GREETINGS FROM W

Seven

I spent the entire night staring at my laptop screen.

TRUST ME.

Two words, seven letters, one story, and it was more than just a coincidence. Wolfe meant to send us a message, but I had no idea what to do, and from where to start. 

Every time I read it, I imagined Wolfe sitting in front of his computer monitor and typing the titles of the songs with shaky hands and tears falling down his cheeks.

What we heard about his death was only the tip of the iceberg, the one that shows in the surface, and can melt eventually and get lost between the waters of the endless oceans.

But the real story was the larger part of the iceberg, the one that stands strong underwater. 

I was well aware of the bad things happening within the music industry. It's another world with several rules and standards, but one matter was no different from the rest of the earth, rich people always get the last word.

I needed to speak to Luke as he was by Wolfe's side for more than three years. They worked together and founded the agency. He must have been aware of what was happening.

But I couldn't ask him as I had to wait until the next month for another visit. They only allow family members for more than one visit per month.

I left my bed and realized I was still wearing yesterday's outfit. I didn't bother opening my suitcase and wearing my pyjama as I was too shocked and confused to even move from my place. 

I was sleepy and mentally tired, but I needed to get ahold on myself and start my day. I took a pair of jeans and a jersey and headed to the bathroom. It was calm in the apartment as my parents left to work, so I opened the music app on my phone and chose my favourite playing before I jumped in the shower.

I got dressed and walked to the kitchen to make my breakfast. Everything was still the same way I left it three years ago. My mum only bought a few new cups and a set of plates. 

I opened the fridge and took an avocado and a few cherry tomatoes. I looked for the bread and put it in the toaster while I boiled some water for my tea. 

One thing I've learned during the last years was to take my time to make my breakfast.

They taught us when we were children that breakfast was the most important meal, and I confirmed it until I grew up. Now I got used to having a healthy and calm breakfast before I start the day. It brings me a feeling of serenity, and a moment to breathe before I face the world.

I put my plate and cup on the dining table and turned on the TV to watch the news. My heart dropped when the first thing that appeared on the screen was Wolfe's picture.

It was from last year when he got nominated for best producer. He didn't get the award, but people praised him a lot. 

Wolfe was on the screen, smiling widely, and looking handsome with his white shirt open to the chest, and his raven hair slicked back. 

“Several days have passed after music producer, Wolfe Gray, committed suicide, and fans are still not ready to say goodbye.” 

Footage of teenagers wearing teeshirts with Wolfe's picture, and other fans appeared.

There were many people in the cemetery to visit his grave and leave countless flower bouquets. It brought tears to my eyes as his departure was still hard to believe. 

A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. It was Rex, his manager, speaking. 

“Thank you for all the kind posts, messages, and all the support. I am sure Wolfe is happy watching you all share your love for him.”

Rex looked as horrible as Shadow. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his beard was unshaved. 

After him, appeared a man who looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was. He must be in his thirties and wore a black suit. He was in front of the Gems Entertainment building, making me wonder if he was working there.

“The situation here is chaotic after the CEO's arrest, and now the executive vice president's sudden death. We are still to discuss the faith of the agency with the board, but I cannot say they are going to be good news.”

I gulped and took a sip of my warm tea as I watched footages of Wolfe during his last appearances on award ceremonies and talk shows. I remembered how thrilled he was when they first opened the agency. He texted me and sent me a selfie of Luke and him cutting the ribbon during the inauguration.

 I was happy for them and proud that they finally reached what they dreamed about for long. But I couldn't come back to my hometown, yet.

I promised myself to go back until I knew what I wanted to do in my life and until I finally started living my dream. But three years passed, and I still didn't achieve anything besides writing a few stories. 

I unlocked my phone and looked for Shadow's number before I called. 

“Hey, Sky,” his voice still sounded tired. 

“Hey, Shadow. How are you doing?” I asked quietly.

I heard him sigh, ”I'm trying to get used to living alone. It still feels weird without him, even though he spent most of his time in the studio.”

“I know,” I smiled sadly, “I was watching the news, I saw Rex and some man from the agency I couldn't recognize. Do you know who he is?”

“I didn't watch the news today. I was working.” Shadow said, ”But the man you're talking about, mid-thirties, dirty blond hair, and tall?”

I nodded, “Yes, that's him.”

“That's Thomas Kelly, the head of the Marketing Department of Gems.”

I hummed and rubbed my chin, “Do you have an idea of what's going to happen to the agency?” I asked.

“It's preoccupying actually,” Shadow sighed, ”It was already chaotic after they arrested Luke. Wolfe worked day and night, from producing songs to endless reunions with the heads of each department.”

“Is there any way to reach Thomas Kelly?”

“I'm meeting him today to discuss the faith of the agency. Do you want to come?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Thomas Kelly was taller than he looked on TV. The black suit traced his fit body perfectly and complimented the expensive watch around his wrist and his black oxford shoes. 

