Chapter Twenty-one, Fire
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Twenty-one, Fire
Rating: PG-13 [language, action, innuedo]
Summary: Jimmy confesses to Robert while FBI agents interrogate Summer. Fire is normally thought of as cleansing, but will it be for everyone?
Releasing Summer’s hand, Robert headed into the kitchen to make tea. The young blonde looked at Bonzo and Jimmy sitting on the couch. While she could have sat across from the two, she instantly decided to squeeze between them on the small sofa. Though there was little room for her, Summer curled her feet up into Jimmy’s lap and laid her head on Bonzo’s shoulder. The drummer’s large arm naturally slipped around her shoulders, gently playing with her long hair.
“What do you think happened, Bonzo?” she asked softly.
“I don’t know,” he responded. “He was just going up there to see your mother, right?”
“Yeah…” Summer looked to Jimmy as his fingers began to lightly massage her feet. “But… well… um…”
“What, princess?” Jimmy spoke up.
“The people I used to live with… I never really thought about it until I stayed with you guys. I thought that’s how everyone was. But now… now I know that’s not true. I mean I know my life with you hasn’t been a normal life as you’re touring and all. But you have shown me… as has Joni… that things are not at all like I expected,” Summer responded vaguely.
“What do you mean?” the guitarist pushed, glancing up as Robert entered the room with two cups of tea and handed one to Summer.
“Well for example you guys don’t make me do things because ‘that’s the way we do them.’ Or… I don’t know. I can’t really think of specifics,” she responded, glancing across at Robert as he sat down. “You remember the night we met?”
“Of course I do,” he replied.
“Well… I had never been allowed to make a decision in a restaurant before. Ordering food that night might have seemed normal and all of that to you, but it certainly wasn’t to me,” she stated. “I mean I wasn’t really … allowed off the farm without supervision and always with an elder present. Sometimes I wonder how it was that I was even allowed to listen to music. I can’t remember anyone else on the farm listening to music – besides what we were supposed to play with and for others.
“I mean, I knew there were places that didn’t dictate everything you do and when but the more I think about it, the more I think I wasn’t supposed to know,” Summer continued. “And it makes me wonder about Quincy.”
“Who?” Robert asked.
“The boy who gave me a ride down here in exchange for a blowjob,” she stated frankly.
Robert’s eyes widened and he struggled to swallow his mouthful of tea. Jimmy’s fingers halted on her feet. Only Bonzo seemed unaffected.
“What do you mean?” the drummer asked.
“He’s the only one who ever left the farm without an elder. And he always came back with new people – who I was never allowed to speak to,” she explained. “And now Dad’s worried about my safety? It doesn’t… add up.”
“But, baby, on our first days, you talked so positively about the commune,” Robert pointed out.
“Because it’s all I’ve ever known.”
“Because they programmed you that way,” Jimmy spoke up.
“What do you mean?” her blue eyes went to his.
“The way you first talked about it sounded like you were trying to sell it to us,” he stated. “As days passed with you staying with us, your language changed. It became more backwards than idyllic. And then the issues with your mother…”
“Go on,” she requested.
“Initially you didn’t seem to miss her or even care – though that could have been the fact our world is oftentimes crazy and hard to keep up in. But when you confronted her about Bob, she shut you out coldly. You suddenly felt completely cut off from your life on the farm. You felt abandoned by her and I would hazard by the entire ‘farm.’ That’s why you broke down so… dramatically,” he explained. “Princess, it seems to me that it wasn’t a community you lived and were born into, but a cult.”
Her eyes widened slightly, “Do you really think so, Jimmy?”
“Did you have a for certain leader?”
She nodded.
“And everyone did what he said?”
She nodded again.
“And everyone wore the same thing and did everything at the proscribed time?”
“Yes.”
“Individuality was discouraged?”
“Yes. Yes. And yes,” Summer responded softly. “I… do you think that’s why my mother left Dad?”
“I do not doubt it for a moment.”
“Then, Jimmy, why did she give me records and instruments and fuck, tickets to your show?”
“She wanted you to escape when she could not.”
Waking with a start when the squad car came to a halt outside the Hyatt, Bob grumbled. Climbing out, he stretched his long limbs for a minute before heading into the hotel. By now, some of the Zep groupies recognized him and squealed for his attention. His eyes connected with on and he stared at her coolly. A moment later, she quieted the other girls.
Approaching the front desk, Bob leaned against it, “I need to speak with any of the present members of Led Zeppelin or their manager.”
The front desk clerk stared at Bob for a moment, “I’m sorry, Mr. Dylan, but they have a strict do not disturb before noon order.”
“Then wake up their manager,” he growled. “This is important.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but Mr. Grant–”
“Fuck, Mr. Grant. This has to do with the safety of my daughter.”
The clerk’s eyes widened slightly and he glanced over at the gaggle of groupies.
“Call one of them up now.”
As the clerk reached for the phone, John Paul slipped in through the back door. Recognizing him just out of the corner of his eyes, Bob left the desk and stalked over to the bassist. For a long moment, he said nothing.
“Can you take me to where Summer is?”
Recalling Bob’s quest and finding it odd he had already returned, especially since it was only eight in the morning, John Paul nodded, “Of course. How was your trip?”
“I’ll tell you in the car.”
During the fifteen minutes of Bob’s story, John Paul’s mouth dropped open. Summer’s naïveté made far greater sense to him now. Her home had not just sheltered her, but confined her. And to some great extent, it explained her mother’s actions – even all the way back to Adele’s flight from Bob. While John Paul cold not really say that living with the band was not unlike a cult experience, everyone had choice. And Summer… Summer had already flourished in the weeks she had been with them. He could see that.
“She’s in a better place now,” John Paul assured Bob.
“I never thought I would thank the Lord for the creation of Led Zeppelin – as I think the band has set back music – but now I certainly do. You not only brought me in contact with my daughter, but you saved her,” he declared softly.
Ignoring Bob’s slight, he nodded, “Whatever fate brought Summer to us is a very good thing.”
“God, I hope they haven’t found her. The things the officer,” he motioned to the driver, “told me… We cannot allow them access to her, John. We cannot.”
The pair arrived at the beach house not much later. Bob was the first out of the car, the first busting through the door. He immediately thought to tell them to never leave the door unlocked, but that would come later. His eyes went to the couch. Jimmy sat alone with Summer, the young blond asleep on the guitarist’s shoulder. While he wondered where the girl’s boyfriend and Bonzo were, Bob found some relief in the fact the girl was safe.
