Page 90 of Cosplay & Consequences

“Two hundred and fifty thousand.”

All three of the executives gave him a confused expression. Danny smirked. “Oh, if you’re wondering what that number is? That’s the number of Tyrant fans who have unsubscribed from MaxFlick.”

Roger and Donna shared a glance with each other. Donna then pulled out her phone as Roger muted the call on his end and spoke to someone offscreen.

Reuben’s mouth turned into a fixed line of irritation. “So, you’re trying to renegotiate your contract, Danny? Fine. We can throw in some more cash.”

“Well, I won’t lie to you, the money would be great. My niece is about four years away from college, so some extra cash wouldn’t hurt. But you know me, Reuben. I’m not a greedy guy. Plus, we all know you guys are bleeding money with all the people unsubscribing from you.”

Reuben blinked in confusion. “So, it’s not about money?”

Danny took another spoonful, talking around a mouthful of ice cream. “I don’t know, Reuben. The amount I get per episode as a lead is very generous and even with what I take away, I can still put it towards my niece’s college fund. What do you think, Stella? You’re getting a cut out of this. I don’t want to screw you over.”

“How about a five percent bump, Woobie?” Stella called out.

Danny swallowed his ice cream and nodded. “I can live with that.”

“Great!” Reuben said, his smile returning. “I’ll draw up the-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Danny waved his spoon at Reuben. “I’ve got a few more things to add. Don’t worry, I don’t think they’ll hit the budget that much.”

The mute button came off Roger and Donna’s window. “We’re listening, Daniel,” Roger announced as Donna remained glued to her phone, her thumbs tapping away furiously.

I shared a grin with Faye and Paige. Clearly MaxFlick saw the same information we were.

Danny smiled back at them. “First of all, I want a public statement from MaxFlick stating that you completed a full investigation. That the leak that led to accusations of coercion between myself and Jessica Richards was incorrect with a recount of what truthfully happened. Also, that the parties responsible for the leak were found and have been terminated.”

Reuben’s face went pale. “I’m sure we can arrange a press release.”

Danny had been relaxed at the start of the call, but I watched him as he sat up straight, squaring his shoulders. His smile faded, replaced with a thin line. “And since I’m pretty sure Reuben was also responsible for that leak… Paige, what’s the number at now?”

“We’re at two hundred and sixty-three thousand.”

Danny picked up his ice cream again. “Roger?”

Roger shared a meaningful glance with Donna who nodded back at him. “Reuben, I’ll expect a letter of resignation before the end of the day.”

Reuben’s face turned beet red. “You piece of shit! I’ll-”

Danny didn’t have to boot Reuben from the call. Someone on the MaxFlick side did that for him. After the day I had, seeing the person who no doubt orchestrated the lawsuit against my family get kicked to the curb was a joyous moment.

On the screen, Donna leaned forward into their camera. “Are we good, Daniel?”

“Just a few more things,” Danny replied. “MaxFlick will drop the legal request for JKC’s short stories. Your lawyers and mine both know those were never meant for publication, and that lawsuit doesn’t have a leg to stand on.”

Donna and Roger shared another look and nodded. They obviously knew it was coming. “Consider it dropped,” Roger agreed.

I let out a huge sigh of relief and flashed a smile at Danny. I waited for him to say thank you and end the call… but then he kept on talking.

“Also, I want the credits changed on the show going forward and in reruns retroactively. Instead of saying ‘in cooperation with Brickstone Publishing,’ I want a ‘created by’ credit for the author. I also think the Richards estate deserves a little monetary contribution, don’t you agree? Especially since you let one of your executive producers go, I’m sure you can find the funds,” he said as he kept his eyes trained on me. “After all, you were willing to do that in the first season when you tried to bribe Jessica to say she liked Brandon Quill.”

Roger snorted, his mouth forming a thin line. “Agreed. We’ll do what we offered before. The credit bump you suggested and a per season bonus going back retroactively.”

The blood drained from my face as Paige and Faye giggled next to me. “What are you doing?” I whispered out loud.

Danny could barely keep a straight face. “I also think JKC Richards’ granddaughter would be great as a creative consultant, don’t you, Donna?”

I gasped, and my hands flew up to cover my mouth. Faye squealed and Paige laughed out loud.