Dear Readers, this is the continuing saga. I would appreciate any feedback. Constructive criticism is important to me as I am writing this story. Thanks.
.

Chapter 15
.
.

“Hey, Little. How about giving us a rundown of this Vampire Romeo and Juliet rock opera you’re writing?”

Teri blushed and realized that everyone was looking at her and smiling. “Yeah, it’s a rock opera, kinda like what Green Day did. And yes, it’s about Vampires. Now, here’s a thought: legends tell us that both Vampires and Zombies spread through bites. I’m wondering if they’re viruses. And we know that viruses mutate, well, never mind on that. But can you imagine that we are just another mutation?”

She sighed. “It’s all there on your iPads. Zoe and I have written the lyrics to the opening song, and I’ve filled in the backstory. It tells the classic story. And yes, I’m stealing from Shakespeare and Twilight’s author, Stephenie Meyer. We’re still roughing it out. I’m hoping we can make it a Wildcat album eventually.”

Tiffany stared at her. “Eventually, huh? You mean we sit around and wait while you work on Beyonce’s and Taylor’s new album?”

Teri laughed. “No, Tiffany. That project’s out of my hands. They wanted it done by December 1st, so I’ve kicked it back to their teams of producers. I helped create a set list and select some duets. But everyone involved with this is much more experienced than I am. So I passed it all upward. And we really don’t need to be their backup band either. We did that already. One and done.”

Lisa nodded. “So where does that leave us?”

Teri nodded. “Well, we have time to work on Wildcat music. I’ve got these two songs here for us today, and it should go along smoothly until Boomer shows up in a couple of weeks.”

“Weeks! I thought months!”

Zoe smiled. “I thought I had six weeks, but she’s acting like she’s ready to make an appearance. So I’m just building a nest out of twigs, feathers, and cashmere. And yes, Tiffany, I’m kidding. No sticks.”

After Tiffany calmed down, Teri started talking. “I was with Jessica Jade. You know she’s been doing a deep search of our sperm donor and found him. He’s a record producer in New York. The guy plays with a blues band on the weekends and has a hot girlfriend. Okay, so I digress. You all know that Jessica supports an organization that helps battered wives and mothers escape from failed relationships and start a new life. Often, these women require a new identity and assistance with relocation. So it’s expensive.”

“And dangerous. Someday, Teri and I will share what it feels like when a motorcycle gang tries to drive you off the road and is shooting at you.” Lisa sat there without a smile on her face.

“How much does she need?”

Everyone turned to see Richard standing in the entrance doorway with Bill Wiggins. While the Wildcats all came over for greetings. Bill looked at Teri. “I’m here because Teri wrangled us to help produce the superstars’ secret Christmas album. We’re going to donate our profits, and Jessica’s foundation is a great one. Teri also mentioned the World Central Kitchen, too. I’m sure that in the Christmas spirit, we can get Taylor and Beyonce to share their earnings, too.”

Teri was applauding. “I have this idea…” She waited while everyone groaned and laughed.

“I want us to make a fundraising appearance at the Rendezvous. How about Thanksgiving week? Lots of people are in town, and we can play as many nights as Zoe can handle. It would all be for charity.”

Zoe laughed. “Better make it Christmas week, hun. Boomer will be here, and Christmas will give me a month to get my act together.”

Everyone agreed that it would give Robert time to work it out, too. They all agreed that naming Jessica’s Women’s Shelter and World Central Kitchen as the recipients would give everyone a chance to donate as well.

“I’ll talk to Robert and square that away,” Richard said. “He’s coming over for dinner this weekend.”

Bill Wiggins was smiling. “Uh, before I leave, can we agree to a Wildcats European tour starting in late Spring through the Summer?”

Everyone was nodding.

“While we have you out across the ocean, we’ll take some breaks for R&R. But the tour might end up being six months long compared to the summer tour of three months. It’s whatever you want to do. I’m also kind of hoping for a new album to promote, too. And you know, Lorne has given you guys the last Saturday before they all break for the Summer. It’s always a big show. And you can introduce some new music.”

