Chapter 26 ~ Reverb

London: Heathrow Airport

It was gloomy at Heathrow when the trio disembarked and headed for the waiting limo. They sat in silence, getting through customs had taken longer than Slim had expected, and he was tired and irritable. Introducing Anya to the rest of the band would have to wait until the morning.

Slim glanced over at her; she managed to make it through the long flight without mishap. He found her engaging and intelligent; her mother had been an archaeologist before she died when Anya was 13, her father, a judge. She was an unusual beauty and Slim wondered how well she would handle herself on a tour with the fans, the roadies, the band members.

Royal Garden Hotel


Arriving at the hotel, Slim checked them in, got them settled in their rooms and headed to the lobby bar before he settled in for the night. It had been a long time since he had been on the road with Coop and the band, and the adrenaline was still pumping through his veins.

He sat at the bar, considering whether or not to make use of the hotel gym when a sultry voice interrupted his thoughts, "Well hello there Slim; I wondered when I might bump into you! Just like old times, isn't it?" Selene Coyle slid into the stool next to him and ordered a drink.

Glancing sideways at her, Slim barely cracked a smile as he nodded in greeting, "Not quite like old times," he answered.

Selene leaned toward him and spoke suggestively, "You look all wound up Slim. Maybe you need some strenuous activity to release all that…tension."

Slim had indulged in a brief but torrid affair with Selene when Mercury Rising had first hit it big but it had ended as rapidly as it had flared up, a white hot flash of seduction and lust that burned out just as quickly. Laughing he responded, "Those days are over, Selene. I'm not the same man you think I am."

She rose and stood dangerously close to Slim, "Pity…I remember those days vividly. Are you sure you don't want to indulge in a walk down memory lane?"

Rising, Slim looked squarely at her, so close that it took her breath away, "I don't think so Selene," his deep rumbling voice bringing her back to the present, "I'll see you at the reception. Goodnight." Slim leaned in close as if to say something before turning to walk away with a small satisfied grin.



O2 Arena Final Rehearsals - 2:45PM

Shaun and Stevie arrived at the arena early that afternoon with Tyler following close behind. This would be their last run-through before the opening show. Stevie paced restlessly still not in favor of the idea of a backup drummer following them around. She was more than capable of keeping her raging hormones in check.

Shaun knew better however having observed firsthand how Stevie would become lightheaded, queasy and the fatigue from being pregnant sapped her strength. The adrenaline alone, not to mention the vigorous task of a drummer, especially during a show, was dangerous in his mind. Shaun was not going to allow her to be reckless.

The band ran through a few songs when Slim arrived with Rafe and a young woman that all eyes focused on immediately. Anya watched them assess her with interest and tried not to feel intimidated by the attention. Shaun was the first to approach the group. He knew Slim had hired a woman, a fact that he avoided telling Stevie until the last possible moment.

Stretching his hand out to greet her, Shaun introduced himself, "Hey, I'm Shaun. We're looking forward to hearing what you've got." Anya was startled by the vividness of his eyes. She had seen Storm Warning perform but had never been this close; Anya had to admit it was unnerving.

"And I'm Stevie," pushing her way between them, tired and suddenly very prickly. "I know," Anya breathed, "I have been such a fan of yours since I first picked up a set of sticks. You have no idea how thrilled I am to be able to work with you and learn a few things."

Stevie eased up a little, still wary of the girl but not quite as on edge.

Rafe had gone over to where Tyler stood back casually watching the scene unfold. Although not friends, they were acquainted with each other. "Interesting girl," Rafe mused as he stood, arms folded, next to Tyler.

Saying nothing, Tyler grinned at him and shook his hand careful not to squeeze too hard. About the only thing Rafe and Tyler had in common was Amanda, a fact that left Rafe feeling more than a little pity where Tyler was concerned. He would have to buy the guy a few drinks later on.

At that moment, Cooper walked in and headed straight for the new arrivals, curious over the new girl and immensely relieved at seeing Slim. Glancing briefly at Rafe, Tyler strode lazily across the stage. Tyler recognized the wide-eyed apprehension in her face immediately, that star struck and overwhelmed expression.

In an effort to bring her focus back to the job at hand, Tyler suggested, "Why don't we get the stagehands to set your kit up and we'll run through a short set?" Grateful for the rescue, Anya quickly took Tyler's suggestion and headed toward her skins.

Stevie sat in front of the sound board and listened intently to the rehearsal. Although she would not admit it, she was grateful for the reprieve. Cooper sat next to for some moments without speaking. He knew what was going through her mind and hoped to ease her fears.

