Hillbilly Rockstar Read Free Page A

safety in numbers, you need professional security. I doubt your drummer would know what to do if you were attacked.”
    The bearded guy laughed and covered the noise with a cough.
    â€œWhat else?”
    â€œTake your face and your name off the side of the bus. That’s justinviting trouble. If having your face billboard sized is a vanity thing, get over it. A nondescript vehicle cuts your security risks in half since no one knows you’re on board.”
    Devin’s mouth tightened, but he didn’t respond.
    So she continued. “There are four bunk spaces, but it looks to me as though they’re being used to store random sh—stuff. It’s an easy place for someone to hide or to hide something. The band doesn’t travel on your bus?”
    â€œThe band travels in a separate bus, as do the roadies who handle the equipment.”
    â€œHow many buses are in the Devin McClain traveling show?”
    â€œThere are three tour buses and two semis.”
    â€œWe’re getting sidetracked here,” three-piece-suit guy interjected. “I need to know if GSC can handle Devin’s security needs.”
    Garrett tapped his pen on the table. “I’m getting mixed signals. Who makes the final decision on this?”
    â€œI do,” Devin said, keeping his focus on Garrett. “So let’s cut to the chase. Here are my revised security requirements. One security specialist who will blend in with my crew. While security is your main concern, privacy is mine. I require time alone to work. I understand this person will need to be close by at all times, but you all need to understand that if I have to choose between my safety and my ability to make music, the music will win every time.”
    For the first time, Liberty understood Devin’s underlying frustration with the situation.
    â€œGive me time to confer with my team. Any last questions before we duck out for a few?”
    Liberty’s stomach pitched when Devin aimed those intense blue eyes at her. “Anything else you want to add?”
    The cool tone wasn’t only a challenge, but his clear displeasure that she’d voiced an opinion. Because she was a woman? Or because she’d dissed his operation? She let her gaze flit across the men on his side of the table, three-piece-suit guy, bearded guy and a guy wearing a cowboy hat who hadn’t said a word. “Brutal honesty, Mr. McClain? You’ve reached a highlevel of success in the music world. You deserve a nicer bus than that piece of shit parked out front, especially if your safety truly is their number-one concern.”
    The man didn’t even crack a smile.
    Just as they were walking out the door, the guy in the cowboy hat said,“Hold up.” He meandered over and handed Garrett a sheaf of paper. “Here are the rates we’re prepared to offer for this contract. So you know we’re serious.” Then he murmured something to Garrett.
    Interesting. Liberty wondered if Devin McClain knew what his safety was worth.
    After the cowboy hat guy trotted off, Garrett and Joe conferred in low tones. She wanted to eavesdrop, but something in their stiff postures worried her, so she hustled into Garrett’s office.
    A few minutes later, Joe plopped next to her in the chair opposite Garrett’s desk.
    Garrett refilled his cup of coffee before he took his seat. He unfolded the paper and raised both his eyebrows before passing it to Joe.
    â€œThat good, huh?” Liberty prompted.
    â€œHoly fucking shit would be appropriate here.” Joe squinted at the paper. “This is one of the highest pay rates I’ve ever seen.”
    Liberty snorted. “It’d have to be since Mr. McClain is a dickhead and no sane person would ever take on the assignment.”
    â€œLiberty.”
    Although she’d been chastised, she pushed her point. “Why are you even considering taking this job? It’s not like GSC needs the