Shadow shook his hand and patted his back, and I guessed they were close. 

“You must be Skylar,” Thomas smiled, surprising me. “Wolfe and Luke talked a lot about you,

I smiled back and shook his hand, “Nice to meet you, Mr Kelly.”

“Please, call me Thomas,” he said, “And I am sorry for your friends.” 

I nodded with a smile and followed them inside the building. The employees stopped to greet Shadow, and some of them hugged him as they cried for Wolfe. He looked close to all of them as he must have worked with them for a long time.

I knew Shadow was mainly a web designer, but he also worked as a producer since our high school days. He used to make official cheering songs for our football themes and helped the members of the music club to compose their songs and win contests. 

“It's nice to see you, Skylar,” one of the employees with a Marketing Department badge greeted me with a smile, and her colleagues copied her. 

I raised an eyebrow, “How come everyone knows me here?” 

Thomas chuckled, “In Gems, we are more than colleagues, we are like a family. That is what Luke taught us. So, we used to hang out a lot, go for drinks, or have dinner together. He and Luke talked about your group of friends and your high school days. We know that you are a writer, Skylar. Wolfe sent us the links to your books on the group chat.”

“Did he?” I laughed, “I suppose he forced you to read them.”

“Most of us, yes,” Thomas grinned, “But you are lucky the Art Department, and our artists love to read.” 

We arrived at a large hallway with several closed doors. The larger one was at the end, and I saw written in gold 'President Office'.

“That was Luke's office,” Shadow said. 

“I can't imagine someone else sitting in there,” Thomas sighed, “This whole thing was his idea,” he moved his hands to point at the building, “It's unfair to let someone else take his position.”

The head of the Marketing Department opened the door of his office and welcomed us inside. He offered us a cup of coffee, and both me and Shadow politely declined. 

“Do you have an idea of who's going to take the position?” Shadow asked as soon as he took a seat. “I heard there is going to be a board meeting in a few weeks.”

Thomas nodded, “Yes, but we don't know yet. Wolfe was originally the president-elect, but because of the unfortunate event, the board of directors will have to vote for a new president.”

I sighed and rested my back against the leather chair. I had my idea about music labels and how things worked inside the agency, and I knew it wasn't easy to elect a new president who will understand the artists.

Most singers endured pressure and strict rules and ended up with depression, or other health problems. 

It was Luke and Wolfe's company, and as Thomas said, they were like a family. And who said the next president would agree with that environment? 

“Is there any way to postpone the board meeting?” I asked, making both Thomas and Shadow look at me with confusion. 

“Why?” Shadow asked. 

“We'll need to get Luke out of prison.”

Thomas crossed his arms, “Can you?” he furrowed a brow. “We already tried to prove his innocence. But there weren't enough proofs.”

Before I could add anything, someone knocked on the door and entered, “I heard you were here,” Rex walked toward and shook our hands. “How are you guys doing?”

Shadow shrugged, and I just gave him a small smile. 

Rex took a seat next to us, and I resumed our conversation.

“Do you have an idea of who's behind his arrest?” I asked.

Thomas sighed, “There are many possibilities, Skylar.”

“Who was he with that day? Who saw him?”

“I was with him in the morning,” Thomas replied, “We had a coffee in his office, and we discussed the debut of our first boy group. Everything was alright.”

Shadow crossed his arms, “Why did he go to Glass Entertainment?” he asked.

“Kye Wright invited him,” Rex answered, “He was his boss before he resigned to create Gems with Wolfe. Luke said he wanted to spend the afternoon with him and talk about future collaborations.”

“So, it went from a kind invitation to an accusation of s****l assault?” I scoffed, “It was all planned. How could the police not investigate first?”

“The police are not stupid,” Thomas shook his head, “But they choose to play the blind when it comes to someone powerful like Kye. I am pretty sure they knew of his plans.

I sighed from frustration and rubbed the back of my neck. “That's crazy how the world functions. People see money, and they forget their ethics.” 

“But there's always a way to force the police to investigate,” Shadow said, looking at us with serious eyes. 

“And what is it?” Thomas asked.

“We present proofs.” Shadow replied, “Once the media know about it, the police department can't play the blind anymore.” he shook his head, “There's something more powerful than money, and that's information. Once it spreads on social media, people won't shut up about it and will demand an answer to their questions.”

“Exactly,” Rex nodded, “Especially when everyone loved Luke before the incident. People sent him letters and emails to thank him for producing great songs. They were shocked when they heard the news.”

Thomas nodded and joined his hands on his desk, “Shadow, you are right. Once the truth gets out, people won't shut up about it.” he said, “But have you thought about the real question here?” he asked as he looked at the two of us.

I sighed and looked down, “How to get proofs...”