Record Killers

The deal

"I told you, Jennifer, I don't have the money yet," Mr. Shaw snapped into his phone as he examined the view of the New York skyline from his Central Park penthouse. For an owner of only the biggest recording company in the world, this lavish penthouse was rather simple compared to his three other mansions located in Tokyo, Spain, and L.A. As a New York native, he found that even this simple of a penthouse was his favorite place to stay.

"Listen to me! As soon as I get this deal I'll be rolling in dough. Maybe I could cut you a check or something?" The man took a long drag on his cigar listening to what the other person on the line had to say.

"Uhm, sir?" A timid assistant stepped forward, not wanting to interrupt.

"What?" Mr.Shaw shouted turning to face the young man, his face slowly going as red as the young assistants bright ginger hair.

Cowering back the assistant stuttered. "I wanted to remind you that a boy band is waiting, Sir. For nearly 30 minutes now."

"Alright, Alright I'll be there in a second." Mr.Shaw waved the assistant away. He ended his phone call with his girlfriend and finished his cigar, tapping the Forbes most successful business award sitting proudly on his desk for good luck, like he always did. Then, Mr.Shaw strolled into the living room where four boys sat, patiently waiting. They weren't just any four boys though. They were four boys in a world famous band . A band which within the past year had sold billions of CD's, sold out tours across nations, and had girls everywhere hysterical. They were none other than Mindless Behavior. Each of them sat with their backs straight, hands tucked neatly where they wouldn't cause trouble, and eager expressions plastered all over their faces trying to hide just how truly terrified they were. They had heard about Mr.Shaw alright. A big man, with an even bigger record business. A heavy New York accent, illegally imported Cuban cigars, and worst of all his ungodly temper and impatience. Nobody could please the man anymore; he was always causing uproar about something. The only man on his good side was Rick O'brien, a sociable and easy going guy who was on anybody's good side. The man's smile alone could make a crying baby stop wailing in seconds. No wonder he was Mr.Shaw's best businessman, as well as being his best buddy since highschool but everything can be deceiving.

"Good evening boys," Tony sat down eyeing them over his cigar box, which he opened and took out another. "So, you wanna record with me, huh?"

The one with the chocolate brown eyes and the puppy dog face was the first to speak up. His name was Jacob, and he was the well known sweetheart of the group. "Yes sir, we would be honored--" He said.

"Save it for the media kid," Mr.Shaw waved his hand abruptly cutting the young man off.

"Erm, well you've worked with some of the best artist in the world we--"

"You consider yourselves one of them?" Mr.Shaw interrupted again casting an apprehensive glance over the four boys. They shifted uncomfortably and cast each other wary glances, as if unsure how to proceed from this point.

"Well, not exactly. I mean we're just regular boys," The one with short curls spoke up, jumping in for his flustered friends. His name was Chresanto, he was the cheeky one. He could make any girl swoon with just one simple glance.

At this Tony laughed out loud "Regular boys? My God you've got every girl on every street corner screaming your name. I'll tell ya boys, if I could do that when I was your age, well I'd have a lot more responsibilities in my life if you know what I mean." Mr.Shaw laughed again, being such a big man, the laughter rumbled through his chest creating a loud booming sound rather than a jovial chuckle.

The four boys chuckled painfully at the inappropriate comment. "We don't like to talk about women that way." The one with long braid said boldly. His name was Rayan, and yes he was the smart mouth

"I told you kids to save it for the press, the press loves it. I on the other hand, don't have time or patience to hear about what great and honorable people you are. Moving on to more important matters, if you did sign with me that gives me complete power to make any changes I like."

"What kind of changes?" piped the the muscular boy, Chresanto.

"Your group needs a whole new set up or else Mindless Behavior will be no more in a matter of months."

"What's wrong with the way we are now?" Craig asked.

"You," Shaw pointed a chubby finger at the one who spoke, "What's your name? Logan? Rayan?"

"It's Craig," The boy said flatly.

"Craig, I put you as lead singer, puppy face and Chres here can be backup and supporting vocals, we get rid of Rayan. Seriously, do you think this is 1985? I run a record company not a vintage modeling boutique." Said Shaw

The boys sat in silence, unsure of what to do. It's not everyday you get offered the best record deal of your life. It's also not everyday when what had been working so well for so long gets blatantly insulted. Annoyed with the silence Shaw took a long drag on his cigar, rolling his eyes.

"You want to sign with me you're going to do what I say. If there's one thing about you kids that makes me mad the most is that you think you can go far by being yourselves. I've been in the business a long time, I know what sells and what doesn't. You wanna work with me; you gotta make your own choice. You can either become a legend like the Jackson 5 or fizzle out and become one of those one hit wonders they sell on iTunes for 69 cents a piece." Shaw explained waving his hands about as he talked. The smoke from his cigar was wafting all around the room, creating the smell of a high class bar.

"Is there a way we can sign with you and stay how we are?" Jacob quietly interjected.