Independence - Ch 10

Chapter 10

On the way back to NJ Kylee and Jon discussed strategy, she told him the options they had for what they could do to Doc and then Jon asked a question that shocked Kylee.

“How public would this need to be?”

“What do you mean Jon? Do you want to drag his name through the mud or do you want to keep this as private as possible?”

“Well the policy has always been what happens in Jovi stays in Jovi, we call it the Brotherhood, Doc has been a part of that for years so I don’t want to publically humiliate him,” He stopped and then remembered that Doc broke the rules by breaking that trust, “Unless we have to.”

“Actually Jon we can handle this either way you want, it depends where we file the court documents. If I file in NY for the charges, he’s dead. It’ll be all over the press in a matter of minutes and he’ll never manage another band, however if I file in locally in North Brunswick it’s less likely to be picked up because who cares what happens in Hicksville. You’ll have to tell me what you want after we confront him.”

The plan quickly came together, Jon was to call Doc and demand he be at a rented office space in a high rise in NYC on Friday at 10am, this way should he want to break things it wouldn’t be in her office. From the tone Jon used on the call with Doc he didn’t have the guts to question or refuse him.

Doc shows up this office space, having no idea where he is going. Kelly meets him at the door in the perfect black pencil skirt, high heels, with a light blue shirt, tucked in and perfectly pressed. “Doc McGhee?”

“Yes.” He grumbled.

“Come with me please.” She walked Doc back past an office into a conference room where Jon and Kylee are sitting.

The second he sees’s Jon he immediately pushes past Kelly without an apology, “Jonny what the hell is going on? What are we doing here?”

“Doc I’d like to introduce you to my attorney Kylee Scott. Kylee this is Doc McGhee.”

Kylee stood up and reached her hand out to Doc “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” He of course refused to shake her hand.

Finally sitting down she asked him, “What would you like to drink?”

Doc shook his head, “nothing- Jonny what’s going on?”

Jon knew he had to keep the upper hand so he looked to Kelly, “Kelly can I get a coke please?”

“Sure Jon, and coffee for you Kylee?”

“Absolutely – thank you.”

She closes the door, leaves and is back in 2 seconds with the drinks, once Kelly leaves again Jon looks to Doc, taking a deep calming breath.

“First of all my name is Jon, secondly, “you’re fired.”

“What – Jonny_ Jon what the fuck is going on? Seriously what am I doing here?”

“You are here to get your walking papers; your position with Bon Jovi Enterprises Inc. has been terminated effective today. There will be no severance package, since you’ve already stolen over $1.4 million dollars from me. You will be getting sued for breach of contract and brought up on charges for crimes committed.”

Doc sprang to his feet, his face red with anger, “What the fuck are you talking about Jonny, what crimes, what has your newest fuck toy been filling your head with this bullshit.”

“Mr. McGhee, I assure you that I am not entertained by your infantile attitude. I am not sleeping with Mr. Bongiovi; I was hired by him to do a job much the same as you were if you remember correct back to 1984 when you signed this contract” She pushed the original contract over to him and continued, “agreeing to represent him honestly and faithfully and in case you missed it you also agreed to the fine print. Please feel free to remind yourself by reading it again.”

Doc huffed hard trying to develop a defense to what was in fine print, “This wasn’t in the original contract.” He’s not smart enough to add that clause.

“You dumb shit, that’s the contract Polygram had you sign.” Jon took a deep breath, “you’re right, way back then I wasn’t smart enough to protect my ass but what you seem to have forgotten, is you made damn sure I understood that my ass is one of my most valuable commodities so this time I damn well protected it.” Jon took a break only to take a drink of his soda. “You fucking idiot, if you’re going to open an account in my name in another state, don’t fucking sign my name to it.”

“What the hell are you talking about you little weasel, I’ve done everything for you. I made you.” Doc pushed the papers across the table at Jon.

“What you did Mr. McGhee is make a very detrimental error.” Kylee jumped in and Jon sat back in his chair, knowing what was coming.

Jon had to butt in just a little though, to piss him off even more. “If you return the $1.4 million you embezzled from me by 4pm today I will try to make this as private as possible; as of 4:05pm today should the money not be returned my attorney here will explain to you what will happen.”

“We will be filling charges on Forgery 1, Embezzlement, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Fraud. However I think the Bank in California and Polygram are also filling Fraud charges.” Kylee began.

“Jon don’t let this bitch come between us man, you know I’ve been looking out for you.”

“She’s only a bitch to you because she’s doing her job, the one I’m paying her to do which is to get your sorry ass out of my life. I love how you think you looked out for me though, is that why you stole over a million dollars from me, is that why you drugged me full of steroids so I could keep performing, therefore making more money that I could pay you and then you’d turn and steal more.”

“As I was saying Mr. McGhee, the charges we are filing will be filed in NYC if the money is not returned by 4pm, and I will make sure every newspaper and entertainment source is notified therefore it will be very public knowledge of what you did.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about lady, I never committed any of these things you’re claiming.” Doc blew her off thinking Jon wasn’t nearly smart enough to prove it.

“Mr. McGhee, these charges are already proven, Forgery 1 is a no brainer for us, and you signed his name to documents at both Polygram Records and also the First State Bank in California opening an account in Mr. Bongiovi’s name and social security number. The mistake you made was simple, not very bright for a supposedly intelligent mastermind thief like yourself. When Jon authorizes you to sign a document for him, you are supposed to sign in your own name, not Jon’s. Jon's authorization means that he will be bound by agreements you makes on his behalf, but does not mean you can pretend you actually *are* Jon. A forgery conviction can result in up to ten years in prison, heavy fines, and more. By withdrawing the money Mr. McGhee you committed the other three offenses, each of which adds on at least 2 years in prison plus additional fines.”

“This is all lies; Jonny who’s been talking to you.” He spouted off arrogantly. This dumb rocker doesn’t know shit.

