Chapter 6

The Next Day

I pulled into the parking lot of G Major and cut the engine of my car. I sank back into the seat took a deep breathe to calm my frazzled nerves. Jamie and I had stayed up all night talking about everything. After I spilled and cried my eyes out, Jamie made me laugh and cheered me up a bit before he sternly convinced me to go talk to Darius. He convinced me, rightly, that Darius would know what to do and be able to keep everything out of the press. I knew he was right, but I'm still scared of what D would do. I reached across the seat and picked up the envelope on the seat next to me and felt my hand start shaking. I glanced up at G Major and took another deep breathe.

"It's now or never." I told myself as I opened the car door and closed it behind me. I shifted the weight on my feet nervously a moment and glanced around the parking lot for any sign of Damien. I was paranoid of running into him again; and rightly so I believe. Once satisfied I didn't see a sign of Damien, I walked into the lobby of G Major and asked Sadie if Darius was free. She glanced at the appointment book and said no. I thanked her and began to walk away from her.

"Jude?" I paused and didn't turn around.

"Everything ok?" She asked me, her voice sounding genuinely concerned.

"I hope so." I answered back and walked down the hall to Darius's office. I paused outside the heavy oak door and raised my fist. I took another deep breath and knocked on the door. I heard Darius's booming voice say "Come in". I sighed and opened the door and stepped in, closing it behind me.

"Jude?" Darius said, looking surprised to see me. "Come, sit." He said, motioning for me to sit down across from him. He shuffled some papers around and glanced at my curiously.

"I was wondering if you had a free moment to talk." I said, my voice shaky. Darius's stern eyes softened slightly.

"I always have a moment for my artists Jude, you know that." Darius said and studied her a moment. "What's up?" He asked, looking concerned.

"I…I'm being blackmailed." I stated simply. Darius frowned.

"Jude, you know that's serious-" I handed Darius the manilla envelope in my hand. Darius looked at me curiously and opened the envelope and he glanced at the pictures quickly and read the note.

"Spill." He said, looking up with stern eyes.

"I…the night of my release party, I went to Barrie to Mason's concert. I was upset about Tommy leaving and I met this guy." I said and Darius didn't look pleased. "I know, I should have told you before, but I didn't…"

"Did you know he was taking pictures?"

"For the most part. The ones at the bar I knew about."

"And you didn't tell me because?"

"Because I was afraid."

"Of this?" He asked, I shook my head.

"Of what you would think." I said, and took a deep breathe. "I got the pictures a few days ago; I just…I got freaked. I know I can't pay him; he's been calling me and…and he's been following me. He wants the money in less than two weeks." I said, tears spilling down my face. Darius's face remained stoic and I looked away from him. I knew I deserved to be terminated; fired. But I was honestly afraid of Damien; of what he'd do and how he'd do it.

"Jude, you should have told me about this first, you know that." Darius said and I looked up at him. "I want this to be a lesson to you, Jude. I can handle these kinds of freaks. It's not the first time and it won't be the last time it happens to my artists, but Jude?" His eyes softened slightly. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me." He stated. I nodded in agreement and he gave me a reassuring smile. "Good, now that that's covered, I'm going to notify the police on this." I glanced up, a fearful expression on my face. "We have to Jude. I know some people, it'll stay quiet. They'll have to ask you some questions, and hopefully we'll get this bastard before we need to do some damage control." I nodded.

"Thanks Darius." I said, tears still in my eyes.

"Go home Jude; get some rest. I'm going to be honest with you, this'll probably get worst before it gets better. I hope it doesn't come down to it, but you might want to consider leaving town for awhile; go visit an old friend or something." He suggested. I nodded.

"I'll think about it." I said and Darius gave me a small smile.

"Good. Now go rest up. You still have to perform on Saturday." He said, his voice light and slightly joking. I smiled at him, thankful for the light comment. I got up from my seat, feeling loads better than I did when I spilled to Jamie and left Darius's office and G Major with renewed confidence.