The Case of the Missing Boy Band

Boy bands used to be all the rage back when I was young. We used to go from city to city every night, performing our hearts out to thousands of fans. Our new records came out with smashing success, made countless T.V interviews, and even performed at the biggest concert hall in the country. Everything was great… until it wasn't.

My friends and I have had our disagreements in the past. We would fight over minor things, like video game controllers, copious amounts of food, and, of course, girls. But we would always make up in the end. But now 10 years later, I sit here alone in my office, smoking a fake pipe and praying I don't get lung cancer.

"You have a phone call, Mr. Diamond." My assistant Serena reported to me. I slowly leaned towards the intercom to answer the call.

"Put me on, Serena." I answered.

A slow backup of static entered my ear violently. I really needed to get that fixed.

"Hello Darling," A woman's voice emerged on the other side. Brooke Diamond's stern, yet somewhat comforting voice started talking. It was probably late and she should be getting home.

"Hi Mom." I answered, tiredly. "What are you doing calling me? Is something wrong?"

She was quiet on the other line for a second. "No, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to check up on you. Have you had anything interesting happen today?"

"No, Mom. Everything was the same as usual. The closest thing to an investigation I've had was finding someone's lost cat. Other than that, it's practically dead."

"Well then, I see your private investigation unit is starting to be a waste of money. Maybe you should give it up sweetie."

I held back a scoff. There it was. It always leads back to money with Brooke Diamond. It happened with my dad, it happened with the band, and now it's happening with this P.I unit.

"Is this a segway into your classic conversation 'James, you should come work for my company! I will give you a position right on the spot and you'll be making money in no time'" I say sarcastically.

Again, another long pause. "That is not what I was here for. I was just checking up on you."

"Then why did you bring up money then?" I suddenly snapped at her. "You always bring it up everytime we talk."

I wish I could see her face right now. She might have been shocked, but I highly doubt it. The botox might have leaked if she had.

"I'm sorry that I do that." she said with some empathy. "I just don't want to see my only son broke and homeless because of a P.I unit."

I'm happy to see my mom care about me, but I felt like I had to be skeptical. I'm not sure why, but it's a feeling I've had since I could remember. There is always some kind of catch with Brooke Diamond. It's probably how she made such a name for herself. She could wrap L.A around her finger if she truly wanted. But that would just make life too easy.

"Mom," I start. "I'm happy you care about my well being, but I am living fine. It was one bad day with little to no cases. L.A is a giant hole of crime, I'm sure I'll get some work in no time."

I could feel a smile through the phone. "Alright. I'll try not to worry so much. I want to visit you soon, so please tell me when so I can clear my schedule. I will talk to you again soon."

"Bye-" I let out, but the phone line clicked. "Mom."

I slumped back in my wheelie chair and gazed out the window.

"Maybe my mom was right." I pondered to myself. "Maybe I can't make a living off of helping people. I want to… but if you have no one to help, then you don't have any money flowing in. I might need to consider a back up plan."

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. But it wasn't Serena's phone… It was my personal cell phone. Unknowingly, I answered the phone.

"James" A familiar voice struck me. I knew that voice.

"Yes," I answered. "This is James Diamond, P.I"

The voice gasped, as if he was running away from something. It was hard to make out what he was saying.

"I…" The voice caught his breath. "I need your help…." The line was breaking up. "Men….. our band….. Danger….."

"Our Band?" I questioned. "What's wrong with our band? Who's in trouble, Ken-"

Suddenly the line went dead. I dropped my phone at the exact same time. A loud echo rang through the floor.

Serena entered the room, confused with the noise. "Is something wrong Mr. Diamond?"

I stare terrified at her. "Yeah," I answered. "Something terrible is happening."

"Who called you?" she asked.

I barely could get the words out. "Kendall. Kendall Knight just called me. And I got a feeling he's in serious danger."