“This means you knowingly and willingly signed my clients name to documents which you had no authorization to do so. Opening the account and then withdrawing money from it further proves your disregard for my client’s welfare.”

Doc had it, he stood up and looked at Kylee, this little slut wasn’t going to ruin his life. “Listen Bitch.”

Kylee just looks at him, Jon’s about to get his Italian dander up but Kylee puts her hand on his arm, she stands up, staring dead into Doc’s eyes, staring him down. “Listen pencil dick, you don’t mess with my client, you stole from him, you impersonated him, you signed his name to documents, if you’re going to do it do it right you dumbass, at least get the spelling right idiot. Jon I think a New York filing is in order before 4pm.”

“I think you’re right but can you give us just a minute.”

Kylee smiled and left the room going to her ‘office’.

“What the hell Jonny you fucking her? Is this how it is, she likes to role play so you’re letting her, ok ha ha you’ll get it good tonight.” Doc immediately tries to play off the friendship of years gone by.

Jon stands up and gets nose to nose with Doc, “you are fired all I have to do is give her the ok and you will never work in this business again. A New York filing means this gets published in every NYC public paper, that means The Post, The Times, and we tell them that this former manager of Bon Jovi was brought up on these charges and his former client Jon Bon Jovi is pursuing punishment to the fullest extent of the law. You’re done, you’ll never work again. You weren’t listening Forgery 1 is a 10 yr sentence and that’s if only one state goes after you but you dumb ass you signed my name in NY and CA so its Federal now. You’re done, you’ve been on a power trip for so long, you think you had control of a dumb ass rock star, but go weasel your way into a hole, because when I’m done with you, you’ll never work in this business again.”

“Jon seriously you don’t want to do this, come on, what happens in Jovi stays in Jovi.” Doc pretty much begged.

Looking down, Jon let his hair hide his face because the satisfaction he got from Doc’s begging almost got him hard the smile would be a dead giveaway. He calmed his face and reached up grabbing the medallion necklace and ripping it from Doc’s neck. “you’re no longer part of the brotherhood, fuck off. You have until 4pm to get me my money into this account,” handing him a Bon Jovi Enterprises business card with the account numbers written on the back. “now get the fuck out of my site.”

The snake slithered from the office as fast as he could.

Independence - Ch 9

“Hey you’re back early.” Jon’s smooth voice smiled from around the corner of the living room.

“Yeah, got everything I needed, I even got clothes for you.”

“Really? What’d you buy me? A business suit?” The smile in his voice was evident.

“I don’t think you’d even know how to put one on Jon. Instead I got you clean boxers, socks and sweats, also a few t-shirts so you’d have one for tonight and one tomorrow.”

“You bought me boxers?” He asked her laughing inside that she’d waste her money on them. Then again it was his money but boxers?

“I’m sorry do you wear briefs? I just thought.”

“Sweetie I don’t wear underwear but hey it’s the thought that counts.” His laughter could no longer be contained.

“Now how in the hell should I know that?”

“You could have strip searched me when you took me on as a client. Make sure I really was Jon Bon Jovi.”

She laughed at his confidence, they made small talk for a few minutes, then both of them changed into something more comfortable and sat down for dinner. Jon had ordered pretty much everything on the room service menu, “Why did you order so much?”

“I didn’t know what you liked? They keep saying that the car phones are going to be made portable so we can carry phones with us everywhere, what a concept to be able to ask someone a question when they aren’t with you.” Jon smiled having heard rumors of technology changing and he was intrigued by it.

“Actually Jon it’s true, the Japanese already have the technology.”

“Can I just go to Japan and buy one then?” He smiled before putting the last piece of his steak in his mouth.

“Sure but it won’t work on American signals – if you’d like one though feel free.”

He started to feel way more comfortable with her after this trip, “How do you know this smart ass?”

“Jon my Bachelors is in Telecommunication; I love technology and keep abreast of changes.”

I’d like to keep aware of changes with her breasts. He thought and then had to smack himself mentally reminding his libido that she’s his lawyer.
“Right ok, so thank you for picking me up clothes I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem Jon. So did you end up getting in touch with your band mates?”

“I spoke to Richie. It was a little awkward for about 2 minutes and then we were fine. Come to find out Doc was trying to get the band to have their own management contract with him.”

“Please tell me they didn’t sign anything that could have an impact on your case.” Her eyes met Jon’s softly.

“No Richie told him to shove it. I left a message for Tico and Dave but haven’t heard from them yet.” Just then the phone rang. Jon reached over picking it up.

“Hey Tico, how have you been?” He asked walking out onto the patio with the cordless to talk to him.

“Been good my brother, been good. How are you?” Tico smiled, he’s missed his friend, and the road had done a number on Jon, his health and his relationship he ended up walking away with neither. Tico at least had his health when he left the road, for better or worse.

“Honestly Tic not so good, but I’m getting better. I’m closing ranks and need your opinion on it. I’m about to fire Doc.”

He bit his tongue as he asked, “Why Jon?”

“Honestly Tic, I found out that he’s being skimming money from us.”

“no podía ser un hombre de verdad y ganarse su propio camino, la serpiente, ninguna excusa para un ser humano” Tico rambled in his native tongue.

“Yo Hector! English you know I’m not that fast.” Jon snorted at the relationship with his brother that was like no time had passed.

“Sorry. I said couldn't be a real man and earn his own way, the snake, no good excuse for a human being, or at least that’s as close to English as I can translate it.”

“Take it easy bro, I’ve got a hot shot lawyer working on frying his ass.”

Tico deep voice dead panned, “I know someone, who knows someone.”

Jon laughed from deep inside, “I might just let you contact them if he doesn’t go quietly. I just need to know will you follow me as leader and manager?”

“You know I will brother, I’m here for the long haul.”

