“I did something I regret. It’s part of my job, but it is also the part I dislike the most. I referred you to a good-for-nothing lawyer, then stuck this lousy contract under his nose. I was ready to screw you.” He stopped to let the words sink in. “Sorry. That’s the way a bottom-line corporation takes advantage of artists.”

Beverly put down her wine glass. “My, my.”

“I apologize. Really.” Wade's eyebrows drooped to show his sincere regret. “If Nola signed this contract, she’d be tied up as the lowest-paid singer in Musix’ stable for just about forever—and I would get a fat bonus check.”

Nola pressed against the back of her chair. The slats pushed into her ribs. His words were far, yet near. She had trusted him so, yet he had been conning her all along! No, he had given her a break, yet…. Now he was honest.

“I’m really sorry I couldn’t be more up front with you,” he told her. “It was my job. But I can’t do it to you.”

Beverly asked. “So that’s it? End of story?”

“Just the beginning. I have a better idea.” Wade's smile was directed toward Beverly, but he spoke to Nola. “I want to resign from Musix and become your personal manager. Instead of helping a label exploit you, I’ll protect your interests. You’re extremely talented, but you need the attention of a professional if you’re going to make it in this cutthroat world. And I’m talking about making it big. A star. Not just another artist.”

“Well, well, well,” Beverly mumbled. “How do we know that this time you’re being straight with us?”

“Look, I’m taking more of a risk than you are,” Wade went on speaking to Nola. “I’ll quit a good-paying job, a promising corporate career. I’ll be investing in you all of my time, my money, my knowledge and my connections. I will only succeed if you succeed. I’m betting my career on you.”

Nola stared at him. She didn’t know what to think. She hadn’t yet left Smithtown but was already out of her element.

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 20

In a blur of shouts and sights, Nola clutched the inert bundle in her arms. Leslie slapped a wad of yuan into a caretaker’s palm. Yoram’s long arms created a protective shield around Nola and Lulu as he whisked them out.

“Everything’ll be all right. Hang in there, Lulu, my baby. You’re strong. Be strong a little longer until we get a doctor for you,” Nola panted the words. What doctor? Where could she find one who would not take Lulu away again? Nola slid onto the car’s back seat.

“I’ll call Daniel and see if he knows one,” Leslie said.

She was about to object. Daniel wasn’t a friend. “Do it,” she murmured.