This chapter was edited by MistySerenade and I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for the fine editing. Again, if there were any mistakes it would be my own doing and has nothing to do with the editor. Thank you Misty.
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"Hey Bob! There's a lady from the Social Services here to see you," one of Robert's staff called to him through the recording studio door.
Robert Duncan cut a trim figure. Even though he was in his early forties, he only had slightly thinning blonde hair.
At the age of 24, he started a recording studio with some friends. He enjoyed meeting people and always had an upbeat attitude. Robert was well known for being loyal to his close friends. He had always had many girlfriends, but was never married. Robert joked it was because he was married to his work.
Robert gave a frown, a social worker? He was in the midst of arranging a piece of music with some violinists. He gave some instruction to his assistants before going out to meet the social worker.
Outside the visitor lounge was a very pretty young woman. She stood about 5' 4" with a lissome figure. She wore a white blouse and red slacks and was holding a briefcase. The first thing that caught Robert's attention were her eyes. She had very expressive big, golden brown eyes that smouldered with an underlying passion. Robert had always had this impression that social workers were middle aged with thick glasses and frumpy clothing. She, however, didn't looked anything like a social worker at all. She looked more like a catalogue model.
"Mr. Duncan, I'm Dominique Whitley. This is my name card," Nicky flashed him a bright smile. She simultaneously handed him her business card while extending her hand to be shook.
Robert grabbed her extended hand in a firm handshake. He was surprised when she responded with equal intensity. He could sense a raw energy in her. Her handshake said she was determined and wouldn't quit easily. He looked at her business card before acknowledging her,
"How may I help you Ms. Whitley?" Robert asked cordially.
"I've come regarding Mr. Eric Jordan Dillon," said Nicky.
Robert looked at her for a moment. "I think we can talk in my office. This way please."
Robert had come to know Eric when he had gone to his recital. Back then, Eric was still with The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.
Robert had read about the young, talented pianist and had wanted to personally see if he was the right person for his ballad. After the concert, Robert knew he was. Using the lure of his recording studio, Robert had persuaded Eric to collaborate with him on a full album.
The launch was phenomenal. It took the music scene by storm. Eric was already quite well known amongst his peers as an accomplished pianist. With the success of his first album, Eric had truly made his mark in the music industry.
While working on the album together, Robert and Eric had become good friends. Robert was fairly certain that friendship is what had brought the pretty social worker to see him today.
Robert led Nicky to his office. When Nicky stepped into the room she thought she was entering a small museum. It was full of discs and records hanging down from the ceiling. Pictures and posters of Robert with various recording artists were everywhere. Diplomas, trophies, letters of recognition and commemorative plaques graced every inch of his four walls. Miniatures musical instruments filled any available shelf. Nicky noted pictures of Robert and Eric dominated his huge desk in the office.
"So, what do you want with Eric?" Robert asked while settling himself down in his plush office chair behind his desk.
"I want to help him," Nicky simply replied.
Robert looked at Nicky for a while, as though scrutinizing her to see if she had an ulterior motive before speaking, "If the most expensive shrink in all of Philadelphia can't even help him, what makes you think you can?"
Robert remembered the first time he had persuaded Eric to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist had come out of his office with a black eye and promptly told Robert if he did not get a formal letter of apology and a suitable monetary compensation, he would sue them. Thus ended Eric's therapy sessions. No matter how Robert had tried, Eric refused to see another shrink again.
"Expensive doesn't necessarily means good. I know I'm confident in my work. See, there is difference between a psychologist and a social worker. Most psychologists sit on their behinds all day long in an office, waiting for clients to come by so they can counsel them. We social workers will do house calls even if the client refuses to come see us. I want to help Mr. Dillon regain his self-confidence. Social workers genuinely care for a person's welfare. We aren't in for the money," Nicky patiently explained to Robert the commitment of a social worker.
Robert liked the girl immediately. She had spunk and fire. He just wondered how long she would last before throwing in the towel. Even he had almost given up hope on Eric. Just last week he had gone to see Eric but Eric refused to even open his door. Robert had stood there for an hour before giving up.
"How did you meet Eric?" inquired Robert.
"Quite by accident, so to speak," Nicky explained to Robert about the incident that brought her here today.
"What do you want me to do?" Robert asked, after hearing about their unlikely meeting.
"I just need information about him, like what is he doing now and what he was like before. You don't need to register him with my center if you don't want to. Of course it'll be better if you do," said Nicky.
"Why are you so interested in helping him?" asked Robert.
"I hate to see people with talent waste away," Nicky admitted in a low whisper, "and I am a great fan of his music."
Robert nodded and thought for awhile. No harm in letting her have a shot at Eric's condition. Maybe she just might be what Eric needed. Someone who was pushy and stubborn; someone just like Eric now. How he wished he could do it himself, but he had a studio to run. He hated to admit that he was also afraid of Eric's temper. At least Eric wouldn't hit a woman, or would he?
"You've already seen him. I'm sure you know how difficult he can be. I'll advise you to approach with care. Music was his life. He lives and breathes in it. I try to see him as often as I can but I'm very busy with my recording, too. At the moment he is working part time in a factory by the dock, sorting out fish." Robert gave a sad laugh before he continued, "To think he was once a talented pianist. Now he is wasting his talent sorting out fish. He can compose beautiful music. It's a shame he just simply shut himself off."
"Yes. His first album 'Midnight Run', he composed tracks 11 and 12. He composed tracks 3 and 10 on 'Blue is the Sky', his second album. On his third album 'Affairs of the Hearts', which he collaborated with you on 2, 5 and 15," Nicky spoke as though she was giving her own recital.
"You know all his music by heart," Robert looked very pleased and impressed with the social worker.
She smiled without any hint of embarrassment. "I listen to him almost every night. It's only three albums. Not that hard to remember."
"Do you think there's hope for him?" Robert asked.
"Everyone has hope. I've yet to fail an assignment. People who care and love him should encourage him more, like you." Nicky could see Robert was genuinely a true friend of Eric from the way he spoke so fondly about Eric. He really wanted to help Eric.
"I signed him up for rehab for his alcoholism once, but he refused to go. He promised me he would cut down on his drinking. I don't think he's doing a good job of it, though," admitted Robert.
"What can you tell me about his childhood?" asked Nicky.