Everyone was smiling. Teri raised her hand. “Uh, I have an idea.” She waited to hear the abuse she usually got, and everyone just kept watching her. “So, I was thinking that Warner Bros. could put together a couple of European-sized vans that could travel on the tour with us, and when we perform, the two units could become a mobile recording studio. I was hoping for a live side for our second double album. After we go home, Warners could leave the recording studio behind and sell it.”

Wiggins was smiling. “Great idea. But we wouldn’t sell it, we’d just put it in storage and use it again whenever we want.”

As he turned to walk out, Teri grabbed Lisa’s hand and followed Bill out to his SUV and his driver. “Uh, Mr. Wiggins?

He turned and smiled. “Ladies?”

Lisa started talking. “Do you know anything about a guy named Jack Dempsey?”

Wiggins nodded. “The producer up in New York who works at Electric Lady Studios? He’s younger than me, but a real old soul at heart. Gifted producer, a little quirky.”

Teri smiled. “He also sings and plays music, too. We’re kinda related to him.”

“Really? How so?”

“Our mom used a sperm bank for both of us. She’s a nurse and just didn’t find worthy husband material. So she used his sperm samples twice. It’s been a big secret, but we kinda pulled down the walls.”

“Yeah, good guy. Great producer. We wanted to hire him to our staff, but he’s independent. Kinda a round peg in a square hole. Everything he does is excellent, but he likes to be his own boss. Does he know about you two?”

After watching them shake their heads, Wiggins went on. “He doesn’t play anything but clubs. He experiences severe stage fright in large crowds. Jack has no desire to perform or tour. Talented guy, but likes his freedom to pick and choose what he does. I can’t see a physical resemblance, but you certainly are both more gifted than he is. Are you going to tell him?”

Lisa nodded. “Well, we need to test his DNA. Smith and I are going to start a family, and we need to tie up some loose ends for health purposes.”

“That’s good news for the two of you. Why doesn’t somebody approach him and mention the sperm bank, and there are recipients out there who have children who want his medical records?”

Lisa looked at Teri. “That would probably work. Now that we know he’s a good guy, I don’t think he’d be saying no.”

“Well, you’ll have to keep me updated and let me know if I can help.” He turned to Teri. “And when you’re ready, I can introduce you to a Broadway producer who could give you some insight on how a play is written and then adapted for the stage. It’s good to have that info in your pocket before you get too far along with your opera. But of course, if you plan on recording it like Green Day did and releasing it as an LP, we’ll be happy to handle it.”

Teri smiled. “Thanks. We were thinking about the Moody Blues and their album that included poetry. It was pretty trippy.”

“Teri, I am sure that anything you want to do is worth exploring. But you were smart, letting each of Beyoncé’s and Taylor’s producers wrangle this out. I am sure it’s going to be great, but it will take up a lot of your time. You should get credit for bringing them both together for that great set they performed on Labor Day. You know we have a clean recording and a synchronized video of their performance.”

“Could you send me a copy for my collection?”

“Of course. And you do know that Warner’s has a vinyl collection in our vaults? They’re all original masters. We’ve acquired a number of smaller companies and inherited their catalogs as well. I’ll send you a list of what we have, and we can make a vinyl copy of whatever you want.”

“Can I share that offer with DJ Blank and Questlove? They would flip!”

“Our discography goes back to the sixties when we were recording blues bands and jazz. The list is long.”

“Are you sure I can poach?”

“Sure. But the company will bill you for pressing charges and the labor. I know the guys will get a big kick out of knowing who’s getting the discs. If you and Questlove were to fly out to LA and meet the vault and pressing guys, they’d be walking on air.”

“Do you offer this up frequently?”

“We make the offer, but there are very few purists who want clean copies. I know Prince has everything we ever recorded. His collection must be worth a fortune. I wonder if his family knows what they’ve got down in that vault.”