“Thanks Tic, I needed that. If he calls you buddy just send him my way, this will be over by the end of the week from what Kylee tells me.”

“Who’s Kylee?” The Cuban pondered.

“She’s my lawyer.”

A few more minutes were spent just catching up and finding out what each other are up to before Jon hung up and returned to Kylee. It wasn’t more than five minutes later when David called and the process repeated itself. Dave didn’t threaten Doc with knowing someone; he threatened him directly with bodily harm.

Walking back into the main living area of the hotel room Jon hung the phone up, “Well they are on my side, not that any of us are happy about this but hell at least we’re united.”

Looking up from the final synopsis she wrote of the situation and the legal arguments she was going to pursue on Jon’s behalf, “Did you talk to all of them?”

“Everyone but Alec and to tell you the truth he’s next on my list if he doesn’t straighten up.”

She took that announcement from Jon with a level of threat implied she immediately tried to get down to business.

“Right now I’m leaning towards a lawsuit for Forgery, Identity”

“Kylee it’s been a long ass day, can we not talk business.”

“Sure,” She put her papers together and placed them back in the briefcase, “What do you want to do?”

“The hotel has Deniro’s Awakenings on closed circuit, wanna watch that?” He plopped down on the couch. Picking up the remote and looking like a little kid.

“Sure, got popcorn?” She asked with a smile, how either of them could eat anything else was beyond her but the smile that immediately took residence on Jon's face as he hopped off the couch and ran to the kitchen area made her heart feel good.

“Oh I’m sure there is some if not, we need to call room service again.”

Independence - Ch 8

Kylee took the car first, knowing it’d be easier to end this shopping trip while at the hotel. She asked the driver to bring her to the closest mall, once there she was confused, “How do I get a ride back?”

‘Just tell me how long you’ll be Ms. Scott and I’ll meet you right back here.” The driver explained a little taken aback by her lack of knowledge on this procedure, her attire definitely made her seem high class.

“Oh I’m running in and running out, it’s been an incredibly long day, I’d say maybe 30 minutes?”

“If that’s the case Ms. Scott I’ll stay on property right over in the empty space of the lot and come back to the door at that time.” The driver told her politely.

“Thank you.” She exited the limo with a mission. Walking into the mall she made quick work of the 10 feet it was to the directory. What luck that that two stores she really needed were on the wing she entered. Someone must be looking out for her today. Immediately she headed to Target to get some essentials, tooth brushes, hairbrushes and the like. Walking down the aisles throwing odds and ends in her basket, even a bag of cookies, after all she remembered Jon’s fetish for them. Every time he’s came to her office he always took a cookie off the tray. Turning to her left she saw the women’s section. Grabbing the necessary socks, she moved to men’s section to get him a pair. One thing she couldn’t handle was stinky feet. Nothing was taking very long, even when she stopped to pick up a pair of tennis shoes; she wasn’t going for high fashion, just comfort. Fifteen hours in her heals was quite enough, she couldn’t wait to take them off tonight.

After paying for her purchases, her watch told her that it had so far taken her all of 10 minutes. She was doing pretty well. The only other store she needed to get to here was Victoria’s Secret. Her guilty pleasure was lingerie. There was something about the girly frilly lace and satin under her buttoned up prissy business suit. ‘I can’t hide the fact if he’s paying for this.’ She mumbled to herself walking into one of her favorite stores. It took her no time at all to find her favorite type of bra and panties. It still shocked her they carried bras in her size, for so long she was stuck with what she called grandma bras; 34D just wasn’t something you could find in any old store, at least sexy ones. Luckily for her she was used to wearing minimizers so her business suits would fit better but tomorrow she planned on going home in a sweatshirt so the girls could relax. She laughed approaching the register, picking up a bottle of perfume on her way.

Returning to the Phoenician, Kylee smiled knowing that with her past she could afford to take herself on any shopping trip she wanted, but it’s nice to do it when someone else is paying. After all it wasn’t her idea to come to California at the spur of the moment. Holding her head high, she walked to the elevator, still in her business suit, everyone in the shop jumps to wait on her.

The look of success and power emanates from her; no one dared question her right to be there or her choices in clothing. Unfortunately because of that it took no time for shopping to become boring being waited on hand and foot. Within 30 minutes, she had enough clothes for this evening and tomorrow for both her and Jon. Walking through the lobby, she noticed the beauty and grand stature of the open room. The three tiered fountains in the lobby was such a subtle reminder to her of the five star accommodations they were in. The Grand Ballroom had the doors closed off to her left but from the marble counters and lush couches littering the room she could only imagine the elegance in the ballroom.

Her manicured hand pushed the button for the elevator as she looked around. Everyone in this place seemed to have a purpose, doesn’t anyone truly vacation anymore. Just to go do something new, see something new. She’d have to ask Jon if he actually has ever been on one. Stepping into the elevator she slid her keycard into the slot allowing the elevator to reach the Presidential Suite.

Opening the door she heard the oddest sound. Nothing. No radio on for background noise. No TV on for the scores, with three men staying here you’d think there’d be some noise. Where was everyone?

Independence - Ch 7

“Problem is not really what I like hearing from my pilot Jeff, what's going on?”

“We can file a flight plan but not to Jersey, according to the FAA we can't fly that many hours in a day, so you get a choice if you want out of town tonight or first thing in the morning.”

“Fuck, get us out of town Jeff. That’s what I pay you for.” Jon hung up the phone and turned to Kylee.

“We won’t be getting back to NJ tonight after all.” He really hated when things didn’t go his way, he wasn’t used to it and wasn’t that good at dealing with it.

“What? Jon seriously this is ridiculous, just because you have me on retainer doesn’t mean you can kidnap me to parts unknown of our country.”

Running a hand through his hair he barked, “I didn’t kidnap you; you’re paid to be here besides it’s not my fault. FAA says they can’t fly all the way back, something about hour limits.”