"She's not bad," Stevie broke the silence. "I'm more concerned with how you are Stevie. Are you feeling all right?" Cooper asked. "I'm not dying Cooper, I'm pregnant, no big deal," she retorted in a tone more barbed than she intended.

Cooper smiled inwardly, "Obviously being pregnant hasn't lessened your bite much."

Sitting to Cooper's right Slim acknowledged his friend with a grin as they continued to watch the set in silence. For the first time since he had arrived Cooper felt at ease.



The Ritz London 9:00PM - Palm Court

Gibson had spared no expense at the reception they arranged for the tour. Liquor was flowing freely from the bars, food was abundant, and music was playing as sponsors mingled with the artists, promoters, and limited press.

Selene watched Slim and Cooper as they mingled with the crowd. She ran her hands down the red silk of her dress never taking her eyes off the duo and walked slowly toward them.

"Are you enjoying yourselves gentlemen?" she asked. Cooper finished his drink and set it down as he responded, "Yes, immensely; Gibson seems to have pulled out all the stops to entertain us." Looking from Cooper to Slim and back again Selene laughed, "Gibson is interested in a long and prosperous relationship with Hitman Records and your band."

"Is that so?" Slim's gruff voice boomed. Selene lowered her eyelids demurely before looking directly at him, "Look around you Slim. Gibson has been a formidable presence in the music industry for well over 50 years. There is no area we aren't firmly involved with. Cooper primarily uses a vintage Gibson, not to mention his Kramers which are a subsidiary."

"And you want to exploit that for your own purposes?" Slim crossed his arms distrustful of her real motives. "Not to exploit; I was thinking more along the lines of a partnership, something mutually beneficial."

Looking over at Cooper again, she continued, "What do you think Cooper? It will be your face, your band, your label side by side with Gibson. It's a win-win proposition."

Cooper hesitated as he studied her. He was tired of the constant exposure and lack of privacy. Acting as the face of Gibson would mean more promotions beyond touring, more time away from where his heart longed to be. He already endorsed his use of the vintage Gibson he played; he didn't want to go beyond that. "I don't know Selene. I'm really not interested in putting my face and name on more products. The label, maybe."

"It would be good for business Cooper, yours and mine," she persisted. "No," he said flatly, "I don't want to do it." Taken aback by his abrupt response, Selene regrouped. "All right then, I understand. You've been through a lot and want to step back a bit. I hope you won't stop me from pursuing this with some of the other musicians?"

"I've got no problem with that but you need to work with Slim on this. My involvement ends with the vintage line." Throwing Slim a weary look Cooper spoke, "I'm heading back to the hotel. Hit me up when you get back there, all right?" Nodding, Slim watched as Cooper walked away and turned his gaze back to a smug Selene Coyle.

Tyler slipped onto the sofa next to Anya who had been doing her best to try and fit in and finally gave up. This was more, much more, than she anticipated. Grateful for an ally, she smiled at Tyler as they chatted about everything from their childhood love of music to their present situation.

"Don't sweat all the promotional bullshit; it will get less overwhelming eventually," he comforted her. "Oh? How long did it take for you to get used to it?" Anya asked him. He laughed easily, "I haven't really but don't tell anyone that okay?"

Rising, he looked down at her, "Listen, I'm going to get out of here and head back to the hotel bar. Would you like to come along?"

Aidan stood by the buffet table deciding if he wanted any more food, his mind on Lakin, when Rafe approached him. "Are you enjoying yourself surrounded by all this madness?" Aidan asked him as he popped a mushroom cap in his mouth absently.

"It's all right," Rafe answered. "I want to get started on my interviews…thought I might start with you." Aidan looked at him, surprised, "Now?" Rafe shook his head; he already had his preliminary outline and had been adding fragments and observations to it.

He needed an angle that no one had used before and thought he would find it with Aidan. "No, I was thinking the day after tomorrow, after tomorrow's performance. That work for you?"

Aidan never thought he was as interesting as the others and was surprised Rafe wasn't pursuing an interview with Cooper first. Maybe he had his reasons. Either way, it didn't matter. "Sure, that sounds fine," Aidan answered, shrugging as another mushroom cap found its way to his lips.

Heydon normally enjoyed these gatherings but this time all he wanted to do was crash at the hotel. Still brooding and unable to force himself to bring about any semblance of a truce with Daniel, he sat at the bar, nursing a tequila for a few seconds before tossing it back.

