Page 134 of The Last Love Song
‘Home sweet home,’ he murmured under his breath.
‘Well, that was another unqualified success, boys,’ smiled Freddy from the front seat. ‘You looked and sounded great.’
‘I don’t know how you heard us, Freddy. With two hundred and fifty thousand screaming fans, we could have played nursery rhymes and no one would have known the difference,’ murmured Derek.
‘Yeah, well, that’s as may be, but I reckon the gig will go down in rock history. You attracted a crowd almost as big asthe Beatles when they played the Hollywood Bowl. You can still cut it, there’s no doubt about that.’
‘Did you ever question it, Freddy?’ asked Todd quietly.
‘Well, I did get the impression that rehearsals hadn’t exactly gone smoothly.’
‘You know what they say: terrible dress rehearsal, great show,’ Todd mused.
‘Freddy, something has to be done fast about your man there.’ Con indicated Ian, who had fallen asleep with his mouth open. ‘He managed to fluke it on Saturday. But I’m not risking another live gig until he’s clean.’
Freddy nodded. ‘Okay, I’ll sort it. I think we need to meet up at the end of the week, have a chat about the new album and make plans for the next few months. I’m seeing Helen on Wednesday for lunch. She says she has something she wants to talk to me about. Anyone got any ideas?’
Those who were awake shook their heads.
‘Stop here and Con and I will catch a cab up north. It’ll be faster. The driver can take the rest of you home,’ said Freddy.
The driver pulled over on Hammersmith Broadway.
‘Con, shall we get together?’ Todd asked. ‘With Lulu in LA for a couple of days, I’ve got the house to myself. Come over.’
Freddy was signalling for a cab.
‘Sure, Todd. Give me a bell.’
Freddy and Con got into the taxi and it headed towards Belsize Park.
‘You will do something about Ian, won’t you, Freddy? If we’re ever to get this album completed, he’s got to shape up. To be honest, if he doesn’t, we’ll have to think about replacing him.’
‘I’ve said I’ll have a word and I will. You seem very tense, Con. Have done all week. Is something wrong?’
‘No, I’m grand altogether.’
‘Is it these murder threats?’
‘Well, it’s not ideal to find yourself on some nutter’s hit list, but I’m coping.’
‘They’ll track him down soon, no doubt. Is anything else troubling you?’
‘No.’ Con stared out of the window.
‘Okay,’ Freddy sighed. ‘Look, any problems, give me a shout. I’m only down the road.’ Freddy tapped on the glass. ‘Just here’ll be fine.’ The taxi pulled to a halt. He climbed out, his holdall slung over his shoulder. ‘As I said, call any time. Send my love to Sorcha. Helen says she’s been really poorly.’
Con nodded. ‘Bye, Freddy.’
‘Where to now, mate?’ asked the taxi driver.
‘Hampstead.’
‘Righto.’
The taxi continued the few miles to the Daly household, where the gates slid open to welcome Con home. He handed the driver the fare, and let himself inside.
‘Sorcha? Sorcha?’
