Roadie In Love - 8. What Happens in Vegas, Well, It Happens Elsewhere Too

The next morning, they were up early. Kevin felt nearly one hundred percent himself. Eric and Kevin joined the band for breakfast, then headed to the buses for the roughly five hour trek to San Diego. Kevin decided to travel with the crew, mostly since the band's bus was set up for four people. But he did want to stay connected to the crew, knowing he'd be a full-fledged crew member again in another ten days or so.

They would spend a little over two weeks in California and perform ten shows in eight cities. It was the busiest part of the tour, but things went well. Mike came back ten days after the San Diego show. Kevin felt this was perfect timing, he wasn't looking forward to a four shows in six nights run immediately following a four in five. He'd played his keyboard more in the few weeks he filled in for Mike than he had ever before. One positive outcome was that he was playing nearly perfect every show as he neared the end of his tenure as a professional musician. This tenure, anyway.

Mike returned to play in San Jose just before another mini-festival in San Francisco's Oracle park, home of the Giants. This one was a little larger than Dallas. Eight bands in total would take part for two days. In addition to Deja Vu and the Black Crowes, alphabetically, Blues Traveler again, Drivin N Cryin, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Government Mule again, the Outlaws and ZZ Top were on the playbill. While ZZ Top were technically the headliners, like in Dallas, all the bands came out on stage for a jam session for the finale. They played the Outlaws 'Green Grass and High Tides.' Kevin was invited to join the band on one of the three stages for the finale. He played a straight piano accompaniment. Needless to say, it was the highlight of his life so far. Sorry Eric. More highlights were forthcoming.

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The tour continued without any issues throughout the Northwest and into the Midwest. There were a number of two-night gaps after leaving California. The band began working on songs for their next album during these periods. There were two surprises for Kevin when they arrived in St. Louis; one was not so good, but we'll come back to that. When they arrived on September thirteenth, Cary handed Kevin a short stack of sheet music. The rest of the band joined Cary for the presentation.

Kevin was confused, "What's this?"

"It's your part for the first five new songs we're working on."

"My part?"

"Yeah. We decided to add a keyboard to our new songs. Welcome to the band officially. And Happy Birthday!"

Eric, Pat, and Mike joined in with birthday wishes.

"Wait. What? How did you know it was my birthday?"

"You had to put it on your employment paperwork when you joined up. Jason let us know. We've been working on a few songs for our next album. We all decided adding a keyboard would be a good move. You did such a great job filling in for Mike."

"You're serious?"

"As a heart attack."

"Oh, my God. No way?"

"Take a look."

Kevin reviewed the sheet music. It was indeed what Cary said it was.

"Who wrote this?"

Cary still responding, "I did. Well, the other guys made some suggestions, too."

"I can't believe this. You really want me in the band?"

"Yep. Allen and Daniel will be here tomorrow. You'll get your contract then. We expect to debut a couple of these when we get back home to New Hampshire to close out the tour."

"No fucking way. I can't believe this. I'm not good enough to go pro."

Once again, Eric told him, "You really need to have more confidence in yourself. You ARE good enough."

Cary continued, "We all agree. Now, come on. We booked a room at Blueberry Hill. Everybody's waiting to celebrate your birthday and joining the band."

Kevin was still stunned, but he followed the band, wondering how he could have gotten so lucky. Cary made an announcement at the party about Kevin officially joining the band for their next album. The crew were all happy for him. The next day, Kevin's good luck turned bad.

They were setting up for the concert when two Illinois State Policemen walked in, accompanied by a Missouri State Cop.

"Which one of you is Kevin Lewiston?"

Kevin looked up, "I am."

"Kevin Lewiston, we have a warrant for your arrest for Criminal Damage to Property. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense."

"What?"

"Hold out your hands, please."

"Somebody get Jason."

"Your hands. Don't make us add resisting arrest to the charges."

Kevin did as he was asked, and followed the police out of the arena. Jason arrived moments after Kevin was escorted out.