“Oh ok, that makes sense then, I’d rather the pilots not fly when they are tired. Can’t you just put me on a commercial flight?”

“I could if there was one leaving right now I guess but you’re paying for it then because I’m providing you transportation.”

Kylee couldn’t stay the night with him, it would be highly unprofessional. “And what about my appointments tomorrow?”

“I’d have hoped you would have had Kelly cancel them when I told you we were going to California.” He challenged her. Why was she trying to make his life even more difficult?

“Fine, where are we staying anyway?” Exasperated and annoyed were two words that fit her well.

“I don’t even know what city we’re going to, let’s as Jeff and I’ll call before we take off for reservations.”

Once on the plane Jon let his displeasure fade, it’s not like the pilot did this on purpose. Once he was informed they’d be spending the night in Phoenix, Jon made the call to reserve the Presidential Suite at the Phoenician. The hour and twenty minute flight proceeded with no issues, each of them handling the day’s events in their own minds, with no immediate desire to rehash everything. The plane landed and Jon informed the crew where they were staying, he got a big enough suite so everyone could stay there. He would leave instructions at the front desk to give them keys. Jon walked over offering his hand to Kylee as she stood to leave the plane.

Walking into the Phoenician, Kylee had to breathe extra deep to remain calm, Jon walked her to a lobby chair and briskly moved to the counter to check in. Putting the room on his American Express Black card he was given two keys and the other three were left at the front desk. Confirming there was still the underground shopping at the resort he smiled walking over to pick up Kylee.

“We’re all set, the room has a word processor in it if you’d like to work on anything and I got some discs from the front desk so you can store the documents.” Reaching his arm out to hold the elevator door open he continued. “I also checked there’s still the shopping underground, I set it up that you can just charge whatever to the room so you’re all set to go get more clothes for tomorrow. If you’d like to shop somewhere else I can have a car take you where you’d like to go.”

“As long as I can get everything I need here in the hotel I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll have the car ready.” He laughed opening the door to the suite. Checking the time on her watch she smiled, “Wow this place is amazing, but before I can get comfortable I need clothes. Will I need to be a lawyer anyplace public tomorrow; I need to know what to buy?”

“Not at all, we’re getting up and getting on the plane and going home unless there’s something in Phoenix you want to see. Its only 7pm local time remember, we’re in Mountain time now so go have fun. I’ll call down to the front desk to make sure they have a car available for you. If you buy anything at a store away from the hotel just keep the receipts and I’ll reimburse you.”

“Thanks Jon. Do you need me to pick you up some clothes or are you going to do that?”

“If you could that’d be great, I think I need to reach out to the band.” The horror in his eyes told her that he had no idea what to expect from them.

Independence - Ch 6

“Mr. Bongiovi, thank you can you please explain to me where this accusation is stemming from, I can assure you my organization is not in the habit of”

“I honestly don’t care what you’re in the habit of, you allowed someone to open an account in my name, with my social security number, that account was then used fraudulently to embezzle money from me through my record company. From the bank statements I’ve seen we’re talking about a few million dollars at this point that is missing. This stops today.” Jon took the bank statement out of his paperwork, “Here are the accounts numbers please close the accounts and issue the cashier’s check.”

Mr. Jacobson punched the account number at the top of the paper into his computer and quickly pulled it up. “I’m sorry Mr. Bongiovi but I’m not able to close this account without the joint account holder.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Jacobson because what you are failing to understand is this account was opened fraudulently, Doc did not have my permission to open the account,” He pulled his driver’s license out of his wallet and handed it to the VP. “Look at the signatures, Doc signed both of our names, that is not even the correct spelling of my name that he signed.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Bongiovi but there are policies.”

His hand flew to his hair, “Policies? Are you fucking kidding me? There are things called laws that your bank just decided to ignore. Millions of dollars is lost due to your incompetence. Get real I don’t give a damn about your policies. Close the damn account, NOW.”

“Mr. Bongiovi,”

He couldn’t take this, this guy was a complete idiot, “Vedrò questa banca in caso di fallimento, prima ho fatto. Vi sono inutili per me.” (I will see this bank in bankruptcy before I'm done. You are useless to me.) He muttered in Italian before he spoke to him in English. “Mr. Jacobson I apologize, did I fail to introduce you to my lawyer? Please meet Ms. Kylee Scott.”

Kylee took that moment to coldly address the VP. “Without cooperation Mr. Jacobson, we have no recourse but to pursue legal action against your bank for the complete and willful allowance of Doc McGee to commit forgery 1, embezzlement from his employer and identify theft.”

“Ma’am we here at First State Bank uphold the highest standards,” Mr. Jacobson began only to be cut off by Jon mumbling, “Norme sul modo di strappare la gente.” The VP stammered a bit not being able to understand what Jon was saying and continued, “However looking at the information I can see there was a minor mishap on normal protocol.”

Jon wanted so bad to go off on him but Kylee caught him putting her hand on his arm. Then a detached voice explained, “Mr. Jacobson, you’re minor mishap cost my client over $1.4 million, with the public fear going around about identity theft we will easily be awarded 10x that, a case I tried in New York on similar charges ended up costing the bank $25 million by the time I was done. You have a responsibility to your customers as insured by the FDIC and you failed to uphold that basic fiduciary responsibility, which I know your stakeholders will not look lightly upon that fact. I highly recommend you close the account my client is requesting it will look better to potential jurors.”

“Ms. Scott I can’t just release this kind of money on your say so.”

“Why you already released it on one person’s say so, call Polygram records, the people that have been depositing the money in the account in the first place, they will tell you who’s money it is so you can give it back. Here’s the business card of the President of the Company, call him. But make sure you tell Becky at the front desk that you’re with me or she’ll give you the run around and put you on eternal hold.” Jon advised.

