AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why do you want your fans to visit a piracy website and get your music illegally?”
“I only want them to steal myoldmusic—the songs tied to the master recordings that are owned by Shaky Nichols.”
Jack paused. “Let me make sure I understand. If the songs are purchased lawfully, you get a little piece of the pie, but Shaky gets more.”
“A lot more. Almost everything. My share is a joke.”
“If your fans go pirate, you get nothing, but Shaky also gets nothing.”
“Exactly.”
“You prefer the scenario under which Shaky gets nothing, even if it costs you a few bucks.”
“You bet I do.”
Jack didn’t necessarily agree with the reasoning, but he definitely got it, especially when dealing with an ex-spouse.
“Okay. You described this as a defamation lawsuit, which I’m guessing stems from your calling him a thief and probably worse. But my instinct tells me this is really about the ‘go pirate’ campaign. I’d like to read the actual complaint Shaky filed with the court.”
Imani reached for her phone. “I can email it to you right now.”
“I don’t need it that fast.”
“Actually, you do,” said Imani. “There’s a court hearing set for Monday at nine a.m.”
Jack was taken aback. “You have a court hearing in less than thirty-six hours, and you’re just now looking for a lawyer?”
“A new lawyer. My old one quit this morning.”
“Why?”
“She’s an entertainment lawyer. Ninety-five percent of her clients come from inside the industry. If Shaky Nichols calls and tells you that you’ll never work in the music industry again unless you dump Imani, you dump Imani.”
“Shaky threatened your lawyer?”
“I can’t say for sure,” said Imani. “But she’s the second entertainment lawyer to quit on me with no explanation. That’s why Theo recommended you. And he’s right. You’re an outsider. You can rip Shaky a new asshole and not have to worry about ruffling industry feathers.”
“That could be the nicest thing Theo has ever said about me,” said Jack, smiling.
“You’re welcome,” said Theo.
Jack turned serious again. “All right. Lots of work between now and Monday morning. I’ll need a retainer right away.”
“My business manager will take care of that.”
“You didn’t ask how much.”
“I’m sure we’ll work that out, as long as you sign my NDA.”
“One hundred K. And no NDA.”
“I don’t buy a pair of shoes without an NDA.”
“I’m not a pair of shoes. I signed one to get into your concert, but I won’t sign one to be your lawyer. That’s my one non-negotiable rule.”
Imani paused, and Jack thought it might be a deal breaker.
“Probably a good rule,” she said finally.