Having inspected Bob since his abrupt entrance, Jimmy’s eyes flicked beyond and noted John Paul and the police officer. He instantly tensed. Was he to be arrested? Had Cole squealed? How would he love the girl in his arms from jail? Would Summer visit him?
“Dad?” Summer stirred and rubbed her eyes.
Bob instantly approached the couch, sitting on the coffee table and embracing her before she fully sat up, “You’re safe.”
“Of course I am. I have some of the best bodyguards in the world,” she smiled slightly.
“Speaking of bodyguards, where is Bonzo?” he asked seriously.
Summer looked to Jimmy.
“He and Robert went to get breakfast,” he answered.
“And left only you here to protect Summer? I do not think any of you have any idea how serious the situation is,” Bob stated.
“Miss Dylan?” the police officer approached her.
It took Summer a minute to understand he addressed her, “Yes?”
“I’m here to provide for your protection. I suspect within the next hour, FBI agents will arrive to interview you concerning the people you grew up with,” he explained. “Despite your father’s concerns, I assure you that you are safe.”
“Of course she’s safe,” Bonzo stated as he entered the still open door carrying coffees. “Why wouldn’t she be?”
“You were supposed to stay with her,” Bob hissed.
“Whoa now, Bobby, Jimmy could easily handle anything in my absence. He might be a small bugger, but he can bring a man down just as well as me. In fact, he brought a man down for not having ice cream for Summer. Jimmy is well enough armed.”
Bob began to reply, but then Robert joined them, closing the door behind him. He set the large paper bag down on the table next to the armchair. Summer instantly jumped up and into his arms.
“I don’t like waking up without you here,” she muttered and kissed him.
“I was not gone long,” he chuckled.
“I know, but all the same.”
“Are you hungry? I got waffles.”
She kissed him again, “You do love me!”
Pacing back and forth, Jimmy’s dark eyes flicked to the bedroom door entry every few paces. Summer had been sequestered with the FBI agents for over two hours. No one was allowed to check on her; not Robert, not Bob, definitely not Jimmy. Every minute that passed made him that much more nervous. Yes, he worried about her, but a greater part of it was if they would connect him to whatever happened. Those two worries were making Jimmy a mess, a complete mess.
Robert stepped in Jimmy’s way, “Come smoke with me before you wear a hole in the floor.”
Not entirely sure how good of an idea that was, Jimmy agreed anyways. The light and dark pair headed out of the beach cottage, passing John Paul and Bonzo who played cards at a small dining table. Silently the two walked. It was not until they reached the sand that Robert pulled out the tightly rolled white cigarette, lit it, and passed it to Jimmy.
“Okay. Talk,” Robert commanded.
Jimmy’s eyes went to Robert, completely surprised at the singer’s directive, “What makes you th–”
“You’ve been pacing outside the door since they went in there with my girlfriend. That deserves some explanation.”
“I care about her too.”
“I am not saying you cannot,” he passed the joint back to Jimmy. “I am asking why are you so bloody high strung about it. There has to be more to it. I know you, Jim.”
He sighed, “I did something.”
“What?”
Jimmy inhaled the joint deeply before answering, “I asked Cole to plant something in the commune and then alert the authorities.”
Robert stared at Jimmy for a moment, “And why would you get him involved in anything with Summer? He tried to rape her.”
“Because he’s the only one I could think of with the kinds of contacts to do something,” he answered.
“And when did you ask Cole to do this?” he asked coolly.
“Last night.”
Robert laughed, “Do you really think he could have accomplished something so quickly? Bob probably got there around eight last night, maybe earlier. I doubt you are at fault for this. Besides, you heard the things Summer told us. This has been going on all her life.”
“Fuck,” Jimmy mumbled, flicking the scant remainder of the joint into the sand.
“Just because you’re not at fault doesn’t mean I’m okay with what you did,” Robert claimed. “Tell me what you promised Cole.”
“That I would bring him back as tour manager,” he stated.
He stared at Jimmy, trying to process his statement. There was no way in hell he would tour with Cole again, even if Summer was not on tour as well. He could not, would not, do it. Never in a million years.
“Then you will have to find yourself another singer,” Robert stated softly, turned around, and headed into the bungalow.
His eyes met with John Paul’s, “Call for a car. You’re leaving.”
“What? Why?” the bassist asked, getting to his feet.
“No doubt your tour manager expects your band somewhere tonight,” he spat.
“Whoa, Percy, what’s going on?” Bonzo asked.
“Page brought back Cole.”
“Wait. What?” John Paul queried.
“Page brought back Cole. I refuse to go anywhere with that arse,” Robert stated darkly. “So call the car and get out.”
“Wait, mate,” Bonzo stood up. “I’m sure Pagey had a very good reason to–”
“I do not bloody care! That man will not be anywhere near Summer.”
Having remained silently observant, pretending to be reading a magazine, Bob spoke up, “Why do you wish to keep this Cole away from Summer?”
“Because he tried to rape her,” Robert answered bluntly.
The folksinger nodded once before casting his eyes back down at the magazine, “I support your decision.”
While Robert had been telling the rest of the band to leave, Jimmy slipped back into the house. He did not blame Robert’s rash decision. It did not even matter that Jimmy himself had been exonerated from involvement with the FBI. What mattered – had always mattered – was Summer, first and foremost. Jimmy would never deny her primacy in his concerns – even if he should. He only hoped someone would at least talk some sense into Robert for their final concert that tour.
“Jimmy?” a very soft voice spoke.
His attention instantly snapped from the living room to the open door he now stood next to. Large haunted, blue eyes looked into his. Saying nothing the guitarist quickly closed the space between them and enfolded her in his arms. She instantly began to tremble with sobs.
“D-don’t-t ab-band-don m-me, J-jimmy,” she stammered.
“Shhh,” he smoothed her hair down, kissing her forehead. “You don’t have to worry, Princess. I am never going to abandon you. Ever. Have I not already promised you that?”
She nodded slightly, her cheek rubbing against his shoulder.
“I will never break a promise to you, Princess. Never.”
