Snared(25)

“Beats?” Oh, Beats. That was our favorite music store we’d come across on one of our tour stops when the owner had been backstage and asked us to come by. He’d given us some epic instruments and equipment for next to nothing so we’d help promote his business. “Did you say they’re closing?”

Johnny nodded, throwing a pair of jeans at me. “Yes. He never told us his business was in trouble, but we’re going to help him.”

“Help him how?”

“Buy shit,” Johnny said. “Whatever he needs.”

“Everyone is going?”

Johnny shook his head. “No. Just you and me.”

“Why the fuck do I have to go? I was sleeping!”

He narrowed his eyes at me. He spent too much time with his wife. “Because he’s done a lot for us, you fuckhead. And I don’t know where Tanner is or whose bed he’s waking up in, and Bex is with the kids and doesn’t want to leave them. Now come on. I’ll get you some damn breakfast on the way.”

I grabbed a Henley and my boots and followed Johnny out, stopping only to use the bathroom and brush my teeth.



“Linc, man, how the fuck are ya?” Johnny fist bumped, half hugged Lincoln, the tatted up, pierced owner of Beats. He’d been an aspiring rock star in his earlier days, but had instead turned to teaching others about music. He’d been an important part of the music industry in Florida for as long as I’d been alive.

I fist bumped him, both of us nodding in silence at each other. He got me. I inspected the huge yellow signs that screamed “STORE CLOSING.”

“What the hell happened, man? Bex just told me this morning that she found out you were closing, and we busted ass up here. Why didn’t you call us? You know my wife. She was upset you didn’t call her.”

Linc frowned. “Call you and say what? That business is slow, and I’m losing my ass? I’m okay, Johnny. Been here thirty years, but with the Internet, people buy shit all over now. Small local shops can’t compete anymore.”

“You’ve been the greatest supporter of Jaded Regret and other bands like us,” Johnny said. “We could’ve helped you.”

He waved his hand, dismissing him. “Nah. I’m good. Going to retire and see what kind of shit I can get into.”

“Wanna play?” Johnny indicated the setup behind Linc.

“Do I want to rock with Jaded Regret? Well, part of Jaded Regret? Hell yeah!”

I settled behind the drum set on display, a little off my game since it wasn’t the setup I was used to. But hey, I could roll with it, right? We banged and rocked as we played classic rock songs. Linc was happy when we played a few Jaded Regret songs with him. He was impressive and knew our stuff.

After what seemed like minutes, but had been over an hour, Johnny rested the guitar back on the stand where it had been. I followed him, putting the drumsticks back where I’d picked them up.

“I wish you well,” Johnny said, shaking Linc’s hand again. “It’s a shame you can’t keep this place open. But if you’re sure you’re ready to let it go, Jaded Regret would like to purchase the rest of your stock.”

Linc stood completely still for a moment before registering what Johnny had said. “Excuse me?” I was shocked, too, and couldn’t imagine how Linc must’ve felt.

Johnny nodded. “It came from the boss lady herself. She wants to start a hangout for the foster kids in our area where they can come play. She wants to have lessons taught by us when we’re there and manned by employees when we aren’t. She wants to give them a place to go to keep them from getting into trouble on the streets.”

“Johnny . . .”

He held up his hands. “She’s been talking about this for a while, way before she knew anything about your shop closing. It helps both of us, Linc. We will arrange for a company to pack it all up and bring it down to us.”

Linc shook his head. “But, Johnny . . .”

“Do you want to talk to Bex? You know how she gets when questioned.” Johnny took out his phone and pulled up Bex’s name, hovering his finger over the button to call her.

They laughed. Wasn’t that the damn truth. I allowed a small smile, but laughter was hard pressed with me. “No,” Linc said, “I don’t want to cross that woman. The hottest thing in rock music but scary as hell.”

“She’s not as scary now,” I said. “Being a mom has changed her. Mostly. Well, okay, she can still be a stubborn bitch, but that’s why we love her.”

“I love that woman more than life itself, and even I don’t want to cross her,” Johnny said.