“Right. So they can put that on TV too?”

“Too?”

Warner let out a long breath and winced again. “This was all over Patty’s show and the only reason the guy got upset is because her cameras were in the building today too.”

“This is stupid, Warner. She’s going to get you killed.”

“I’m calling Curtis,” Christian said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “You guys are sure putting a downer on my evening.”

He took hold of Victoria’s hand and held it up, showing them the ring on her finger.

“Christian!” Clara jumped up and passed right past her brother and to Victoria. “You’re engaged! You’re engaged!”

“Yes,” Victoria said softly shifting her eyes to Warner and back to Clara. “It was very romantic.”

The moment was short lived when Christian began to speak to Curtis. The room was quiet and they waited.

Christian ended the phone call and placed his phone in his pocket. “He’ll be here in twenty.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Warner complained. “I’ll be fine. It’s not the first time I’ve had my face beat in.”

“Well I’ll guarantee it’ll be the last. We don’t roll like this,” Christian said through gritted teeth.

Clara smiled at her brother and then looked directly at Warner. “We need to call the police.”

“They already took the guy in. He was stupid enough to do this as I left the building today. Security detained him.”

“That’s something at least.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t you think this is reason for a lawyer? I mean if it’s dangerous for you be on this show you should be able to get out of the contract.”

Warner shifted in his seat and adjusted the towel on his cheek. “Actually, Jeremy said there was a call today about me. He wouldn’t give me specifics, but he told me what they were looking for. He wants new material written.”

“You mean someone wants to buy your songs?”

He shrugged. “It sounded bigger than that.”

Clara moved toward him to pull him into her arms but stopped short when he tried to back away.

“I can’t believe it. It’s really going to work? This stupid show is going to get you signed!”

“Now, don’t go saying that. This isn’t how my life works out.”

“It’s time it does.”

Curtis arrived just as promised and Warner should have known he wouldn’t travel alone. Before Warner knew it the entire Keller family was in their living room.

“You’re lucky he didn’t break your cheek.” Curtis placed a butterfly bandage over his eyebrow.

“He wasn’t looking to kill me, jut make me look bad.”

“Well, you look bad.” Curtis sat back and examined his work. “You’re sure they took off with this guy?”

“Yeah.”

Zach walked across the room, his phone in his hand. “I confirmed they arrested the guy. My lawyer thinks you should put a restraining order on him.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Zach narrowed his eyes on him. “Think hard. And listen, you’re covered with a lawyer if you need one to go after this guy.”

“I appreciate that. I can’t afford a lawyer and…”

“That’s not what I said.” He moved in closer until he was standing right behind Curtis. “We all work together here.”

Warner contemplated that for a moment. “Okay. Thanks.”

It was now past eleven and the front door opened again. This time it was Jeremy Smith.

Ed stood from his position on the couch with a menacing look to him.

Jeremy stopped walking. “I’m just wanting to check on Warner. Is he alright?”

“I’m fine,” Warner called and the sea of Kellers between him and Jeremy parted.

“Holy crap!” Jeremy hurried to him. “You needed an ambulance. How did you even drive home?”

“Let’s call it adrenaline.”

Zach stepped up to Warner’s side. “What’s going to happen to the guy that did this?”

“He was arrested.”

Zach nodded. “We know that. Warner isn’t going to have to work with him further is he? If that’s the case it’s not safe for him to be on your show.”

Jeremy’s eyes opened wide. “Oh, no. I wouldn’t have the guy back. He’s too much trouble. I can’t have him beating everyone up who gets mentioned on another show.”

“I’m serious,” Zach continued and now Curtis and Carlos were standing right next to him. “If there is a chance that he comes back and is near Warner again my lawyers will be unleashed on your company. Warner is doing this show in good faith that it will lead him to sell his music. This isn’t for the hype or to become some bad publicized reality TV personality.”

Jeremy nodded sternly. “You have my word. Warner will be taken care of. He’s my most promising talent. I have no reason to want him put in harm’s way.”

Perhaps it was the late night, the pain throbbing in his head, or sheer delirium from the situation, but Warner wanted to grin and laugh. Jeremy Smith had just said he was his most promising talent. That might have been one of the nicest things anyone had ever said about him.

Once the house emptied of Keller family, Clara helped Warner up the stairs and to bed. She turned off the lights and crawled in next to him.

“Are you okay? Did that stuff Curtis give you help take the pain away?”

Warner smiled as much as he possibly could. “It’s not the medication that makes me feel better. It’s you. It was your whole family showing up here to take care of me. Me.”

“You’re one of us now.”

He nodded. “And tonight I felt like it.”

Clara took hold of his hand. “I’m afraid to hold you too tight.

“I’m just bruised.”

“And bruises hurt.”

“Yes—they—do.” He finally laughed and then closed his eyes. “But did you hear what Jeremy said about me? I’m his most promising talent.”

Clara laughed. “Out of everything tonight you’re smiling about that?”

“Yes, I am.”