Bob seemed to notice the pair before the imploding band around him. While he too wished to comfort his daughter, he found watching the interactions between her and the guitarist far more interesting. The way Jimmy cradled her was not that of a friend or even merely a lust object. It surprised Bob some that the two leaders of the band were… in love with the same girl. He knew it happened; it broke up many bands before. He merely had not expected it to happen surrounding his daughter. Pushing these thoughts aside, he walked intentionally thought Robert and John Paul’s conversation to approach his daughter. He gently touched her shoulder and she peeled away from Jimmy, falling into Bob’s arms.
“You’re her father, correct?” the FBI agent asked.
Bob glanced beyond his daughter, “I am.”
“We have a few questions to ask, if you do not mind.”
“Summer,” Bob leaned back, “I’m going to go and talk with these men for awhile. Jimmy and Robert will take care of you.”
She nodded. Though the rest of the house was now silent, as the other three had noticed her presences, Summer shifted back over to Jimmy’s arms. Robert instantly bristled.
“This isn’t about you, mate,” John Paul stated evenly.
“Fuck off,” he grumbled.
Summer’s eyes went to the men at that. Instantly connecting with Robert’s jealous eyes, though unable to recognize the emotion presently, she quickly slipped out of Jimmy’s arms and rushed to Robert. Her fingers dug into his shirt, her face buried in his chest. Though his body was still tense with anger and jealousy, his emotions softened as his arms circled her. Saying nothing, he guided her over to the armchair and sat, pulling Summer into his lap. Instantly her body curled into a fetal position. Her lips moved in soft mumbles he could not understand.
“Baby,” he spoke softly, waving off the others to avoid intrusions. “Baby, you’re okay. You’re safe. Nothing bad is ever going to happen to you again. You’re safe.”
“Oh, Robert,” she muttered. “They did so many bad things!”
“Which they’re not going to do anymore,” he assured her.
“I remember… fuck… I remember the conceptions of my siblings. There were… ceremonies… where of breeding age women were lined up and fucked,” Summer muttered. “I… I would have been one of them if I hadn’t… left… Oh, Robert, I thought… I thought…”
“Shhh,” he squeezed her assuredly, kissing her forehead. “You’re safe and sound now, Summer. No one is going to hurt you. No one is going to make you do anything you do not want to. You are safe and free. And I love you.”
“I don’t… I don’t want to stay here anymore. Can we stay at the Riot tonight?”
His mouth opened to tell her there would be no not that night, but Bonzo, who ignored Robert’s wishes and approached the couple, quickly blurted out, “Of course you can, sweet pea. You and Percy can stay in my room. Nobody will be the wiser.”
“We will get your things packed up now,” John Paul offered, turning towards the door. “Or will as soon as we can.”
“Robert?” Summer spoke up, her eyes finally looking to his.
“Yes, baby.”
“Am I going to get my mom back?”
“I don’t know, sweetie. I don’t know.”
Stepping into the rooftop ballroom, leaving Summer and Bonzo playing fetch with Queenie, Robert headed directly to where Jimmy sat with Peter speaking in hushed tones. He cared not if he was interrupting something, in fact would have preferred as much. Silently he pulled out a chair uninvited and sat down, folding his arms across his chest. He stared while they continued to speak their secret language, ignoring him. Robert cleared his throat loudly.
Peter looked across the small table, “Robert, just the man I wished to speak with.”
“Did Page explain to you the only reason I am here is because it was Summer’s request? Do not think for a moment that I have any intentions of remaining or getting on stage in England,” he stated coldly.
“Now, Robert, let’s not make brash decisions because of a little bit of drama in our lives. You have a responsibility to your fans,” he stated.
“No, I do not. The only fan I have any responsibility to is Summer. He,” Robert pointed at Jimmy, “invited Cole back to be manager. I will not go anywhere or do anything with that vile pig.”
“I understand that. As a matter of fact I do not think it would be wise to tour with Cole regardless of Summer’s presence,” Peter stated. “He has far too many issues, far too many happy triggers. I have the power to veto Jimmy and I have.”
“But he ra – what? Did you just say Cole is not going to be around?”
The manager nodded, “Not now. Perhaps not ever. I will not make that assessment until he is clean. Perhaps I will send him to tour with another band, but that is neither here nor there. Cole is not coming back, Robert. You have my assurance.”
His blue eyes went to Jimmy’s, “I want you to stay away from Summer.”
“I will not seek out her company but I will not deny her should she seek out mine,” Jimmy responded evenly. “She is your girlfriend. I do not wish to get in the way of that.”
He really could not believe what he was hearing. A large part of him thought perhaps the two were merely telling him what he wanted to hear to keep him there, to keep him singing. He wanted to believe it was true and innocent; instincts told him otherwise. However, he could not complain. Offered in good faith or offered in some ply to keep him around, Robert got what he wanted and that was all that mattered. Summer was safe.
“I will finish the tour,” Robert announced, “the dates in England. After that, we shall see.”
“Fair enough,” Peter nodded. “Benji informed me this morning that Summer’s passport has passed his American source’s approval. They will be submitting it to the federal government on Monday. I suspect we will be able to take her with us to your performance at Earls Court.”
“Really?”
He nodded again, “I can see no reason not. We will even arrange for her stay in London. Worry not, Robert. Things will be just fine.”
Getting to his feet to go tell Summer the good news, Robert thanked the manager and headed out of the ballroom.
Jimmy waited until the glass door closed, “Is that all true?”
“Some of it is. The passport was reviewed and seems to be a green according to Benji, but I have a feeling it will take a bit longer than the six weeks before we need to be back in England,” he stated.
“Are you planning to slow the process?”
“Whyever would I do that? Robert clearly needs his muse there, regardless of the fact his wife and children will be present,” Peter stated.
Jimmy smirked, “I won’t say a word. But let us suppose she does get clearance to leave the country with us, are you truly planning on finding her some place to stay in London?”
“Fuck, Pagey, she can stay with you for all I care. We do not need Percy walking out on this band now. Whatever he needs to hear to stay, I’ll say it and I might even mean it.”
The guitarist glanced to the window, focusing briefly on Summer and her puppy, “Having her around is not a bad thing, Peter. Hell for the fact alone that she stabilizes Bonzo she should be kept around.”
“You and I both know that will not be needed back in England,” he responded. “Ever since that girl came into Robert’s life, everything has been turned upside down. We were functioning just fine without her. She is a blight on this ba–”
“She most certainly is not,” Jimmy interrupted. “And you will not speak such a thing again, especially in my presence. She is a bright ray of sunshine and we can all use that in our lives. Some of us more than others.”
