A.J. Walker

writerer

Taking Names

Taking Names

‘That was something beautiful.’ said the stranger, as Sam left the stage.
‘Err, thanks. Like a bit of Phil Collins do you?’
‘Who doesn’t?’ said the man, preening his scarlet jacket. ‘Who you with?’
‘Just waiting for a mate.’
‘No, I mean who’s representing you? You’re recording, right?’
Sam laughed. ‘Hardly, working down a takeaway.’
The man leant forward. ‘You telling me you’re available, that I can sign you up? Because you’ve a talent I can do something with.’
Sam stepped away. ‘I’ll have what you’ve been drinking. You’re seriously off it! It’s just karaoke.’
‘I’ll get you whatever you like. But I’ve got to sign you up. Here’s my card.’ he said, smoothly taking it from behind Sam’s ear.
‘Mr Lyle, what’s the B?’
‘Brian.’
‘I’m Sam Bailey. You don’t look like a Brian, Brian. ’
‘Who does? I’ll take you to my record shop, show you who I’ve produced. Got the rights to so many people you’ll know. Honest, I guarantee you a hit like this.’ Brian flicked his fingers, producing a smoking cigar from thin air.
‘Hey, we can’t smoke in here!’ Sam said, nervously.
‘You can. You’re a star, Sam. You can do what you want. Need to do something about your name though.’
Sam couldn’t remember leaving the club but found himself in an old fashioned record shop with Brian.
‘Take a look while I think about your name. All these records, all these artists, are mine.’
John Belushi singing “Soul Man” started playing as Sam excitedly flicked through the beautiful vinyl.
‘Yazz “The Only Way is Up” – mum’s got this!”
“Did well, like I told her. She was wrong, of course.”
‘Look, I’ll sign. Bit of a laugh. Even a one hit wonder would be amazing,’ said Sam. He was being swept away by the vinyl euphoria, as he signed the contract. ‘Don’t even care if you’re a rip off merchant.’
‘You’ve got “One Direction”!?’
‘Yep, gave them an extended contract. Nice boys, well some of them. Just started taking them down now one by one. One Direction: indeed.’
‘Well, you’ve got me now, Brian.’
‘Call me Belial or, if you prefer, Lucifer.’ said Belial.


'Flash Master' - Angry Hourglass 64 (April 2015)
Word Count: 360