London Harmony: Water Gypsy Read Online Free PDF Page A

into their stuff. They didn't really believe that June friggin' Harris-West was actually stalking the underground scene, handing out those cards as invitations to be signed to her record label, London Harmony, did they?
    That label was hot, like supernova hot, with artists like Velvet Fire, Terri Blue, and that brill J8. It was an invitation only studio and everyone was clamoring to be signed by them.
    I was knocked out of my thoughts when the hooded man raised a hand into the air as he stood before the mixing console. The place went silent, then he slapped his hand down like he was pressing a missile launch button and a slamming beat rolled across the crowd. We cheered and started dancing. I've heard mixes from dozens of DJs, but I have to tell you, what this guy did and how he tied different artists and styles together was seamless. The man was bloody brill. The mashup was off the rails.
    When his set was over, he stepped to the front of the stage, pocketing his mp3 player. Then he wordlessly hopped down from the rickety platform and made his way through the cheering crowd to the back of the room where he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the back wall.
    Ronnie was back and a three person band was gearing up on the stage. “Let's hear it for Scratch! Thank you man, for giving us a taste of your mad skills!” We cheered again and the bloke just inclined his head. Then Ronnie said, “Now here they are to share their Celtic Punk melodies, Wounded Salamander!”
    Paya and I woooed in excitement as they kicked in. More dancing ensued. A wasted bloke interposed himself between me and Paya. Harry came to my rescue. “Buggar off mate. She's here with me.” He started to turn toward Paya, still more staggering than dancing. Harry said, “She's with me too.” The guy was complaining that Harry had two pieces of tail and he had none as Harry pushed him off on his drunken way.
    Both Paya and I exchanged sputtering laughs and then evil eyes and we turned and danced sexily with Harry as I blurted out, “I'm one of your pieces of tail am I?” Paya's high-pitched squeak of laughter made me grin.
    Harry didn't miss a beat and played off our teasing. “I'm more afraid of you stealing away my Paya here.” Paya grinned and shot him a coy look then turned to me and danced even more suggestively while maintaining eye contact with her man. I smiled and rolled my eyes and pushed her toward Harry. I still remember the first time he had figured out I was gay. His brows creased as he pointed between Paya and I. “You two never...”
    We both rolled our eyes at him and she asked, “Would you ever do it with Diane?”
    He had made a sour and disgusted face. “God woman, she's my sister.”
    Satisfied, my evil friend let him off the hook. “There you have your answer then.”
    After two numbers, the Salamanders slid offstage and Ronnie introduced a pop singer, Lisa T. Ronnie caught my eye as the bleach blonde singer started an upbeat and fun set. He motioned me over with his head. Paya grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze as I went, Harry said, “Break a leg.”
    I got up to the stage and was a little distracted by the three blokes from the Salamanders frantically ransacking their own things, looking for something. Ronnie snorted bringing my attention to him. He rolled his eyes saying, “J-Card.” I chuckled and nodded in understanding and stuffed my bag under the stage.
    He said, “I can only give you one song. I didn't expect Scratch tonight. That bloke is a genius. Never says a single word though.” My eyes automatically went to the back wall and I could see the short man just staring at the stage like he did during the last performance, he didn't seem impressed. I was probably reading too much into his um-moving form.
    I nodded, I was just happy to get any stage time. He asked, “So what ya got for me?” I cued up one of my emotional ballads, Tattered Soul, on my mobile and handed it to him. It was edgy like