Peter laughed, “You’re in love with her.”
His dark eyes flashed to the manager, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you don’t. Save us all the headaches and hurry up and shag her, Pagey. Then we can shake free of her and go back to business as usual.”
Before Jimmy could retort something acidic, John Paul approached the two, “Um, where is Summer?”
“Outside with Bonzo, the dog, and Percy. Why?” he asked.
“You better come and see this first,” he declared.
Jimmy followed John Paul to a TV tucked in the corner around which a number of roadies crowded. On the small color screen, wild orange flames stretched for the sky. Thick smoke colored the blue sky deep hazy grey. It took the guitarist a few minutes to see structures hidden in the flames and trees, but he still did not understand why this wildfire would be of any concern to Summer.
“I do not understand,” Jimmy stated softly.
“Wait,” John Paul instructed.
Nodding, he kept his attention on the small screen. A reporter seated at a desk appeared, hopefully to explain the scene. The man remained silent for far too long in Jimmy’s opinion, his hand pressed to his ear.
“Just bloody well say it,” he grumbled.
“The footage you just saw is from approximately twenty miles northeast of San Francisco’s city center. Considered a Mecca for many of the hippies who left the Haight and Ashbury scene, many of the private land in this area was once owned by a number of communes. Within the past few years as those communes folded, an organization calling itself ‘Children of the Sky’ purchased those tracts of land. Their current holdings equal approximately fifty acres of pristine and remote land.
“It is on these fifty acres the ‘Children’ lived. Few people outside of the community ever saw or interacted with any of the members. Those in nearby towns quickly learned to avoid any of them who ventured in for supplies.
“The Father of the ‘Children’ is a man formally known as ‘Jerry Shumaker.’ Mr. Shumaker began as a–”
As an image of the man appeared on the screen, Jimmy’s eyes widened, “That man was in the pictures of Summer and her family.”
John Paul nodded.
Jimmy turned to the bassist, “Since this fuck is apparently going to tell us her stepfather’s life story, will you tell me why this fire is worth our concern?”
“Because he set it. And killed everyone there,” he answered matter-of-factly.
“You mean… how… what…”
“The fire has been burning out of control for hours. The authorities at this point are only trying to contain it, to keep it from spreading into the nearby forests. They doubt anyone in the complex is alive. The bastard sent a tape to the news station, which was watched and then turned over to the FBI. All we’ve been told is basically he claimed something about some sort of Second Coming and other such poppycock,” he explained.
“Summer’s… Summer’s mother was…”
John Paul nodded, “Doubtful she escaped. Nor any of Summer’s siblings.”
Sighing Jimmy turned away from the TV. His eyes went to the window, watching as Summer laughed, pulling on a toy with her puppy. Her laughter was far too precious to ruin, but she needed to know. And not from some FBI agent-fuck, but from someone who actually cared about her. This in mind, Jimmy headed out of the ballroom, John Paul not far behind. As they neared Summer, Bonzo, Robert, and the puppy, the doors to the elevator opened and two men in black suits stepped out. Though Summer noticed the two FBI agents she spoke with before, her eyes focused on Jimmy’s grave expression.
“Jimmy?”
“Princess,” he spoke softly. “I do not… I do not know how to tell you this. But your mother… Your mother…”
“My mother what, Jimmy?” her eyes darted to the agents as they neared.
He sighed, “She’s dead.”
“What!?” her gaze snapped to his. “How do you know this?”
“It’s all over the news, princess.”
“Why would my mother’s death be all over the news?”
He wished her naïveté had an easy explanation, but he really had none that would please her in the least, “Summer, princess, the entire farm is up in flames right now.”
“Wait. What are you talking about, Jimmy? I don’t understand.”
“Miss Dylan?” one of the agents spoke up. “I need you to come with me.”
“What? Why?”
“It’s for your own protection.”
“I am perfectly safe here with the band. I am always safe with the band.”
“I wish that was the case, Miss Dylan. Circumstances have changed and we must secure you in an undisclosed location,” he stated.
Her questioning eyes went to Jimmy and then to Robert. The singer had even fewer answers for her than Jimmy, not having a clue what prompted Jimmy’s declaration any more than the FBI agent’s. And he certainly did not care for it either.
“I am fine here,” she claimed, looking back at the agent. “Does this have to do with my mother? Does this have to do with what Jimmy just said?”
“Yes, miss, it does.”
Summer stared at him for a long moment, “Is my mother dead?”
“We do not know at the moment, Miss Dylan. We can explain more once we are in a secure location. Please come with us,” he responded.
“Robert?” she turned to him. “Robert, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know, baby.”
“Robert can come with me, right?” she directed her words back at the agents.
“I’m afraid not, Miss Dylan.”
“What about my puppy?”
He looked down at the young dog, “You may bring the dog. Now please come with us.”
“I…”
“Please, Miss Dylan. We do not wish to cause a scene.”
Her eyes flicked to the band members before settling on Robert. He quickly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. His lips gently brushed hers.
“Go with them, baby. Your safety is the utmost importance to me,” he breathed.
“But, Robert–”
“I’ll see what I can find out about the situation. And I am certain they will let us be together soon,” he interrupted. “You take Queenie with you for company and I’ll be by your side before you even miss me.”
Though she wished to fight it longer, she knew it was futile. Instead, she nodded and kissed him again, slowly pulling away. Her confused eyes met Jimmy’s once more and she did not hesitate to embrace him as well.
“You will be safe, princess,” he whispered in her ear. “I will make certain you return to us quickly.”
“I believe you, Jimmy,” she responded before pulling away.
Bonzo held out Queenie’s leash. He frowned and quickly embraced her, grumbling something about beating up anyone who even thought about mistreating her in his absence. He nearly did not release her to go with the agents, thinking if any of them, he had the best chance of fighting the two men and keeping the blonde with them and safe. But he did and she regretfully slipped between the two men and was lead to the elevator.
As the elevator doors closed, Robert faltered slightly, his eyes going to Jimmy, “You better tell me everything you know right now, Page, or god help me, Bonzo will not be able to even save you.”
“I have nothing to do with this,” he claimed. “Come on. I’ll show you what I know – or at least what the telly knows.”