"You look bored; may I join you?" Selene asked. Heydon watched as she slipped onto the barstool without waiting for his answer. Definitely intrigued by her, he figured why not? "Suit yourself, but I doubt I'd be much company," he shrugged.

"You don't look like you are enjoying the party Heydon," her honeyed voice sounded slightly hurt. "Perhaps I could make things more entertaining for you?"

There was no mistake in her intent as Heydon studied her. She was beautiful and intriguing, that was certain."What did you have in mind?" he played along. Selene smiled, "I have a proposition for you…if you're interested." I'll bet you do, Heydon thought. "And what might that be?" he continued.

Selene paused, took a drink and looked back at him, "I want you as the new face for Gibson guitars." Heydon's face darkened. That was crap, she wanted Cooper and he said no. He was second choice…again. "Forget it," he snapped, "you asked Coop and he refused. Do you think I'm an idiot…that I don't know what's going on here?"

Selene stood at the same time as Heydon preventing him from walking away. She stepped close to him, "I did ask Cooper, it's true, but it would have been bad business not to ask him first. You're the one I really want Heydon. I want to develop a signature line with your creative input, your name, your endorsement."

Heydon's frustration was at its peak but he relented somewhat. "Are you interested?" Selene purred. "Maybe," he replied as he allowed his eyes to rake over her. "Perhaps you would allow me to convince you over drinks elsewhere?" she ran her hand up his arm and let it drop, her eyes never leaving his.

"Lead the way, lady." Heydon watched Selene as she gracefully weaved through the room smiling and nodding to all the guests. It wouldn't hurt to get away from all the hype and Heydon's ego could certainly use the attention. It was just drinks with an associate, no harm in that.

The damp London air immediately assailed Heydon as he continued to follow Selene down the street. "My driver is just over here," she breathed as she signaled toward a sleek black town car.

What the hell was he doing? Heydon watched her hips sway gently, and her long legs move gracefully one in front of the other, that red silk caressing each limb. Just business, that's all this is, he kept repeating.

O2 Arena 8PM - Storm Warning

About to step out in front of 20,000 screaming fans, Tyler stood behind the stage and found he was surprisingly calm. He waited, Shaun and Stevie beside him, for the future he envisioned to become his reality. Tyler drew a deep breath as he heard a voice over the sound system:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the O2 Arena welcomes for the first time on an international stage, Storm Warning!"

The lights were dimmed as they purposefully walked out on stage. The roar of the crowd increased as the spotlights flashed on the band as they began to perform, loud, electric, reverberating sounds filled the venue.






Cooper stood in the tunnel between the stage and the backstage area listening to the muffled sounds of Storm Warning's performance. Crews hurried by with instruments, sound equipment and cables. Closing his eyes, he breathed deep and let go of all the thoughts that filled his head.

Pulling his cell out of his pocket, he called Beth. "Hey gorgeous; we're just about ready to go out on stage and I really needed to hear your voice. Beth," he paused, "I love you baby."


Beth's breath had caught in her throat when she saw the name on her caller ID. Overwhelming emotion consumed her once more as Cooper's gritty voice sent shivers through her. "I love you too Coop. I wish we could be with you; someone better be filming this for me," she laughed.

Cooper smiled warmly, the sound a caress against his skin, "We've got all kinds of film crews here. I'll have them send some footage as soon as I can. I've got to go baby. Kiss Rainie for me; tell her Daddy loves her." Hanging up was agony for him.

"I will. Now you go rock the house and call me when you get back to the hotel. I want to hear everything. I love you Coop." Another wave of emotion that almost had Beth in tears swept over her as the call disconnected.

"I miss you," she whispered as her eyes penetrated across the expanse of ocean in an effort to see all the way to London.

O2 Arena 9:30PM - Mercury Rising (recommended listening So Hot by Kid Rock)

The only thing that compared to the thrill of performing in front of thousands of screaming fans was sex…really good, hot, steamy sex. Cooper loved the feeling, that familiar, intense rush surging through his veins like a narcotic as he waited for the cue to their entrance. He was the music and it was powerful.

Sucking in a deep breath, Cooper shut his eyes. When he opened them, they were blazing with an intense flame, his body transformed, the monster rock star stood poised and ready.

The inky black of the stage provided cover as they made their way out.

Danny's drums broke the silence, a low, steady pace, a heartbeat of sounds, pounding, pulsating, and increasing in intensity.


It climaxed with the heavy wail of Coop's guitar and his distinctive gravelly voice exploding amid lights blazing heat from behind.






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NEXT CHAPTER: Rising Above Chapter 3