Jason and the band struggled to compile their next album. The drive to succeed had gone and they all felt Jason’s sorrow and mourning. The songs they had put together reflected this, but something was still there, carrying them through. Three ballads on the album became a trilogy to Malinda’s life and passing. They tried hard to deflect the influence, but eventually conceded that would have to be. Although it was a terrible part of life, it was there and always would be. Another twelve songs; they had a mixture of past and present compositions; a pure reflection of the band and its members’ lives. They flew to Sydney to record.
Jason took Tammy and Mary the nanny, with him, leaving a day earlier than the rest of the band and leaving them both with Malinda’s parents in the city. He made sure the two week’s recording corresponded with Tammy’s school holidays. Malinda’s parents were delighted to have Tammy visit for a couple of weeks. Jason was going to commute to and from the studio every few days while he was recording. Malinda’s father gave Jason some news he had been waiting for.
“Morgan has passed away Jason. So have his most dangerous friends. He admitted to Malinda’s murder and she didn’t suffer. It seems it was as the police had suspected,” said John.
“Inspector Sloan informed me only a few days ago that they had traced Wayne Webster to Colombia, but the trail had gone cold there. It may be only a matter of time before they find out who he really was. It doesn’t matter anymore, with Morgan dead. Do you know how Zup and Miller are?” asked Jason.
“Yes, they are alive and well still in Colombia, that’s all I know.”
“I hope they come back. Tammy asks about them now and then. She thinks they are her uncles and I suppose they are in a way. I’ll never get over all this.”
“Nor will I, but we must go on especially for Tammy’s sake. As she gets older she will have to come to terms with the realisation of losing her mother at such a young age. I’d like to ask that you never tell her you are not her real father. Don’t let her live life knowing she is an orphan. Would you do that for us?”
Jason looked surprised and frowned. “But I am her real father. That’s what she will always believe because we believe it’s true. Tammy and I will never doubt that because it will never be necessary.”
Hard work at the studio proved to be a bit of a healer; Jason’s concentration improved with the pressure of recording, but it took the full two weeks to lay down the basic tracks for the songs. Jason was not going to stay while the backing vocals, saxophone and harmonica were added, as he wanted Tammy back to Adelaide for school. The same back up players were used as on the first album, with Hank in full control, returning from the States keen to follow his first successful efforts. Vic and Brad wanted to stay as long as they could to see progress of the album for themselves. Tom was to return to Adelaide with Jason.
Jason was with the rest of the band in the mixing room of the studio discussing things before he left, when the door opened and in walked Indiana. He put his case down beside the mixing desk, took off his sunglasses and looked at Jason.
“I’m really sorry about your wife Jason; if I can help in any way all you have to do is call,” said Indiana.
Jason smiled stood up greeting Indiana with a handshake. “It’s a shame things like that have to happen to bring people back together again, but thanks anyway. There are two songs on this album that could do with your vocals. Brad and I have recorded them but I reckon they really suit your voice. Hank will show you what we mean, have a go at them.”
“No problem, I’ll do what ever I can. Feels like a pleasure to be here after the success of your first album and I’m going to enjoy this. May have some ideas, if you’re interested?”
“Great, I’ll leave you all to it.” said Jason making his way to the door.
Steven Brooks stopped him on the way past with a slap on the shoulder.
“Don’t forget Jason! Australian tour in a fortnight! World tour straight after that. The new album will be out by then. You guys will be real busy and that’s with a full band, no back up tape this time. Three days of rehearsal here in a week with the whole band, then it’s go, go, go. You guys are playing football stadiums now. All your concerts in Australia are sold out; the States and Europe are selling fast. I don’t think it’s gonna stop,” said Steven.
Jason opened the door to leave. “I’m taking Tammy, her nanny, Mary and a private tutor. I may be isolated at times, but if it works on the Australian tour I’ll be happy. I don’t want to be away from Tammy at all. See you all back here for rehearsal in a week,” said Jason, then closed the door and left with Tom.
Things went well. Hank worked hard, with little sleep. While helping Hank in the studio, Vic and Brad discovered Hank’s heavy addiction to cocaine. Brad battled to resist joining him, with Vic’s help. The video clips were scheduled to be shot during full band rehearsals in a week’s time. Hank was still mixing the last song on the album two days before rehearsal and the strain of work and his habit were starting to take its toll. As soon as he finished the master tape he passed it on to Brooks to go into CD production. Brad and Vic laced Hank’s food with a heavy dose of sleeping pills. They searched Hank’s room for the rest of his supply and flushed all but a few grams down the toilet. Hank slept for twenty-four hours, craving a line of coke when he awoke.
It was the day before rehearsal. Hank used the few grams Brad and Vic had left him, but rang around frantically trying to buy some more. Neither Brad nor Vic could convince him it was a bad idea. Hank scored a large deal of pure coke as the first CDs rolled off the production line. Jason had insisted the new album be called “Forever”. He gave no reason why. Vic and Brad watched helplessly as Hank took a line of coke as they listened to the CD for the first time. Rehearsal and filming for the singles from the album started the next day and Hank couldn’t wait. He was really revving. Hank had crammed a month’s solid work into a week, yet again; he was living life in the fast lane.