“I think I might just do that. Please excuse me.” Mr. Jacobson stood to leave.

As the door closed Jon looked to Kylee, “I want to rip his head off.”

“If you don’t control your anger you’ll get nothing, if you keep your mouth shut I’ll get you your money back.”

“Oh and you’re so perfect at this.” Cockiness oozed from every pore of his body.

“Jon do you want this to go south right now?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then let me handle this, keep a reign on your damn temper, I understand you are upset but you have to keep it together and let me deal with it legally. There is a skill set required in the world of law, I have it, you don’t, and that’s why you hired me. So let me do my damn job.” She hissed as the door opened.

Mr. Jacobson walked in at that moment with another man that hadn’t been in the room before.

“Mr. Bongiovi and Ms. Scott, we spoke with Polygram records and a cashier’s check is being drawn up now. If you could please sign these papers, our CFO can make sure the money is put together for you right away.”

Jon wanted to look shocked at the change in demeanor but that would portray weakness so he kept his mouth shut and took the papers from Mr. Jacobson handing them immediately to Kylee.

“Mr. Bongiovi we need your signature.”

“Do you honestly think after how bad you’ve messed things up I’m going to sign anything without my lawyer looking at them?”

“No, of course not.” Nervously the VP looked over to his CFO.

“Jon is not signing this form. Everything else I’m fine with but we are not waiving our rights to legal action, nice try Mr. Jacobson, your bank is liable to my client in this situation and there will be retribution given, hopefully by Mr. McGee but I’m not ruling out taking action against this institution as well.”

The rest of the meeting went as smoothly as possible. Once the bank all but admitted error, Jon had his cashier’s check for $2.1 million, within minutes and he took Kylee by the arm escorting her to the limo. Luckily for them Doc didn’t decide to pull this stunt in some poor community, a bank in LA had that kind of money at its disposal easily enough.

Once in the limo, Jon was able to call the pilots to let them know to make the flight plan back to NJ.

“Jon, we might have a problem getting back to New Jersey.” The pilot informed him.

Independence - Ch 5

Kylee tried very hard to forget she was in a plane 20,000ft in the air alone with this man. It wasn’t that he was Jon Bon Jovi, sure she knew who he was in the grander scale of rock and roll, and she knew that he was well over a millionaire quite a few times over. She knew he was a player too, that’s why she had to keep things very professional.

“Jon why are you the only person I’m seeing on any of these contracts, what about the rest of the band?” Flipping through a few more documents making notes on her legal pad waiting for his answer.

“Because the rest of the guys work for me, I pay them out of my commissions.”

“Where is that contract?” She looked at him pushing her glasses up on her nose.

Picking up his guitar and a notepad to keep from stressing, “It’s in the blue folder.”

Reaching over to the blue folder taking out the papers she needed, she asked him softly, “Do you write all the time?”

“Right now I’m trying to keep my mind off of strangling the fucker for stealing from me.” He answered and then looked to her, “Sorry for the language.”

“Jon I’m not a virgin it’s ok.”

He cocked his head to the side, “If you were a virgin swearing would offend you?”

“Stop it, so tell me what your plan is when we get there? This wasn’t exactly planned in advance so how are we doing this?”

He pulled his guitar closer to him, running his hand through his hair. “I hadn’t really thought that much out. I called the bank from Polygram and had them start closing it with Chad letting them know it was opened fraudulently. They didn’t like it and were arguing a bit but I think they are going to close it. I’m actually glad that you’re with me, I kind of had to threaten legal action if they didn’t comply.” He hoped his famous grin would keep him out of trouble with his new lawyer friend.

She took the glasses off her face, “What did you threaten, do you know if it’s even possible?”

“I’m not exactly sure if it is but I figure you can get something to throw at them. They opened and account in my name with my money and I never signed anything. Then they let Doc withdraw money. So I told them that they’d get sued in relation to forgery.”

Kylee shook her head at the audacity of the rock star in front of her. “How about you leave the law up to me ok?”

“Ok if you insist.” The smile that owned his face made her insides melt. There was something about this man that made her want to be her best for him. He continued to fidget with his guitar while she combed over the documents he had given her earlier in the day until they touched down in LA.

Jon’s fingers caress the strings of his guitars, wondering to himself while the comfort of the metal strings made his hands stop shaking. How did I get here? How did I end up here, facing having to fire one of my best friends, the man that helped me get to the top of the world? But even worse, how did I get here alone, where is my love, my Dot.

His fingers started playing Silent Night without his permission or consent while he slipped further into his brain, not noticing that Kylee was not only in the same room but she was listening to him play. Jon could still hear that final conversation between him and Dot like it was yesterday, not 3 months ago.

***

“Jon we need to talk.”

“Baby you know I don’t like those words – lets each take a step in the right direction - towards each other and I’ll remind you why you love me.”

“Loving you was never the problem Jon, loving you was the only easy part of being with you.”

“But” the small tear in the bottom of his heart from the fight they had the week before just tore to three times its size but her using the past tense about loving him. Losing Dot was always the worst case scenario.

“Jon I just can’t do it anymore, I can’t be the punch line to the joke. I can’t be the girl that just accepts your indiscretions anymore. I can’t be the one left at home alone, I’ve found someone else.” She didn’t even have the heart to look ashamed as she told him that.

“What?”

“Jon we’re over, you’re free to be the world’s biggest rock star, and I’m going to marry someone who only goes 15 miles to work not 1,500 to 10,000 miles.”

He remembered the tears, his mainly, she had told him she let go of him six months ago.

“But I’ve seen you twice since then.”

“Jon seeing you two times for 32 hours each in six months is not a relationship, the almost wedding in Vegas was a slap in the face to how serious you were to our relationship. You could manage to pay the guy to marry us but you forgot to get the marriage license.”

“Hey you were there too, that wasn’t my entire fault. Besides baby if its marriage you want you know I’m yours, let’s get married now.”