Rating: PG-13 [language, action, innuedo]
Summary: Jimmy confesses to Robert while FBI agents interrogate Summer. Fire is normally thought of as cleansing, but will it be for everyone?
Releasing Summer’s hand, Robert headed into the kitchen to make tea. The young blonde looked at Bonzo and Jimmy sitting on the couch. While she could have sat across from the two, she instantly decided to squeeze between them on the small sofa. Though there was little room for her, Summer curled her feet up into Jimmy’s lap and laid her head on Bonzo’s shoulder. The drummer’s large arm naturally slipped around her shoulders, gently playing with her long hair.
“What do you think happened, Bonzo?” she asked softly.
“I don’t know,” he responded. “He was just going up there to see your mother, right?”
“Yeah…” Summer looked to Jimmy as his fingers began to lightly massage her feet. “But… well… um…”
“What, princess?” Jimmy spoke up.
“The people I used to live with… I never really thought about it until I stayed with you guys. I thought that’s how everyone was. But now… now I know that’s not true. I mean I know my life with you hasn’t been a normal life as you’re touring and all. But you have shown me… as has Joni… that things are not at all like I expected,” Summer responded vaguely.
“What do you mean?” the guitarist pushed, glancing up as Robert entered the room with two cups of tea and handed one to Summer.
“Well for example you guys don’t make me do things because ‘that’s the way we do them.’ Or… I don’t know. I can’t really think of specifics,” she responded, glancing across at Robert as he sat down. “You remember the night we met?”
“Of course I do,” he replied.
“Well… I had never been allowed to make a decision in a restaurant before. Ordering food that night might have seemed normal and all of that to you, but it certainly wasn’t to me,” she stated. “I mean I wasn’t really … allowed off the farm without supervision and always with an elder present. Sometimes I wonder how it was that I was even allowed to listen to music. I can’t remember anyone else on the farm listening to music – besides what we were supposed to play with and for others.
“I mean, I knew there were places that didn’t dictate everything you do and when but the more I think about it, the more I think I wasn’t supposed to know,” Summer continued. “And it makes me wonder about Quincy.”
“Who?” Robert asked.
“The boy who gave me a ride down here in exchange for a blowjob,” she stated frankly.
Robert’s eyes widened and he struggled to swallow his mouthful of tea. Jimmy’s fingers halted on her feet. Only Bonzo seemed unaffected.
“What do you mean?” the drummer asked.
“He’s the only one who ever left the farm without an elder. And he always came back with new people – who I was never allowed to speak to,” she explained. “And now Dad’s worried about my safety? It doesn’t… add up.”
“But, baby, on our first days, you talked so positively about the commune,” Robert pointed out.
“Because it’s all I’ve ever known.”
“Because they programmed you that way,” Jimmy spoke up.
“What do you mean?” her blue eyes went to his.
“The way you first talked about it sounded like you were trying to sell it to us,” he stated. “As days passed with you staying with us, your language changed. It became more backwards than idyllic. And then the issues with your mother…”
“Go on,” she requested.
“Initially you didn’t seem to miss her or even care – though that could have been the fact our world is oftentimes crazy and hard to keep up in. But when you confronted her about Bob, she shut you out coldly. You suddenly felt completely cut off from your life on the farm. You felt abandoned by her and I would hazard by the entire ‘farm.’ That’s why you broke down so… dramatically,” he explained. “Princess, it seems to me that it wasn’t a community you lived and were born into, but a cult.”
Her eyes widened slightly, “Do you really think so, Jimmy?”
“Did you have a for certain leader?”
She nodded.
“And everyone did what he said?”
She nodded again.
“And everyone wore the same thing and did everything at the proscribed time?”
“Yes.”
“Individuality was discouraged?”
“Yes. Yes. And yes,” Summer responded softly. “I… do you think that’s why my mother left Dad?”
“I do not doubt it for a moment.”
“Then, Jimmy, why did she give me records and instruments and fuck, tickets to your show?”
“She wanted you to escape when she could not.”
Waking with a start when the squad car came to a halt outside the Hyatt, Bob grumbled. Climbing out, he stretched his long limbs for a minute before heading into the hotel. By now, some of the Zep groupies recognized him and squealed for his attention. His eyes connected with on and he stared at her coolly. A moment later, she quieted the other girls.
Approaching the front desk, Bob leaned against it, “I need to speak with any of the present members of Led Zeppelin or their manager.”
The front desk clerk stared at Bob for a moment, “I’m sorry, Mr. Dylan, but they have a strict do not disturb before noon order.”
“Then wake up their manager,” he growled. “This is important.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but Mr. Grant–”
“Fuck, Mr. Grant. This has to do with the safety of my daughter.”
The clerk’s eyes widened slightly and he glanced over at the gaggle of groupies.
“Call one of them up now.”
As the clerk reached for the phone, John Paul slipped in through the back door. Recognizing him just out of the corner of his eyes, Bob left the desk and stalked over to the bassist. For a long moment, he said nothing.
“Can you take me to where Summer is?”
Recalling Bob’s quest and finding it odd he had already returned, especially since it was only eight in the morning, John Paul nodded, “Of course. How was your trip?”
“I’ll tell you in the car.”
During the fifteen minutes of Bob’s story, John Paul’s mouth dropped open. Summer’s naïveté made far greater sense to him now. Her home had not just sheltered her, but confined her. And to some great extent, it explained her mother’s actions – even all the way back to Adele’s flight from Bob. While John Paul cold not really say that living with the band was not unlike a cult experience, everyone had choice. And Summer… Summer had already flourished in the weeks she had been with them. He could see that.
“She’s in a better place now,” John Paul assured Bob.
“I never thought I would thank the Lord for the creation of Led Zeppelin – as I think the band has set back music – but now I certainly do. You not only brought me in contact with my daughter, but you saved her,” he declared softly.
Ignoring Bob’s slight, he nodded, “Whatever fate brought Summer to us is a very good thing.”
“God, I hope they haven’t found her. The things the officer,” he motioned to the driver, “told me… We cannot allow them access to her, John. We cannot.”
The pair arrived at the beach house not much later. Bob was the first out of the car, the first busting through the door. He immediately thought to tell them to never leave the door unlocked, but that would come later. His eyes went to the couch. Jimmy sat alone with Summer, the young blond asleep on the guitarist’s shoulder. While he wondered where the girl’s boyfriend and Bonzo were, Bob found some relief in the fact the girl was safe.
