Page 136 of The Drummer

“Of course, Mr. Barrett. We can go to my office.”

She has an office?

I manage a straight face as my newly recruited undercover agent adopts a somber, stealthy gait while leading me down an adjoining corridor to a locked “Employees Only” door.

After sneaking through, we weave through a maze of cubicles and offices, drawing plenty of curious looks. I can’t tell if it’s because drummer Casey Barrett of Night Shifts Black is invading their space or if it’s because he’s holding a giant box that says “Tildale Farms Tomatoes.”

When we reach a dark office on the left, she unlocks the door and motions inside. She even checks for witnesses. For the record, there are plenty because… giant room of cubicles.

“How can I help you, Mr. Barrett?” she asks, once we’re safely out of view.

Her tone has softened significantly since my first encounter with her the day I showed up to visit Luke.

“Well, as you may know, Night Shifts Black has been on a short let’s say… ‘writing hiatus.’”

She nods gravely, forehead creased to tell me she does know and is super concerned about it.

“This is top secret, okay?”

“Of course! Our guests’ privacy is our highest priority.”

“I know it is. I trust you.”

She beams, and I pivot toward her as much as my tomato box will allow.

“The good news is, we finally have new material we’re working on.”

Her eyes go wide.

“The bad news is, we have a trailer with our gear coming today and nowhere to rehearse. The studio can’t take us until Friday, and we have lots of work to do before then. I was hoping…”

My voice fades to leave room for her to save the day.

She clasps her hands with a thoughtful look. “Let me think… Our banquet rooms are all booked, but you wouldn’t have much privacy there anyway. Oh! Would you be willing to use a space in the service portion of the hotel?”

“The service portion sounds private. Is it?”

“Extremely!”

“And it’s big enough to host a rock band and their equipment?”

“Absolutely! I can have my team start clearing it right away. When will you need it?”

“Around three this afternoon. Is there a back loading dock our trailer can sneak into?”

“Of course! I will arrange that as well. In fact, here.” She plucks a business card from a holder and hands it to me. “My cell is on there if you think of anything else you need.”

“Perfect.” I shift the weight of the box to take the card and stuff it in my pocket.

“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Barrett. We’re honored you’ve chosen our establishment to work on your music.”

Well,Luke did.

“We appreciate your help. And please, call me Casey.”

A smile peeks through her stern façade. “Whatever you prefer…Casey.”

She looks a second away from patting me on the cheek like I’m her favorite nephew.

---