"What happened?"

Joe Spess responded, "Kevin was arrested for damage to property or something like that."

"How the fuck did he do that? We just got into town."

Kevin had shared details about his initial departure with Danny, "He used to live in Illinois, just across the river. When he left home to follow the band, he, um, sort of trashed the apartment he was living in."

"Oh, man. How many of you knew this?"

Only Danny raised his hand, "Eric knew too. Obviously, Kevin wasn't too proud of his actions, so he didn't tell anyone else."

"Did they say where they were taking him?"

"No, but he lived in O'Fallon. I guess that's where he'll end up."

"Fuck. Luke, can you drive me?"

"Sure thing, Jase."

Jason and Luke left to head for the O'Fallon Police Department. Jason texted the band, Daniel Edmunds, and Allen Pierce; telling them Kevin had been arrested and he was on his way to where he thought they were taking him. Eric was obviously the most upset, knowing Kevin's whole story. He replied and asked Jason to keep him informed.

Meanwhile, Kevin was in the back of a police car, trying not to cry. He knew he was in deep shit, remembering what he'd done before he left home. When they got to O'Fallon, the state cops handed him over to the local cops, who booked him, fingerprinted him, and put him in a holding cell.

"Don't I get a phone call?"

"Up to three, actually. You can call anyone you want after the detectives question you."

"I'm not answering any questions without a lawyer."

"Do you have one?"

"No."

"We'll get the Public Defender's office to send one over. If you're not answering questions, the detectives will get you to a phone after they're done explaining the extent of the charges."

Kevin just nodded and sat down. Twenty minutes later, two detectives came to take him to an interview room. Once there, the lead detective introduced himself and started the discussion.

"Before we talk about your crimes, do you know a Jason Mathers?"

Kevin felt it was safe to answer this question, "Yes, he's my supervisor."

"He's waiting out front. We'll let him back to see you after we cover some preliminaries. You requested a lawyer, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I suspect you know why you're here, but I need to provide the details. You've been charged with Criminal Damage to Property for the damage you did to your parent's former apartment at 1200 O'Fallon Avenue on Friday, June fourteenth of this year. The landlord of that property, a Lester Wane, indicated the damages amounted to approximately two thousand, four hundred dollars. That makes this a Class Four Felony."

"A felony?"

"Yes, sir. You can discuss possible alternatives with your attorney. We understand one will be here within the hour. Do you still maintain you will not answer any further questions?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Wait here, we'll let your supervisor come see you for a few minutes, then you'll be returned to your cell. Is there anyone else you'd like to call?"

"No, I guess not."

Kevin was too embarrassed to be able to talk to Eric just then. Jason and Luke walked in a few minutes later.

"Hi Kevin. What the hell happened?"

"I've been arrested for criminal damage to property. I'm not saying anything else, the room may be bugged."

"It probably isn't, but that's fine. Have you asked for a lawyer?"

"Yes, the detective said one should be here within an hour."

"Okay. Well, I've let the band, Allen and Daniel know what happened, as much as I know, anyway. You hang in there. Listen to the PD when he or she gets here, but I suspect Daniel will arrange for someone else to handle your case."

"Thanks guys. And here I thought nothing was going to come of this."

"Yeah, well, the timing sucks, if nothing else. We'll keep in touch."

"Thanks Jason. Tell everybody I'm sorry."

"Okay. We'll work this out somehow."

Jason and Luke left, leaving Kevin alone with his thoughts, after another fifteen minutes, a young woman walked in. He thought the cops seemed to forget he was still in the interview room. He was locked in anyway, not that he had any thoughts of escape.

"Kevin Lewiston?"

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Marie Campton, from the public defender's office. I understand you've been charged with Criminal Damage to Property."

"Yes. The detective said it was a class four felony."

"So the damage was over three hundred dollars."

"He said twenty-four hundred."

"Would you tell me exactly what happened?"

