Page 45 of Love on the Byline

“He wasn’t above borrowing a thing or two.” Blake smiled,glad when Deanna returned it.

“He was a journalist? Like you?”

The question touched a tender bruise, and she must havewinced because Deanna’s expression filled with sorrow.

“I’m sorry If I-”

“It’s okay,” Blake assured her. “He was, and I hope to be asaccomplished as him someday.”

“I’m sure he would be proud of you.”

Blake took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to loosen theknot that always formed in her throat when she thought of her granddad. Thelast time she’d seen him, he’d looked through her like she wasn’t even there.

“Thanks.” She cleared her throat. “Anyway, as I said, I can’tguarantee the story will run. But I want to give it the time and attention itdeserves. Give it the best shot.”

Deanna nodded slowly. “I would say…seven or eight of my kidshave come to me about Diamond Moon. And I know of three who signed with them.One is still active and doing alright, from what I’ve heard. Videos with a lotof views, and so on. I haven’t spoken to Chidi in a year or more, but the kidstalk.”

She made note of everything. “Does he perform under thatname?”

“I think so.” Deanna spelled it for her. “He’s nineteen now.Used to come here after school, from age twelve until he was sixteen. Hestopped coming regularly, and then didn’t come at all. I called his mother, tomake sure everything was all right, and she told me he’d signed a contract withDiamond Moon. They’re an umbrella company with a record label, a talent agency,etcetera. One stop shop.”

“I’m aware. And they signed him at sixteen?”

“The mom seemed excited by the idea of having a rap star fora son,” the other woman said. “She mentioned moving to a better neighborhood,getting a new car. That sort of thing.”

“And did they?”

She nodded. “They did move, but other than that I couldn’tsay.”

“What caused your concern with Diamond Moon?” Blake had hersuspicions but didn’t want to influence her source.

“I had a young woman in the choir, Belinda.” Deanna sighed,her gaze going distant. “She was a stunner. Talented, too. Voice like AmyWinehouse, mixed with a little Fantasia. Anyway, someone from Diamond Moon cameto our Fall fundraiser—the kids perform and show off their work for locals anddonors. She spoke to Belinda after the show, took her and her parents todinner.”

“Do you remember the woman’s name?”

“Taylor. Selina Taylor.” The woman’s eyes went stormy as shebit the words out.

“What happened?”

Blinking fast, Deanna opened a drawer and pulled out a packof nicotine gum.

Blake shook her head when she offered some. “I’ve neversmoked.”

“You’re smarter than me.” Deanna popped a piece of gum outof the foil and put it in her mouth, grimacing. “This shit is disgusting.” Shewoke the computer and pulled up a webpage, turning the monitor for Blake to see.

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD, ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING, FOUND NOTGUILTY

“Trafficking?” Shocked, Blake turned to her. “Isthe company a front?”

“I did some digging, but I didn’t get far.” She reached forBlake’s arm, squeezing it with shaky fingers. “Maybe you can ask the questionsI couldn’t, get the answers. Belinda is a sweet girl, there’s no way she didthis on her own.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

“I appreciate it.” Deanna stood and smoothed her hands overher clothes. “Even if nothing comes of this, it means a lot to me that you’retrying.”

Blake rose and shook her hand. “Whatever I find, I’ll share.And if any of the kids want to talk, with their parents’ permission, of course,I’m happy to come back anytime.”

“Thank you again. I hate to cut this short, but we have ourlate afternoon classes soon.” The woman rounded the desk and led her throughthe door. “You’re welcome to stick around and watch. Do you sing?”

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