“No Jon, it’s just too late, I’m done I’ve already found someone else.”

***

The Captain announced the impending landing which was the only thing that jarred Jon back to reality. Dot’s betrayal, fueled his anger at Doc and his betrayal.

Lucky for them, a limo was on the tarmac waiting to take them to the bank. Even better, the bank was only 2 miles from the airport on the surface roads; therefore the freeway was not necessary. As they walked up to the door of the bank Jon turned to look at her, “What should I threaten if I need to?”

“Misappropriation of funds and accessory to identify theft and forgery” She handed him the laundry list of some things she could sue the bank for should that be necessary, her stomach tightened though, trying to get this kind of money out of a bank might prove to be more difficult than she was prepared for. Buttoning her suit jacket she walked in before Jon as he held the door.

“Good afternoon welcome to First State Bank may I help you?” An innocent looking redhead greeted them.

“Yes I need to see Mr. Richards your bank president please.” Polite but cold, Jon had learned the detached voice well over years of press and business lunches.

“I’m sorry he’s not available.”

“I suggest you make him available, he was already notified by Polygram Records that I would be coming out. I need to close my account and I need to discuss a lawsuit I’ll be bringing against this bank if he’s not out here in 5 minutes.” Cold and detached Jon was gone, the tone of receptionists when the saw his look but didn’t recognize him just rode his last never, even worse was the change in tone and demeanor the minute the recognized who he was and by that the size of his bank account.

“One moment please.” The redhead stood and walked into a back office.

“Did Polygram call him?” Kylee asked.

“I have no idea but it worked didn’t it.” The smile was back, but only for her.

After a few too many minutes the redhead returned followed by a suit.
“I’m Mr. Jacobson how can I help you?” He reached a hand out for Jon and then to Kylee.

“I’m looking to speak to Mr. Richardson, I need to close an account and this is a touchy legal matter.” Jon explained.

“I’m the Vice President of the Bank I’m sure I can assist you, Mr. Richardson is at another branch office today. Please come back to my office.” He turned on his heal trying to run through his brain if he knew anything about a long haired rocker having an account that needed to be closed.

Once they were inside the office and the door was closed Jon let his Italian out to play. “Mr. Jacobson I’m not sure exactly how much of this fiasco you are privy to but let me explain the problem I’m having.” He took a deep breath, “Your bank has allowed forgery and identity theft to be go on for far too long, its stopping today. I need all accounts under my name closed immediately and a cashier’s check issued to me so that I can get the money I’ve earned back in my bank in NJ where it belongs.”

“I’m sorry you’re this upset Mr?”

“Bongiovi” He glared at him, how dare he not know who he is.

Independence -Ch 4

Chapter 4

Once he arrived at Kylee’s office, Jon was shown into her office right away.
“Good afternoon Jon, were you able to get everything easily?”

“Actually I had to use the threat of changing companies but after I did that Chad made sure I had no problems. Here are all the contracts and other legal documents; can you make sure I get a copy of them back?”

“Actually Jon its part of my standard practice that you get copies of everything that I do for you, no matter what so we’re both always on the same page.” She buzzed Kelly into the room so she could make all the copies. Once she left Kylee turned to Jon, “What did you find on the financial side?”

“That’s where I’ve got a problem.” He handed her the bank statements not knowing if he liked her looking at how much money he’s made but at this point beggars can’t be choosers and he needed things to change with the band if they had a prayer. He knew the irony of the thought would cause most to laugh but it was true.

“What seems to be the problem, these statements look to be in good order?” Not noticing anything on the papers he gave her that caused major alarm. Some of the withdrawals seemed a bit high but she did not know the details of how much it cost to run a band.

“My problem is the top statement, California; I don’t live there and never set up that account.” He said it, without stating the words he let Kylee have enough ammunition to bury Doc if he let her.

“Jon let me make sure I understand you, are you saying this signature is not yours?” Clarification is fundamental in legal procedures.

“That’s what I’m telling you. If you look at all the other accounts you’ll see what my signature looks like for legal dealings, I sign my legal name not my stage name, that’s the wrong spelling for that type of paper.” His heart was pounding so intense, it was finally hitting him, Doc not only tried to kill the band with work, he not only tried to work his voice until it had nothing left, but he also stole money from them. He inhaled deeply, “What’s my next step?”

“Jon you’re on the next flight to California, would you like me to have Kelly make the reservations?”

“It won’t be necessary we have a jet still chartered. I can be off the ground in 90 min.” He quickly called his pilot letting him know and then turned to Kylee. “You’re on retainer right?”

“You haven’t paid it yes but that is the verbal agreement we have.”

“Good, how about you put all this in a briefcase and jump on the plane with me?” There was no way he’d be able to sit still for that entire flight unless he had something to do to take his mind off things.

“Jon you won’t need me to close the account.”

“No but I will need you in case I see Doc and beat him to a pulp. My lawyer will need to get my ass out of jail.” Somehow she believed he just might do it, after buzzing Kelly to tell her she was leaving for the afternoon, she packed up what she needed and headed out the door with Jon. After a 3 minute stop at his place which she stayed in the car for, he had his driver’s license and birth certificate as well as the court document declaring the stage name for publicity sake. He really was good at time, 79 min after he called his pilot they were in the air.

Independence - Ch 3

Chapter 3

Jon pulled his baseball cap down lower as he walked into the door of Polygram knowing this wasn’t going to be as easy as Kylee had made it sound. He looked at the receptionist, “Hi Becky, I’d like to speak with Chad Williams please.”

“Do you have an appointment?” She asked not recognizing the man under the hat.

“No but I need to see him, I’m Jon Bon Jovi.” He said softly.

“And I’m Cinderella.” The receptionist commented, Jon Bon Jovi is the biggest rock star in the world right now, he wouldn’t come in here.