Having inspected Bob since his abrupt entrance, Jimmy’s eyes flicked beyond and noted John Paul and the police officer. He instantly tensed. Was he to be arrested? Had Cole squealed? How would he love the girl in his arms from jail? Would Summer visit him?
“Dad?” Summer stirred and rubbed her eyes.
Bob instantly approached the couch, sitting on the coffee table and embracing her before she fully sat up, “You’re safe.”
“Of course I am. I have some of the best bodyguards in the world,” she smiled slightly.
“Speaking of bodyguards, where is Bonzo?” he asked seriously.
Summer looked to Jimmy.
“He and Robert went to get breakfast,” he answered.
“And left only you here to protect Summer? I do not think any of you have any idea how serious the situation is,” Bob stated.
“Miss Dylan?” the police officer approached her.
It took Summer a minute to understand he addressed her, “Yes?”
“I’m here to provide for your protection. I suspect within the next hour, FBI agents will arrive to interview you concerning the people you grew up with,” he explained. “Despite your father’s concerns, I assure you that you are safe.”
“Of course she’s safe,” Bonzo stated as he entered the still open door carrying coffees. “Why wouldn’t she be?”
“You were supposed to stay with her,” Bob hissed.
“Whoa now, Bobby, Jimmy could easily handle anything in my absence. He might be a small bugger, but he can bring a man down just as well as me. In fact, he brought a man down for not having ice cream for Summer. Jimmy is well enough armed.”
Bob began to reply, but then Robert joined them, closing the door behind him. He set the large paper bag down on the table next to the armchair. Summer instantly jumped up and into his arms.
“I don’t like waking up without you here,” she muttered and kissed him.
“I was not gone long,” he chuckled.
“I know, but all the same.”
“Are you hungry? I got waffles.”
She kissed him again, “You do love me!”
Pacing back and forth, Jimmy’s dark eyes flicked to the bedroom door entry every few paces. Summer had been sequestered with the FBI agents for over two hours. No one was allowed to check on her; not Robert, not Bob, definitely not Jimmy. Every minute that passed made him that much more nervous. Yes, he worried about her, but a greater part of it was if they would connect him to whatever happened. Those two worries were making Jimmy a mess, a complete mess.
Robert stepped in Jimmy’s way, “Come smoke with me before you wear a hole in the floor.”
Not entirely sure how good of an idea that was, Jimmy agreed anyways. The light and dark pair headed out of the beach cottage, passing John Paul and Bonzo who played cards at a small dining table. Silently the two walked. It was not until they reached the sand that Robert pulled out the tightly rolled white cigarette, lit it, and passed it to Jimmy.
“Okay. Talk,” Robert commanded.
Jimmy’s eyes went to Robert, completely surprised at the singer’s directive, “What makes you th–”
“You’ve been pacing outside the door since they went in there with my girlfriend. That deserves some explanation.”
“I care about her too.”
“I am not saying you cannot,” he passed the joint back to Jimmy. “I am asking why are you so bloody high strung about it. There has to be more to it. I know you, Jim.”
He sighed, “I did something.”
“What?”
Jimmy inhaled the joint deeply before answering, “I asked Cole to plant something in the commune and then alert the authorities.”
Robert stared at Jimmy for a moment, “And why would you get him involved in anything with Summer? He tried to rape her.”
“Because he’s the only one I could think of with the kinds of contacts to do something,” he answered.
“And when did you ask Cole to do this?” he asked coolly.
“Last night.”
Robert laughed, “Do you really think he could have accomplished something so quickly? Bob probably got there around eight last night, maybe earlier. I doubt you are at fault for this. Besides, you heard the things Summer told us. This has been going on all her life.”
“Fuck,” Jimmy mumbled, flicking the scant remainder of the joint into the sand.
“Just because you’re not at fault doesn’t mean I’m okay with what you did,” Robert claimed. “Tell me what you promised Cole.”
“That I would bring him back as tour manager,” he stated.
He stared at Jimmy, trying to process his statement. There was no way in hell he would tour with Cole again, even if Summer was not on tour as well. He could not, would not, do it. Never in a million years.
“Then you will have to find yourself another singer,” Robert stated softly, turned around, and headed into the bungalow.
His eyes met with John Paul’s, “Call for a car. You’re leaving.”
“What? Why?” the bassist asked, getting to his feet.
“No doubt your tour manager expects your band somewhere tonight,” he spat.
“Whoa, Percy, what’s going on?” Bonzo asked.
“Page brought back Cole.”
“Wait. What?” John Paul queried.
“Page brought back Cole. I refuse to go anywhere with that arse,” Robert stated darkly. “So call the car and get out.”
“Wait, mate,” Bonzo stood up. “I’m sure Pagey had a very good reason to–”
“I do not bloody care! That man will not be anywhere near Summer.”
Having remained silently observant, pretending to be reading a magazine, Bob spoke up, “Why do you wish to keep this Cole away from Summer?”
“Because he tried to rape her,” Robert answered bluntly.
The folksinger nodded once before casting his eyes back down at the magazine, “I support your decision.”
While Robert had been telling the rest of the band to leave, Jimmy slipped back into the house. He did not blame Robert’s rash decision. It did not even matter that Jimmy himself had been exonerated from involvement with the FBI. What mattered – had always mattered – was Summer, first and foremost. Jimmy would never deny her primacy in his concerns – even if he should. He only hoped someone would at least talk some sense into Robert for their final concert that tour.
“Jimmy?” a very soft voice spoke.
His attention instantly snapped from the living room to the open door he now stood next to. Large haunted, blue eyes looked into his. Saying nothing the guitarist quickly closed the space between them and enfolded her in his arms. She instantly began to tremble with sobs.
“D-don’t-t ab-band-don m-me, J-jimmy,” she stammered.
“Shhh,” he smoothed her hair down, kissing her forehead. “You don’t have to worry, Princess. I am never going to abandon you. Ever. Have I not already promised you that?”
She nodded slightly, her cheek rubbing against his shoulder.
“I will never break a promise to you, Princess. Never.”
