“Amazing?” JD asked.
“Indeed. But just imagine what you could do with the full marketing potential of a major record label behind you. I think the time is right for rock ’n’ roll to return. And you guys could herald in a new era. Everything old is new again, and that neo-retro vintage sound is making a comeback.”
An optimistic grin tugged on JD’s lips.
“I’ll get out of your hair and let you enjoy the rest of the evening. Call my office Monday. I’d like to get together with the band and talk more about the possibilities. In the meantime, enjoy your evening. Your bar tab is on me, so enjoy yourselves.”
There were howls of approval from the band.
Jonathan flashed another smile and shook hands with the gang, then disappeared into the crowd.
“You heard the man,” JD said. “Drinks on Jonathan!”
There was another roar from the group.
We proceeded to drink our fill until the bar shut down. We all stumbled back toward the hotel. Though it was only a few blocks, it seemed like a monumental task, given our inebriated condition. On more than a few occasions, several members of the band tumbled onto the concrete with wobbly steps. With a horde of groupies in tow, we packed into the hotel room, and the party continued until the wee hours of the morning.
It didn’t take long for JD and Sloan to disappear into his bedroom. I had never seen him get much more than a peck on the cheek from her, so I was quite anxious to get a full report in the morning.
Lyric and I left the group to their debauchery and retired to my bedroom. I was battered and bruised, but I still managed to have a good time. Lyric went relatively easy on me. She got a little carried away at times, but I didn't mind her attempt to play rodeo queen.
In the morning, I got a call from Jasper, the deputy district attorney, just as the shafts of morning sun spilled through the blinds. "I thought you'd be interested to know that Detective Paxton was found dead on Nikki Griffin's boat in the marina, along with his partner. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
"That's news to me. Such a shame."
"Looks like he may have gotten into an altercation with his partner. It appears they shot each other. One of Nikki's girls, Bonnie Broussard, was found as well."
"Any word from Nikki?"
"LA County interviewed her. She claimed to know nothing about it. Has an alibi. Internal Affairs has launched a full investigation. I just thought you’d like to know.”
I could tell by his tone of voice he knew I was holding something back, but he didn’t press the issue.
I thanked him again for his offer to help, though he didn’t do anything. Before he hung up, he thanked me for setting Opal up with my agent.
I texted Nikki Griffin: [You set me up.]
I left it at that. There was no doubt Paxton had threatened her.
After spending another hour rolling around the sheets with Lyric, I finally pulled myself out of bed, took a shower, then ordered room service.
When I staggered into the living area, the place was an indescribable wreck. The pullout bed was full of half-naked groupies. Beer cans, whiskey bottles, and bongs were scattered about. Dizzy had managed to score the pullout bed, while Styxx and Crash slept in sleeping bags on the floor—sleeping bags filled with groupies. Apparently, the guys played rock-paper-scissors for the privilege of sleeping in the bed each night.
I stepped onto the balcony and took a breath of morning air. I looked down at the pool where Mia Sophia had drowned. I gave her mother a call and filled her in on all the details. Nothing would bring her daughter back, but in some way, justice had been served. Paxton wouldn’t be able to take advantage of anyone else. But power never leaves a void for long. Someone else would take his place, I was sure of it.
Sheriff Daniels called just as I was finishing up with Mia’s mother. We said our goodbyes, and I clicked over to speak with the sheriff.
“I need you two dipshits back in Coconut Key immediately.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“Nothing good. That’s for sure.”
JD stepped out of his bedroom with an ear-to-ear grin. I couldn’t wait to hear about his adventure with Sloan.
His grin faded when he saw my face. He knew exactly who I was talking to by my expression. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and he shook his head.
We still had business to take care of with the studio on Monday, and there was Jack’s potential meeting with the record label. Something told me Sheriff Daniels wouldn’t be too keen on us staying in LA for a few more days.
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The adventure continues with Wild High.
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Author’s Note
Thanks for all the great reviews!
I’ve got more adventures for Tyson and JD. Stay tuned.
If you liked this book, let me know with a review on Amazon.
—Tripp
Tyson Wild
Wild Ocean
Wild Justice
Wild Rivera
Wild Tide
Wild Rain
Wild Captive
Wild Killer
Wild Honor
Wild Gold
Wild Case
Wild Crown
Wild Break
Wild Fury
Wild Surge
Wild Impact
Wild L.A.
Wild…
Max Mars
The Orion Conspiracy
Blade of Vengeance
The Zero Code
Edge of the Abyss
Siege on Star Cruise 239
Phantom Corps
The Auriga Incident
Devastator
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