delgado. That’s all I’m going to say about it, so let’s get back to the show.”
Music played and the host walked to his desk as Jade turned the television off. She sat quietly for a few minutes before she slowly rose to go and brush her teeth. She avoided her eyes as she brushed, spitting and rinsing like an automaton. Crawling into bed she drew the covers over her shoulder and curled into a ball as the tears she had been suppressing all night came. The tears turned into full out sobs as she cried for her child, for Val and for the girl she had been. In one move Molly Rutherford had ripped the scar wide open again and it bled through Jade’s tears that soaked into her pillow.
She never heard Diego returning he was just suddenly there in bed with her, drawing her softly into his chest and folding her in his strong arms. She felt safe, she felt loved, and she felt as if after an extremely long and tiring journey she had finally come home. She heard his deep voice murmuring against her hair, assuring her that she was safe, she was his and she was loved.
“I’ve got you baby, sleep, I’ve got you.” His deep voice soothed as his big hands kept her tight against him.
She slept.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Diego lay in the dark with rage boiling through him. He hadn’t only checked on the security measures they had in place to protect the band while he was out of the room, he had been in contact with Clint. The fuckin’ bastard who was trying to ruin Jade’s life hadn’t made a move yet. It was still unclear where the package that had been delivered to the Rutherford bitch had come from. Tag was on it though. The two of them with Tank and Hanson had gone through Luis’s suite with a fine tooth comb and had found two listening devices that they had missed on their midday sweep. Or maybe not missed, they could have been placed after the sweep had been done and that meant that one of his crew was a traitor because no one else had had access to that suite before they had the band meeting to decide on a course of action. What the hell was going on here? Who hated Jade to such an extent? Who the fuck on his team was selling them out? He had been so sure he could trust all of them as they had been working together for a fuckin’ long time.
Hard Rock Unrehearsed Page 11
