Cutting the Deal

The first track from Sam Everett's unreleased sessions rolled over the Silent Crossings diner scene. A slow, deliberate guitar riff hummed through the speakers, followed by Everett's unmistakable voice—gravelly, soulful, and laced with raw emotion.

The track wasn't polished. Its edges were rough, the kind that begged you to lean in closer. It felt real.

Lex stood by the console, arms crossed, his focus sharp. Benny sat hunched forward, completely absorbed, his fingers hovering over the controls like he might ruin the moment if he moved.

As the final note faded, Benny leaned back, exhaling as if he'd been holding his breath.

"Jesus."

Lex smirked, barely containing his satisfaction. "Told you."

Benny spun his chair to face Lex, eyes wide. "You're really serious about using this soundtrack?"

Lex nodded. "Three tracks. Background only. I don't want Everett's name plastered all over the marketing. The music will do the work without screaming for attention."

Benny rubbed his chin, glancing at the screen. "Man, his estate's either gonna love you or sue you."

"They won't find out until the premiere," Lex replied smoothly. "By then, it'll be too late to stop it."

Benny stared at him, skeptical but amused. "You've got bigger plans than just sneaking Everett's music into a movie, don't you?"

Lex didn't answer directly.

Instead, he pulled his phone from his pocket, swiping to a headline and holding it out.

"Sam Everett's estate just announced they're looking for licensing deals. Indie films, streaming series—they want to reintroduce his music to younger audiences."

Benny raised a brow. "Okay… but you already own these tracks. What's the play?"

Lex's faint smile widened. "Simple. We get there first. Silent Crossings makes his music part of the story. By the time his estate tries to move, Everett's songs will already be tied to this project."

Benny shook his head, laughing under his breath. "You're banking on them playing along?"

"No," Lex replied. "I'm giving them no other option. If this film gets traction, Everett's music becomes part of the brand. They'll want to ride the wave, not kill it."

Benny let out a low whistle. "Man, you're like… I don't know, a finance guy playing God with the arts."

Lex leaned forward, replaying the scene. Everett's voice poured into the room again, curling through the tension like smoke under a door.

"Not God, Benny. Just practical."

"Right," Benny muttered. "Well, when the lawyers show up…"

"They won't," Lex cut in. "By the time they draft angry emails, I'll already be sitting in their office offering coffee."

Benny snorted, leaning back in his chair. "You make everything sound like a damn heist."

Lex grinned. "It kind of is."

Benny pointed at him without turning from the screen. "Next time you pull something like this, can I get more than a text at 2 AM that just says, 'Trust me'?"

Lex chuckled, grabbing his coat. "Where's the fun in that?"

Benny shook his head. "You're exhausting."

"Efficient," Lex corrected, already heading for the door.

The Call from Jason

Before Lex could leave, his phone buzzed. Jason Wilde.

He answered, his tone dry. "Tell me you're not calling to confess something illegal."

Jason's voice crackled through, brimming with barely restrained excitement. "Illegal? No. Game-changing? Absolutely."

Lex stopped in the hallway, leaning against the wall. "Alright, Jason. What've you got this time?"

Jason's tone shifted, sharper now. "I was digging deeper into Marcus's catalog, and let me tell you—this one's shiny. You're going to want to come to my studio for this."

Lex's interest piqued. "Shiny how? You're hyping this like it's the second coming of Everett."

Jason laughed. "Not Everett—better. Look, I'm not explaining this over the phone. You need to hear it. Trust me, Lex, this is bigger than we thought. Can you come by tomorrow?"

Lex hesitated only briefly. Jason wasn't the type to overpromise. If he was this excited, it meant something.

"Alright," Lex said. "First thing in the morning."

Jason exhaled like he'd been holding his breath. "Good. And Lex? This isn't just another track. It's the track. The one that'll make people sit up and pay attention."

Lex's smirk returned. "I'll see you tomorrow, Jason. Don't wear yourself out with excitement."

Jason chuckled. "Can't make any promises."

Europe and the Next Move

Lex slipped his phone back into his pocket and stepped outside, the cool air brushing against his face. The city stretched before him, buzzing faintly under the glow of streetlights.

The pieces were moving fast, and Silent Crossings was just the start.

Lex's mind shifted to the bigger picture—Europe.

Small theaters, the right exposure, and just enough buzz to make Silent Crossings feel like an intimate secret. Not a blockbuster, but something people whispered about, shared, and made their own. The kind of story that grew roots before going wide.

This project was almost wrapped, but Lex wasn't slowing down.

Back inside the editing room, Benny was still tweaking the controls. Lex opened the door slightly, leaning in. "Hey, Benny."

Benny glanced over his shoulder. "What? You got more secret tapes for me to figure out?"

"Not yet," Lex replied with a smirk. "This project's winding down. I need you to start looking for more scripts. Fresh ideas, something with potential. Get on it."

Benny rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh sure, no problem. Let me just conjure up the next Sundance darling out of thin air."

Lex grinned. "You always do."

Benny pointed at him. "One of these days, I'm charging you for emotional labor, Latham."

Lex laughed, stepping back into the hallway. "Good luck, Benny. You'll need it."

Barnie was still focused on his towering skyscrapers and balance sheets.

Lex? He was playing in the forgotten corners of music, stories, and nostalgia—and by the time anyone noticed, he'd already be holding all the cards.