Final Encore by Scotty Cade Read Free Book Online Page A

distinctly.”
    “You know, you’re right; I remember now.
    Besides, I may need to get in touch with you to set up a
    Capitol meeting or something.”
    “A Capitol meeting, huh,” Bily laughed.
    “Or something,” Ian said while he was reaching
    into his truck to grab a note pad from his attaché case.
    Ian handed the note pad to Bily, who wrote
    down his number and handed it back to Ian. He gave
    Bily a card in return. “In case you need me for
    anything.”
    Bily stuck out his hand, and Ian took it. They
    held each other’s gaze for what seemed like eternity,
    neither one wanting to let go. Reluctantly, they released
    their hold, and Bily said, “Drive safely, and hopefuly
    I’l see you again very soon.” Ian drove home feeling
    giddy and lighthearted for the first time in he didn’t
    know how long.

Chapter 5

    BILLY watched Ian drive away and headed back inside
    to get the scoop on Ian from Jean and Jules and see if
    they’d had anything to do with the events of the
    evening. When he walked in the front door, the place
    was empty and the band was gone, the bartenders were
    busy restocking the bar, and he heard Kitty Wels on
    the jukebox singing “I Can’t Help Wondering.” He saw
    movement out of the corner of his eye and turned
    toward the dance floor, spotting Jean and Jules, arms
    wrapped around each other, dancing the last dance of
    the night. He turned around so as to not interrupt the
    tender moment, but Jean saw him and motioned him
    over to the bar and pointed to a stool. When the song
    was over, Jules and Jean walked over and sat next to
    Bily.
    “Quite a night,” Jules said.
    “Okay, spil the beans, you two,” Bily insisted.
    “What beans?” Jean said with a guilty look.
    “You know what beans. Ian Dilon, Capitol
    Records. How much did you guys have to do with what
    took place tonight?”
    “Wel,” Jean said, “I simply caled a friend of mine
    and asked him to stop by and see a new performer,
    who’s also a friend. That’s what he does for a living, for
    God’s sake.”
    “But why didn’t you tel me?”
    “I didn’t want to make you nervous and I wasn’t
    sure tonight was the night. It al just worked out.”
    “Al I can say is thank you,” Bily said, and he
    gave them both hugs. “So now that we have that out of
    the way, tel me about Ian.”
    “What do you want to know?” Jules asked.
    “Everything.”
    Jean looked at Jules and said, “Let me see.”
    She told Bily about the night Ian had come into
    the saloon and how she’d given him a job as a
    bartender and bouncer, and how he had shown an
    interest and had a knack for knowing which performers
    had real potential; how he had worked his way up to
    selecting and hiring new talent, and finaly, how she’d
    introduced him to Josh Randal and ultimately how he’d
    gotten the job at Capitol.
    “Do you guys ever stop doing good deeds?” Bily
    asked.
    “Oh, Bily,” Jean said, “we just put one and one
    together and we usualy get two.”
    Jules finaly got a word in edgewise. “So what
    else do you want to know?”
    “For starters,” Bily said, “does he have a
    boyfriend?”
    “Oh my,” Jean said. “You know I don’t tel tales
    out of church, but just between us, no.” Bily couldn’t
    help smiling.
    “It’s a good thing, because he just might turn me
    into a home wrecker.” Jules shook his head, and they
    al laughed.
    “You’ve done so much for me, what can I do for
    you?” Bily asked.
    “For starters,” Jules said, “you can get things
    started at the ranch tomorrow. I’m taking my little lady
    home and we’re sleeping in.”
    “My pleasure,” said Bily, “but if I’m going to
    open up shop tomorrow, I’d better get going. I have a
    ful day tomorrow myself.” They exchanged hugs, and
    Bily headed for the door.
    When Bily reached his truck, he noticed a note
    on his windshield. He grabbed the paper and got in his
    truck. The note said, “My business card only has my
    work number on it, so