Bob seemed to notice the pair before the imploding band around him. While he too wished to comfort his daughter, he found watching the interactions between her and the guitarist far more interesting. The way Jimmy cradled her was not that of a friend or even merely a lust object. It surprised Bob some that the two leaders of the band were… in love with the same girl. He knew it happened; it broke up many bands before. He merely had not expected it to happen surrounding his daughter. Pushing these thoughts aside, he walked intentionally thought Robert and John Paul’s conversation to approach his daughter. He gently touched her shoulder and she peeled away from Jimmy, falling into Bob’s arms.
“You’re her father, correct?” the FBI agent asked.
Bob glanced beyond his daughter, “I am.”
“We have a few questions to ask, if you do not mind.”
“Summer,” Bob leaned back, “I’m going to go and talk with these men for awhile. Jimmy and Robert will take care of you.”
She nodded. Though the rest of the house was now silent, as the other three had noticed her presences, Summer shifted back over to Jimmy’s arms. Robert instantly bristled.
“This isn’t about you, mate,” John Paul stated evenly.
“Fuck off,” he grumbled.
Summer’s eyes went to the men at that. Instantly connecting with Robert’s jealous eyes, though unable to recognize the emotion presently, she quickly slipped out of Jimmy’s arms and rushed to Robert. Her fingers dug into his shirt, her face buried in his chest. Though his body was still tense with anger and jealousy, his emotions softened as his arms circled her. Saying nothing, he guided her over to the armchair and sat, pulling Summer into his lap. Instantly her body curled into a fetal position. Her lips moved in soft mumbles he could not understand.
“Baby,” he spoke softly, waving off the others to avoid intrusions. “Baby, you’re okay. You’re safe. Nothing bad is ever going to happen to you again. You’re safe.”
“Oh, Robert,” she muttered. “They did so many bad things!”
“Which they’re not going to do anymore,” he assured her.
“I remember… fuck… I remember the conceptions of my siblings. There were… ceremonies… where of breeding age women were lined up and fucked,” Summer muttered. “I… I would have been one of them if I hadn’t… left… Oh, Robert, I thought… I thought…”
“Shhh,” he squeezed her assuredly, kissing her forehead. “You’re safe and sound now, Summer. No one is going to hurt you. No one is going to make you do anything you do not want to. You are safe and free. And I love you.”
“I don’t… I don’t want to stay here anymore. Can we stay at the Riot tonight?”
His mouth opened to tell her there would be no not that night, but Bonzo, who ignored Robert’s wishes and approached the couple, quickly blurted out, “Of course you can, sweet pea. You and Percy can stay in my room. Nobody will be the wiser.”
“We will get your things packed up now,” John Paul offered, turning towards the door. “Or will as soon as we can.”
“Robert?” Summer spoke up, her eyes finally looking to his.
“Yes, baby.”
“Am I going to get my mom back?”
“I don’t know, sweetie. I don’t know.”
Stepping into the rooftop ballroom, leaving Summer and Bonzo playing fetch with Queenie, Robert headed directly to where Jimmy sat with Peter speaking in hushed tones. He cared not if he was interrupting something, in fact would have preferred as much. Silently he pulled out a chair uninvited and sat down, folding his arms across his chest. He stared while they continued to speak their secret language, ignoring him. Robert cleared his throat loudly.
Peter looked across the small table, “Robert, just the man I wished to speak with.”
“Did Page explain to you the only reason I am here is because it was Summer’s request? Do not think for a moment that I have any intentions of remaining or getting on stage in England,” he stated coldly.
“Now, Robert, let’s not make brash decisions because of a little bit of drama in our lives. You have a responsibility to your fans,” he stated.
“No, I do not. The only fan I have any responsibility to is Summer. He,” Robert pointed at Jimmy, “invited Cole back to be manager. I will not go anywhere or do anything with that vile pig.”
“I understand that. As a matter of fact I do not think it would be wise to tour with Cole regardless of Summer’s presence,” Peter stated. “He has far too many issues, far too many happy triggers. I have the power to veto Jimmy and I have.”
“But he ra – what? Did you just say Cole is not going to be around?”
The manager nodded, “Not now. Perhaps not ever. I will not make that assessment until he is clean. Perhaps I will send him to tour with another band, but that is neither here nor there. Cole is not coming back, Robert. You have my assurance.”
His blue eyes went to Jimmy’s, “I want you to stay away from Summer.”
“I will not seek out her company but I will not deny her should she seek out mine,” Jimmy responded evenly. “She is your girlfriend. I do not wish to get in the way of that.”
He really could not believe what he was hearing. A large part of him thought perhaps the two were merely telling him what he wanted to hear to keep him there, to keep him singing. He wanted to believe it was true and innocent; instincts told him otherwise. However, he could not complain. Offered in good faith or offered in some ply to keep him around, Robert got what he wanted and that was all that mattered. Summer was safe.
“I will finish the tour,” Robert announced, “the dates in England. After that, we shall see.”
“Fair enough,” Peter nodded. “Benji informed me this morning that Summer’s passport has passed his American source’s approval. They will be submitting it to the federal government on Monday. I suspect we will be able to take her with us to your performance at Earls Court.”
“Really?”
He nodded again, “I can see no reason not. We will even arrange for her stay in London. Worry not, Robert. Things will be just fine.”
Getting to his feet to go tell Summer the good news, Robert thanked the manager and headed out of the ballroom.
Jimmy waited until the glass door closed, “Is that all true?”
“Some of it is. The passport was reviewed and seems to be a green according to Benji, but I have a feeling it will take a bit longer than the six weeks before we need to be back in England,” he stated.
“Are you planning to slow the process?”
“Whyever would I do that? Robert clearly needs his muse there, regardless of the fact his wife and children will be present,” Peter stated.
Jimmy smirked, “I won’t say a word. But let us suppose she does get clearance to leave the country with us, are you truly planning on finding her some place to stay in London?”
“Fuck, Pagey, she can stay with you for all I care. We do not need Percy walking out on this band now. Whatever he needs to hear to stay, I’ll say it and I might even mean it.”
The guitarist glanced to the window, focusing briefly on Summer and her puppy, “Having her around is not a bad thing, Peter. Hell for the fact alone that she stabilizes Bonzo she should be kept around.”
“You and I both know that will not be needed back in England,” he responded. “Ever since that girl came into Robert’s life, everything has been turned upside down. We were functioning just fine without her. She is a blight on this ba–”
“She most certainly is not,” Jimmy interrupted. “And you will not speak such a thing again, especially in my presence. She is a bright ray of sunshine and we can all use that in our lives. Some of us more than others.”
