It was a blistering hot day, without a cloud in sight. Josh sat in the passenger seat of Mandla’s car, driving to Voltron Records. The day had come. He’d finally know if he’d been able to secure a recording deal, or not.

Josh sat there debating with himself, inwardly. He wasn’t sure if he should tell Mandla what he’d done the previous night. He wanted to share. He needed someone else’s opinion. Mandla was a very old friend. It was too much of a heavy load to carry alone, he felt.

Was Adrian even still alive, he wondered. The thought sent him into a tailspin. Josh didn’t like the guy, but he certainly didn’t want the dude dead. He kept reminding himself that he’d warned Adrian. This was partly his victim’s fault.

They arrived at Voltron Records, and parked. The place was a beautiful mirror-styled building, with futuristic features.

“Dude, whether they give you a deal or not, you’re a blazing hot MC,” Mandla reassured him. “Don’t be discouraged.”

“Thanks my guy.”

They stepped out of the car and walked inside, signed the security register and ascended to the fifth floor.

Upon arrival at reception he looked up at a huge collage of Voltron’s artists – present and previous – on the walls. Josh recognised many. He idolized some.

They waited a while at reception and then were shown into the CEO’s office – Mr Brian Brewster.

“Thanks,” Mandla told the pretty secretary as he followed behind Josh. They stepped inside.

“Ahh, MC Josh,” Brian greeted, in an English accent. He was a hefty, bearded guy with an Italian swag about him. “Please take a seat, gents. Can I offer you some tea or coffee – or whisky?” he said, and laughed loudly.

“No thanks,” Josh and Mandla responded simultaneously.

Josh’s nerves were getting the better of him. He started sweating, growing increasingly uncomfortable. He wished Brian would just get on with it. He and Mandla took a seat on the custom made, leather chairs. The whole room had luxury Italian style about it.

Brian walked around the glass table and sat.

“I have another meeting in ten minutes, so, let me get straight to it, gents,” he announced, pulling a white envelope from his drawer. “We like your music, your sound and your look.”

Josh sensed a ‘but’ coming.

“We even like your messages. You don’t pretend to have a rags-to-riches story. It’s about other types of struggles – that’s fresh, I must say. So what we’ve decided to do … wait for it … wait for it … is offer you a three album deal, valid for seven years, with an upfront advance of R165 000!” He smiled enthusiastically at the boys.

Josh grinned back at Brian, and then at Mandla, who had already jumped up. Mandla clapped for his childhood friend. The moment deserved applause, he felt.

Joshua stood and hugged his mate. They’d done it. They had achieved.

Mandla had tears in his eyes, “You did it, Josh dude. You freaken did it!” he said, hugging him tight.

“We did it, bro. A lot of the beats were yours. We did it,” Josh responded, hoping he appeared as excited as Mandla was.

Brian stretched his arm out over the table, handing Josh the envelope to sign. “You can sign now or later – up to you. The quicker you sign, the sooner we can get the ball rolling. I’ve already got top DJs – like Mista BB Beatz – interested in working with you boys. Get back to me soon.”

“What?” was Mandla’s response, turning to Josh. “Sign now dude.”

“Can I give it back, signed, tomorrow please Brian?” asked Josh, sincerely.

“Of course.”

“Thanks.”

“Joshua,” Brian uttered, seriousness in his tone, “please realise that if you sign that, you’re accepting that you carry our brand on your shoulders. You must uphold our values. No drugs, prostitutes, weapons and crap in the news tabloids. We’re a reputable recording label, with our own managers and PR team if you need. Our name must remain untarnished. You got that?”

“Sure thing. I understand. Thank you,” was Josh’s response.

But that very second, he thought of Adrian – left wounded and bleeding in the street. “Thanks for believing in me, Brian.”

“Cool. I know you’ll make us proud.”

***

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