"Is it safe? I don't want to admit to anything if they're listening."

"It's safe. They'd have a big problem if they eavesdropped on a lawyer/client conversation. I have to ask first, how old are you?"

"I turned nineteen yesterday."

"You don't look it. Not a nice birthday present, anyway. So what happened?"

Kevin shared the details of his last day at home and what led up to it with the lawyer, blushing when he mentioned the urination and defecation.

"Okay. So the kitchen probably needed to be disinfected and at worst the carpet replaced in the living and dining rooms. While that wasn't a smart thing to do, I believe I can talk to the landlord and work out some kind of deal to cover the damages."

"I guess I can scrape up that amount, if that's all it will take."

"It might. He may want something additional in order to drop the charges, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I can't see the DA's office pushing for a conviction if the plaintiff agrees to drop the charges. Anything else you'd like to share with me?"

"I can't think of anything."

"Okay. Your arraignment is tomorrow morning, I'll see you then and will get in touch with the landlord and the DA's office in the meantime. Keep to yourself and don't talk to anybody about this."

“Alright. Thanks. I guess I'll see you in the morning."

"You will."

Marie left and Kevin was brought back to the holding cell. It must have been a slow crime day, the only other person there, was a passed out drunk.

The next morning, a little before nine o'clock, Kevin was taken to the municipal court. which was located in the same building. He walked into the courtroom and sat along the wall on a bench with a number of other prisoners. He saw Jason, Eric, and Daniel Edmunds in the gallery and immediately found something interesting about his shoes. When his name was called, he was taken to the defense table, where he was met by Marie Campton and a very distinguished older gentleman.

"Good morning, Kevin. I'm Claude LeClerc. I'm a defense attorney and will be assisting Ms. Campton."

Kevin was flustered, not remembering what remained of his bank account, "I can't afford an attorney, are you with the public defender's office too?"

"No. Your record company has retained me, per a Daniel Edmunds."

"Oh."

Kevin's case was called, the charges were read, and Ms. Campton indicated he would plead not guilty and an agreement had been reached with the plaintiff.

The judge queried, "Has the District Attorney's office been apprised of this agreement?"

"James Tucker, representing the state, Your Honor. We have."

"And what is this agreement?"

"The DA's office will drop the charges, raised by Mr. Wane, provided Mr. Lewiston cover the damages of two-thousand-four-hundred dollars and pay an additional fee of ten thousand dollars."

Kevin's jaw dropped, looking at his attorneys with the obvious question, "What?" on his face. They whispered to calm him down.

"And this is acceptable to the defense?"

Marie answered, "Yes, Your Honor."

"Very well. Case dismissed; all charges against Mr. Lewiston shall be expunged. Bailiff, please call the next case."

Kevin was told to wait until they left the courtroom before speaking. Once in the hall, "I can't afford that!"

LeClerc responded, "The record company has agreed to front you the money for the damages and additional fee, as well as for my services."

"But..."

"Mr. Edmunds will explain everything once you rejoin your team. It was a pleasure meeting you and your friends."

"Um, same here. Thanks."

"Ms. Campton did all the legwork, I was just here in case someone changed their mind."

"Well, thank you Ms. Campton."

"You're welcome. Good luck with your band."

"Um, yeah. Thanks."

Kevin turned toward his friends, once again, embarrassed and looking down.

Daniel began, "Don't get upset, Kevin. You made a mistake and fortunately you can pay for that mistake monetarily and not by doing time."

"But, I don't know how I can pay you back."

"Let's go somewhere for coffee and not discuss this in such a public area."

"Sure, Mr. Edmunds."

In a quiet corner of a nearby coffee shop, Daniel continued, "With the advent of you joining the band for their next album, you'll be receiving a half share of the proceeds due the band. Silver Arrow Records will take the thirteen thousand dollars for the damages, fees, and Mr. LeClerc's time out of the first five royalty checks you receive."

