The Wages, An Illustrated Story | 11. Masterstroke | Bitter February Wind
I told Duffy and Brian I would watch all of my label’s men, and pass on some pointers, and I hoped to stay friends in case I wanted to hire them for smaller local shows someday. But they got excited about a new band they had joined; less country and more rockabilly, with some Kinks thrown in, and a little early punk. They weren't as eager for advice from me as I had hoped. I went to iron it out with them after watching one of their new band’s shows. While they were loading instruments into their car in the snow afterward Duffy told me, “You can fire me but I’m not letting you make me beg for your scraps.” Brian was as unreadable as ever, but Duffy’s cross face looked like he might be hiding tears. Maybe it was just the bitter February wind.