Damn he hated having to do this but he was on a time table. “If you won’t call him Becky I will.” Jon took his hat off, shaking his hair out and took off his shades. “Do I need to make a call or will you?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Bon Jovi I didn’t recognize you.” Becky stumbled trying to get back on his good side.

“Just get him down here.” Ok this plan Kylee had might work after all because now he’s in a pissy mood.

Becky quickly called up to Chad’s office and explained in no uncertain terms that Chad needed to get down to the lobby now to meet with Jon. When his name was given Kristen on the other side of the phone assured her that Chad would be down in just a moment.

“Mr. Williams will be right down Mr. Bon Jovi.” Becky told him nervously.

“Thank you.” He walked over to the wall looking at the platinum records hanging there from many of the people that Jon’s met in his last few years.

The elevator chimed but Jon didn’t even notice he looked at the plaque for Slippery When Wet; it was the biggest plaque on the wall this man had better want to help him if he wanted to keep him. “Jon, hey how are you doing?” Chad said walking up to him. Jon turned around extending his hand to Chad in a greeting.

“What can I do for you Jon?” He asked.

“I’d like to take this conversation to someplace private.” He tried to sound so businesslike but it was hard, he liked Chad, he took over right before 7800* but gave them the rest of their contract to make some of themselves, of course he did that, and they were the biggest selling act of the last 5 years, Jon didn’t want to play hardball but according to his lawyer he needed to in order to make sure Doc was removed legally.

“Sure Jon lets go into a conference room.” Chad had no idea what Jon wanted to discuss but he was to top act on the label right now truth be told so he was more than willing to do pretty much anything to keep this man happy. As they walked into a conference room Chad poured Jon some coffee and sat down across from him, “What’s up Jon? I didn’t know you were coming in today.”

After taking a sip of coffee Jon looked up at Chad, “I’m shopping around for my next contract and I’d like copies of everything I’ve signed here at Polygram so that I know what offers I get and how they directly compare to what I’ve had.”

“Jon is there something we’ve done that would make you want to shop around?”

“Not necessarily Chad but let’s be real when I signed that first contract I was unknown and had not bargaining power, I’m now the highest grossing artist on your label so I want to reap the benefits of me and my bands success.” He spoke calmly and directly and actually was very proud of himself for that.

“I’m sure we can just readdress your contract with the current success in mind.” Chad nervously offered.

“And I would expect nothing less, I of course have a loyalty to this organization but I’d still like the copies so I will have them all to compare, I’m also doing a reassessment of my banking organizations so I’d like a printout of what accounts Polygram is depositing money in for me.”

“Isn’t Doc still managing you?” Chad drew the conversation to a different direction.

“Yes he is Chad but that is not the point, I am doing this because when I got my first contract, Doc was not involved and I’m not letting him make the decision on this one for me either.” The wheels in his mind were turning to make sure he said what he needed and that he was as non-committal as possible.

“Alright Jon let’s bring you to accounting and I’ll go get the contracts. Just so we are clear you will entertain a bid from Mercury Records?”

“Chad you best call it Polygram it makes it easier for me.” He laughed, “But yes definitely I’d be disappointed if I didn’t see a new offer from you. By the way Chad this is between you and me. I haven’t told the band or Doc yet that I’m researching. The setup will be the same however, I’ll be signed and the band will still work for me.”

“Alright Jon I’ll go get everything copied for you after I show you to accounting, it shouldn’t take more than 20 min.”

“Thanks Chad I appreciate your attentiveness and privacy in this matter.”

They walked down to Accounting talking about trivial guy things, football and cars, once Chad told Accounting to give Jon anything he wanted he left to go get the papers in order.

Jon used his smile to get what he wanted of course, a printout of every account he had money being sent to.

“Mr. Bon Jovi here is the printouts of all your accounts, alphabetically, California, New Jersey and New York.” She handed him the papers with a smile, she of course, being a huge Bon Jovi fan never thought she’d get the chance to interact with him down in the Accounting department.

“Michelle, I’ve got a concern, I don’t have any accounts in California, are you sure that’s set up for me or Bon Jovi, can you print me the information when the account was set up?”

He said my name, oh my God he knows my name, and Michelle knew she had to remain professional or get walked out. “Sure Mr. Bon Jovi one moment.”

“Honey its Jon remember?” He smiled, oh yeah she’s a fan and this is easier this way.

“Oh I’m sorry Jon. Yes here’s the paperwork printing now.” She handed him the details on the California account.

“Thank you so much for your help Michelle, I’ll make sure Chad knows how amazing you are.” He smiled the smile that makes women across the globe forget to wear their panties to their shows and then walked out. He knew exactly where Chad’s office was so he turned to the left and headed to the elevator. While in route he looked down at the California information and sure as hell it wasn’t his signature authorizing money to be transferred there.

It took no time at all for Jon to get the paperwork from Chad and excuse himself from his company. Once he had the info on the mysterious account he wanted to talk to Kylee about the next steps.

He called her from the limo phone she told him to come by at 2 like the planned she had cleared her calendar for the afternoon. After having the limo swing through the McDonalds’ drive through, he headed back to Jersey. Still looking at Doc’s version of Jon’s signature wondering how many more things he forged his name on.

Independence - Ch 2

Chapter 2

The following day, about mid morning Kylee managed to get into her office. Her head still reeling from the day before, she had worked so long on a lawsuit against a toy maker who made some manufacturing mistake that caused a child to get hurt playing with the toy. Kylee was about the only lawyer she knew that had scruples still. She wouldn’t sue the manufacturer for an unreal amount, just the hospital bills and $20K in damages. If clients wanted more she referred them to other lawyers. She was not the type to go after what wasn’t rightfully due, she’d had that done with her ex husband and there was no way she was she going to become the same vile creature that he was.

