He Had $17, One Broken Guitar, and Nowhere to Sleep — Then America’s Biggest Band Called His Name
CHAPTER 3
The Midnight Sons rehearsed in a private studio outside Nashville.
Ethan walked through the doors feeling like an intruder.
Gold records covered the walls.
Platinum albums.
Magazine covers.
Photographs of stadium crowds.
He looked at his worn sneakers.
Daniel noticed.
“Don’t be intimidated.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“Maybe.”
Daniel smiled.
Then the band’s drummer entered.
So did the bassist.
Finally, Victor Hale walked in.
He was perfectly dressed.
Expensive watch.
Silver hair.
Cold eyes.
He looked Ethan up and down.
“This him?”
Daniel nodded.
Victor frowned.
“He’s a child.”
“I’m twenty-two.”
“Exactly.”
Ethan disliked him immediately.
Victor handed him a contract.
“We’re offering you a development deal.”
Ethan looked at the papers.
“What does that mean?”
“You record with us.”
“And then?”
“If you’re good enough, you join the touring band.”
Ethan looked at Daniel.
“Why?”
Daniel didn’t answer.
Victor did.
“Because we need a new guitarist.”
That was only half the truth.
The real reason was much more complicated.
Daniel wanted Ethan close.
He needed to know whether Samuel had told his son the truth.
Rehearsal began.
Ethan picked up a borrowed guitar.
The band started playing.
For several minutes, he struggled.
Then something changed.
The drummer adjusted his rhythm.
The bassist followed.
Daniel smiled.
Ethan wasn’t simply playing along.
He was improving the song.
When they finished, nobody spoke.
Victor finally said:
“Again.”
They played it again.
This time, Ethan added a melody.
Daniel stopped halfway through.
“Where did you learn that?”
Ethan looked confused.
“I didn’t.”
“You just played Samuel’s guitar line.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Daniel stared at him.
For the first time in twenty-five years, the past had returned.
And it was standing directly in front of him.
