Chapter 3

"Why she's taking the pictures for today's interview 'in a week or so' is beyond me." Mr. Bergman shook his head as he latched the door after seeing Violet out, and then returned to his seat. He sighed as he sank down into the chair and muttered, "Well, I hope she's prepared to travel."

"What do you mean?" Conrad turned slightly in his chair to look at his manager.

"It just makes more sense to me to take the pictures for the article about the interview at the actual interview, that's all."

"Then what's with the comment about her havin' to travel, man?" Conrad looked questioningly at Mr. Bergman.

"Have you forgotten already? In the next 'week or so,' you will be right smack dab in the middle of the farewell tour." He paused for a minute and looked at Conrad to make sure he was listening. "In other words, at that time you may be half-way across the country, or all the way on the West Coast for that matter!

This tour sounds crazy! "Wait a minute. Just how long is this tour gonna last?"

"As long as it has to; As long as it can." Mr. Bergman leaned forward in his chair. "Face it Conrad. This tour is going to be your last chance to make some money your way, before you go to work for Uncle Sam."

"Yeah, so?" Conrad sank into his chair, drumming his fingers on the armrests.

Mr. Bergman rolled his eyes. "Let's just say, the harder you work in the next few weeks, the more comfortably you'll be able to live after your short military career. Whether or not your fans still remember you when you return."

Conrad could feel his face getting hot. "They'll remember me!" He retorted, sitting up and gripping the arms of his chair.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Mr. Bergman watched him from over his glasses, "But either way, this'll be the most successful tour you've ever had. Afterall, everyone will want to have their chance to see you before you go off to valiantly serve our country. The shows will be completely sold out!"

Conrad stared at his manager in silence.

"Don't you see what I'm saying Conrad? Don't you understand? It's simple really. More publicity equals more fans at the shows, and more fans mean more green, cash, money!" Mr. Bergman took a coin out of his pocket and placed it into Conrad's palm to emphasize his point.

Conrad flipped the coin back to Mr. Bergman as he stood ane headed toward the door. "Uh-huh. Well, don't spend it all in one place." With that parting comment, Conrad exited the suite, slamming the door behind him.

As he strode down the hallway, Conrad heard the door to the suite fly open behind him and the sound of Mr. Bergman's voice calling out as the portly man tried to catch up. "Wait! Conrad! I don't think you fully understand what I'm saying...Please! Come BACK!

The sounds of pursuing footsteps soon stopped and Conrad could tell by the way he spoke that Mr. Bergman was trying to catch his breath. "Okay...al-alright." He paused a moment before going on, "You win, Conrad...Just- just be sure you're back by...Just be back by four thirty. You still have a concert tonight!"

Yeah, a concert which I may or may not attend. I knew he'd give up sooner or later.

Conrad was happy to finally get away from his manager. He needed some time alone. However, shortly after exiting the luxurious hotel, and stepping out onto the street, Conrad realized he had another problem.

"Oh my gosh! Is it him? Could it really be Conrad Birdie?

The chorus of excited screams which followed the mention of his name told Birdie that the girl who had spoken was not alone. Whipping his head around, he frantically searched for the source of the noise, and found that the group was about a block away, and on the other side of the street.

Oh great. Conrad looked down at his flashy gold attire and then back at the mob of young girls who were in the process of crossing the street at a nearby cross-walk, and were advancing toward him at an alarming rate. What am I gonna do, man?

With no plan, and no more time to think of one, Conrad Birdie dashed out onto the busy street, right into oncoming traffic!