A buzz from her phone caused her to look up from the papers on her desk, “Yes.” She said into the intercom.

“Kylee a Mr. Bongiovi is on the line for you.” Kelly her receptionist advised.

“Can you let him know I’ll be just a moment?”

Kelly nodded her head and returned to the line advising Jon that Kylee was just finishing up and would be available in a moment.

Once she put the last of her thoughts on paper before she lost them she picked up the phone easily but hitting the connect button, not even needing to pick up the handset.

“Yes Mr. Bongiovi, this is Kylee.”

“I told you yesterday its Jon.”

“Sorry force of habit. What can I do for you?” Grabbing her notepad she jotted the time of the call down and kept her pen handy to acknowledge the reason.

“I know this is odd after I already hired you but I was talking to some older relatives and they were asking me questions about you that I didn’t have answers to. My dad recommended I contact you but what areas of law do you have practice in, how long have you been practicing?”

She quickly wrote down that Jon was looking to verify her credentials, n/c – no charge in her shorthand as she sat back to explain to him.

“Jon I can give you my credentials happily, let me know if you have further questions. I have Bachelors from NY State in Telecommunication, media production emphasis, and I have Juris Doctor and MBA from Rutgers at Camden. I passed my NY and NJ bar exams on the first round. As for what areas of law I practice I’ve focused most heavily on contract and corporate law. I worked for Lipton, Rosen & Katz for a little over 2 years after law school and while I passed my bar exams. I left LRK after the lawsuit I won that your father heard about.”

“So do you work mostly for individual clients or businesses?” Jon wanted to know.

“I prefer one on one client relationships even if it is a business I’m representing I prefer having one person as a contact.”

“What kind of legal problems do you handle for them?” He continued to question her.

“I’ve worked on everything from creating partnerships to dissolving them, lawsuits regarding working hours, intellectual property suits, a little bit of tax law but I don’t really like that area of focus.”

“Why not?” Now that made him curious.

“Honestly because tax law is boring and there’s not much opportunity to argue a point, the government will get theirs and most of the time when you get into a case like that the client knows they are guilty of tax evasion so it takes the interest away for me.”

Jon smiled at her end of the conversation. She seemed very straightforward and he liked that. Doc always handled everything behind closed doors. “So who will be handling my case, you or someone else in your office?”

“Good question Jon if this was a big office, but I work on my own, Kelly is my paralegal she may pull old cases for me but I’m your lawyer. That is if I passed the interview?” She smiled; she loved singing her own praises when it came to her academic accomplishments, damn she’s worked so hard to get where she is at such an early stage in her career. Most lawyers at the age of 27 haven’t the guts to venture out on their own; she has her own business already.

“Yes of course you passed, I already hired you but I was just making sure. So what’s the next step anyway? Do I have to make an appointment to drop the papers off I get from Polygram today or just come over?”

“Depends are you going to put me on retainer or keep being billed by the hour?” She had no problem keeping her tone businesslike, if she didn’t keep bringing money in her doors would close, and she was damned if that was going to happen in her life. Kylee Scott did not fail.

Independence - Ch 1

PG 13
Era : Right after NJ before KTF



Chapter 1
The Meeting, Dec 3, 1990

She had already worked almost 12 hours straight and was more than ready to call an end to the day and head home. It had been a tough day, but nothing out of the ordinary. And then she looked up. Her gaze crashed with a pair of sky-blue eyes.

“Can I help you?” She asked hoping like hell all he needed was directions; it had been too long of a day to get caught up in another case. All she wanted tonight was a nice cold glass of white wine, her blue afghan and a romance novel.

“Yes are you Kylee Scott?” A long hair skinny tired looking man asked hopefully. His gaze fell on shoulder length reddish brown hair that looked like a hand had been run through it about 10 too many times.

As much as she wanted to say no, she couldn‘t. “Yes I am.”

“Hi, I need to hire you.”

She motioned him inside her two-room office allowing him to sit down before she even asked, “What do you need a lawyer for?”

“Do I have lawyer client privacy by just talking to you?” No matter what he had to keep this private until he was ready to move forward.

“No actually not until you hire me and you’ll need to make an appointment for us to talk, I’m sorry but I’ve already been here 12 hrs today.”

“I tried making and appointment but you’re booked until Christmas. I need a lawyer a lot faster than that.”

“I can understand your predicament sir but there are plenty of lawyers in the area.”

“I only want the best Mrs. Scott that’s why I came to you.” Turning on the charm that's made him a household name would help, he hoped.

“It’s Ms. Scott or Kylee and thank you for the compliment.” She looked at her calendar and knew she could fit in another client if she needed to. “My fee is $200 per hour.”

Jon pulled out his wallet and put two $100 bills on her desk. “Ok. I want to fire my manager, but I need to know the legal maneuvers to take to make sure nothing will come back negatively on me or my band.”

“Sounds straight forward enough, what I will need in order to assure that is copies of everything you’ve signed both from your manager and Polygram.”

“You know who I am?” Hope shown in his tired eyes.

“Doesn’t the entire planet?”

Jon smiled at the response; maybe he has accomplished something then.

“Can you get me the copies by 2pm tomorrow?” Looking at her calendar she grabbed a pencil to put him in the book.

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Do you need bank statements too? I saw the MBA on your door too I’m assuming you’ve had some accounting classes.”

“Mr. Bongiovi, do you think your manager has been embezzling? If so bring any bank statements you can get, most banks will print you a record of the account if you walk in the door.”

“Its Jon and I’m not sure what he’s been doing with the money he has us on a budget so we don’t go hog wild.”

“This isn’t going to be a short project. You’ll want to put me on retainer its cheaper, bring me everything you can as quietly as you can. The thing about a takeover is to keep it under radar as long as possible.” She forewarned having seen a hostile situation right after she passed the bar, in her first job, second case. What a way to get baptized into corporate America.