"Okay, um, a half share?"

"Since, at least for the time being, you are not expected to take part in the actual writing of the songs, we feel that is a fair compromise."

"Okay, yes, that's fine. Great even."

"I'll have the adjusted contract ready for you to sign when you arrive at the facility in Chicago the day after tomorrow."

"I still can't believe they want me in the band."

"Believe it, or I wouldn't be here. Okay, I have a plane to catch, I'll see you in Chicago."

"Bye."

Daniel left a twenty on the table. Four coffees and four donuts probably cost two-thirds of that, but Kevin supposed their waitress will have a nice tip. Jason borrowed Luke's car to come to court this morning, so they all piled back in and headed back to Missouri, where everybody was waiting for Jason and Eric to return. They had doubts about Kevin's return, just like he did. They were all happy to see him and they hit the road to Chicago.

That night, Eric decided he would see if Kevin wanted to have sex after his ordeal. He thought Kevin may have needed a dose of stress relief. It had been over a month since their first lovemaking session in Las Vegas. And while they'd had a few in between, Eric thought it was time to light that flame again. So, in bed that night, Eric was extra attentive to Kevin's needs, edging him several times before asking Kevin to make love to him. Eric had driven Kevin crazy with lust up to that point, and Kevin gladly complied. He might have fucked a hole in a tree after Eric got him so worked up. But it wasn't a tree that was the receptacle that night. Actually, they each were hard enough to risk splinters. But no trees made it into the hotel room that night.

***********************************

When they arrived at the United Center Tuesday afternoon, Daniel was there with Kevin's new contract. As discussed, he was getting one half share, with thirteen thousand dollars being held back in equal portions for the first five royalty payments, and he signed it. Kevin had no idea if those payments would even be large enough to cover the partial payments, but decided he'd worry about that when the time comes. He was also given a small salary, to begin the day after the tour ended. It wasn't much, only a few hundred dollars a week, but Kevin didn't have much in the way of bills, so it was more than enough to meet his needs. Plus, he'd already started learning the five songs, but had a long way to go before he perfected them. He felt like he'd be earning the money they were giving him. Fortunately he still had two and a half weeks before the New Hampshire concerts.

He was working with Danny after the first show on Tuesday, putting the band's equipment away into a storage area when Danny asked him a question.

"It's real cool you get to be part of the band. Are they going to let you sing at all?"

"Nobody's said anything, but that's fine because I suck."

"No you don't. That night in New York when you sang 'Is This All There Is?' you sounded really good. You should ask. Maybe you can sing lead on one of the new songs."

"No way. I'll be nervous enough being on stage every night, knowing it's permanent. I'm not saying shit about it."

Kevin missed the gleam in Danny's eye. Danny decided if Kevin wasn't going to say anything, he would.

Between being a stage hand and rehearsing the new songs, with and without the band, Kevin's next week was pretty busy. They had another two-day gap after playing in Nashville and before they started heading north for the last five dates. Rehearsing the new songs after the Nashville show, Cary stopped in the middle of one of the songs.

"I don't know. This one just doesn't sound right. We either need to take it down an octave or one of you needs to sing it."

Eric replied, "Cary, you know none of us has anywhere near the voice you do. Mike's voice might be a little higher than yours but, no offense Mike, I don't think you're any more a lead singer than I am."

"No offense taken, Eric. I completely agree with you."

Cary, who had already been prepped by Danny Edmunds had another suggestion, "Kevin. We've never heard you sing. Why don't you give it a shot?"

"Oh, I can't sing for shit. No way."

"How about you let us be the judge of that. You weren't confident about your keyboard playing until you really gave it the effort. I bet you're better than you think."

"You're not going to let me back out, are you, Cary?"

"Nope!"

"Fine. If I bust your eardrums, it's your own fault."

Kevin sang the song. He didn't bust any eardrums. All it took now, was convincing him he could perform it live.

Next up - "Touring Ends, Recording Begins"