Peter laughed, “You’re in love with her.”
His dark eyes flashed to the manager, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you don’t. Save us all the headaches and hurry up and shag her, Pagey. Then we can shake free of her and go back to business as usual.”
Before Jimmy could retort something acidic, John Paul approached the two, “Um, where is Summer?”
“Outside with Bonzo, the dog, and Percy. Why?” he asked.
“You better come and see this first,” he declared.
Jimmy followed John Paul to a TV tucked in the corner around which a number of roadies crowded. On the small color screen, wild orange flames stretched for the sky. Thick smoke colored the blue sky deep hazy grey. It took the guitarist a few minutes to see structures hidden in the flames and trees, but he still did not understand why this wildfire would be of any concern to Summer.
“I do not understand,” Jimmy stated softly.
“Wait,” John Paul instructed.
Nodding, he kept his attention on the small screen. A reporter seated at a desk appeared, hopefully to explain the scene. The man remained silent for far too long in Jimmy’s opinion, his hand pressed to his ear.
“Just bloody well say it,” he grumbled.
“The footage you just saw is from approximately twenty miles northeast of San Francisco’s city center. Considered a Mecca for many of the hippies who left the Haight and Ashbury scene, many of the private land in this area was once owned by a number of communes. Within the past few years as those communes folded, an organization calling itself ‘Children of the Sky’ purchased those tracts of land. Their current holdings equal approximately fifty acres of pristine and remote land.
“It is on these fifty acres the ‘Children’ lived. Few people outside of the community ever saw or interacted with any of the members. Those in nearby towns quickly learned to avoid any of them who ventured in for supplies.
“The Father of the ‘Children’ is a man formally known as ‘Jerry Shumaker.’ Mr. Shumaker began as a–”
As an image of the man appeared on the screen, Jimmy’s eyes widened, “That man was in the pictures of Summer and her family.”
John Paul nodded.
Jimmy turned to the bassist, “Since this fuck is apparently going to tell us her stepfather’s life story, will you tell me why this fire is worth our concern?”
“Because he set it. And killed everyone there,” he answered matter-of-factly.
“You mean… how… what…”
“The fire has been burning out of control for hours. The authorities at this point are only trying to contain it, to keep it from spreading into the nearby forests. They doubt anyone in the complex is alive. The bastard sent a tape to the news station, which was watched and then turned over to the FBI. All we’ve been told is basically he claimed something about some sort of Second Coming and other such poppycock,” he explained.
“Summer’s… Summer’s mother was…”
John Paul nodded, “Doubtful she escaped. Nor any of Summer’s siblings.”
Sighing Jimmy turned away from the TV. His eyes went to the window, watching as Summer laughed, pulling on a toy with her puppy. Her laughter was far too precious to ruin, but she needed to know. And not from some FBI agent-fuck, but from someone who actually cared about her. This in mind, Jimmy headed out of the ballroom, John Paul not far behind. As they neared Summer, Bonzo, Robert, and the puppy, the doors to the elevator opened and two men in black suits stepped out. Though Summer noticed the two FBI agents she spoke with before, her eyes focused on Jimmy’s grave expression.
“Jimmy?”
“Princess,” he spoke softly. “I do not… I do not know how to tell you this. But your mother… Your mother…”
“My mother what, Jimmy?” her eyes darted to the agents as they neared.
He sighed, “She’s dead.”
“What!?” her gaze snapped to his. “How do you know this?”
“It’s all over the news, princess.”
“Why would my mother’s death be all over the news?”
He wished her naïveté had an easy explanation, but he really had none that would please her in the least, “Summer, princess, the entire farm is up in flames right now.”
“Wait. What are you talking about, Jimmy? I don’t understand.”
“Miss Dylan?” one of the agents spoke up. “I need you to come with me.”
“What? Why?”
“It’s for your own protection.”
“I am perfectly safe here with the band. I am always safe with the band.”
“I wish that was the case, Miss Dylan. Circumstances have changed and we must secure you in an undisclosed location,” he stated.
Her questioning eyes went to Jimmy and then to Robert. The singer had even fewer answers for her than Jimmy, not having a clue what prompted Jimmy’s declaration any more than the FBI agent’s. And he certainly did not care for it either.
“I am fine here,” she claimed, looking back at the agent. “Does this have to do with my mother? Does this have to do with what Jimmy just said?”
“Yes, miss, it does.”
Summer stared at him for a long moment, “Is my mother dead?”
“We do not know at the moment, Miss Dylan. We can explain more once we are in a secure location. Please come with us,” he responded.
“Robert?” she turned to him. “Robert, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know, baby.”
“Robert can come with me, right?” she directed her words back at the agents.
“I’m afraid not, Miss Dylan.”
“What about my puppy?”
He looked down at the young dog, “You may bring the dog. Now please come with us.”
“I…”
“Please, Miss Dylan. We do not wish to cause a scene.”
Her eyes flicked to the band members before settling on Robert. He quickly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. His lips gently brushed hers.
“Go with them, baby. Your safety is the utmost importance to me,” he breathed.
“But, Robert–”
“I’ll see what I can find out about the situation. And I am certain they will let us be together soon,” he interrupted. “You take Queenie with you for company and I’ll be by your side before you even miss me.”
Though she wished to fight it longer, she knew it was futile. Instead, she nodded and kissed him again, slowly pulling away. Her confused eyes met Jimmy’s once more and she did not hesitate to embrace him as well.
“You will be safe, princess,” he whispered in her ear. “I will make certain you return to us quickly.”
“I believe you, Jimmy,” she responded before pulling away.
Bonzo held out Queenie’s leash. He frowned and quickly embraced her, grumbling something about beating up anyone who even thought about mistreating her in his absence. He nearly did not release her to go with the agents, thinking if any of them, he had the best chance of fighting the two men and keeping the blonde with them and safe. But he did and she regretfully slipped between the two men and was lead to the elevator.
As the elevator doors closed, Robert faltered slightly, his eyes going to Jimmy, “You better tell me everything you know right now, Page, or god help me, Bonzo will not be able to even save you.”
“I have nothing to do with this,” he claimed. “Come on. I’ll show you what I know – or at least what the telly knows.”
blog comments powered by Disqus