Chapter 2 #2
“I do. I have one for Craig as well, but Major will handle getting Craig to the new location however he deems best.” Tabitha wanted to wait for Major, but leaving separately would be safer.
“The rest of the crew will remain here. Marilyn, that includes you. When I said the studio wants to reduce the number of people around Craig, I meant only the six of us, including Daniel.”
Marilyn glared at the male. “I understand keeping the number down. What I don’t understand is why you’re going. I’m Trista’s assistant. She needs me.” The “not you” was left unspoken. “What about your other clients?”
Perry flicked his wrist. “I can work with them remotely as I normally do. It was the studio’s decision that I remain with Trista until this mess is resolved.”
While Perry wasn’t looking, Trista shook her head at Marilyn who appeared to be gearing up to argue. Marilyn stalked over to look out the window.
Tabitha didn’t care who was going to the rental, but having Major there with her was going to be a lesson in control.
Being in the same hotel was one thing. She could avoid being alone with him except when Trista and Craig were in the same room.
Now though? She’d be sharing a house with him. Tempting much?
Trista, who had been quiet, asked, “Who’s on kitchen duty? I can’t cook for shit.”
Tabitha held up her hands. “Don’t look at me. I can burn water.” That wasn’t true, but she didn’t sign on to be the chief cook and bottle washer. If she was busy cooking, then she wouldn’t have eyes on her client.
Trista turned to Perry. “What about you?”
“Not well enough to feed everyone anything but sandwiches. Vanessa gave me the name of the cook who’s supposed to join us in New York, so I’ll see if she can fly down early. We may have to order takeout until she can get here.”
Tabitha was thankful for that. “I still suggest leaving separately, staggering the times. We don’t know how long Campbell has been watching Craig. If he was working alone, we’re golden. If not, they could have been spying long enough to recognize someone.”
Perry downed the rest of his vodka. “Since you have disguises, can we not move Craig with us tonight? Your guy can meet us at the rental instead of coming here tomorrow.”
“If that’s what he and Daniel would like, then yes, but I suggest you and Daniel travel separately. Maybe head out for a drink, then take alternate routes to Stone Mountain.”
Perry stood and left the empty glass on the counter. “I’ll go talk to him. Regardless of what they decide, go ahead and get ready to leave.”
Once the door closed behind him, Trista stood. “I’m sorry, Marilyn. You know I’d rather have you with me than Perry.”
“Why is he hanging around? That’s not normal.”
“Maybe it is for him. Maybe Vanessa asked him to stick close while we learn to work together. It’ll only be for a few days and then you will be back by my side.”
Marilyn let the discussion drop, and Trista asked Tabitha, “Is it wrong that I’m excited to wear a disguise? I mean, I hate that Craig was attacked, but this whole cloak and dagger shit fits with the movie, you know?”
“You don’t feel as though you’re wearing a disguise of sorts with the makeup and wigs while filming?”
“I still look like me, albeit a different version. Who am I going to look like? Can I see the prosthetic?”
“You’re going to look like nobody alive.
Unless we’re imitating someone, we combine features of two or more people.
In this case, you’ll look like a combination of two of my cousins.
” Since Marilyn had been with Trista for several years, Tabitha trusted the woman to keep her mouth shut regarding the plan.
She led Trista into the bedroom and opened the case which held all the masks.
Tabitha instructed her client to sit and then she slicked Trista’s hair back before adding a wig cap.
Then she fitted the prosthetic over the female’s head.
Marilyn gasped when Trista turned her way. “That’s amazing.”
Tabitha gestured to the long mirror on the back of the door. Trista rose and gasped. “Holy shit. Your cousins must be gorgeous.” Trista touched her cheek and smoothed out the dark hair. Trista was a natural blonde, so this disguise was perfect. “What does yours look like?”
Tabitha held up the one she’d used for herself on more than one occasion.
It was a cross between Zuri, another Gargoyle, and Nikita, the dire wolf member of the Trio.
Even though both females had long hair, the prosthetic had short spikes.
It allowed Tabitha to change her hair style without cutting her long, red tresses.
“I’ll put mine on before we leave. Let’s get packed. ”
One good thing about Trista was that she wasn’t a diva.
Other than Marilyn, she didn’t have an entourage catering to her every whim, even though she was one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
She had a team of stylists for her makeup and hair who traveled with her.
Tabitha had met Penny and Benji, the brother and sister duo, and she enjoyed their easy banter as well as their ability to turn a gorgeous woman like Trista into the different characters she portrayed.
Penny had begged to get her hands on Tabitha’s hair, and since they were sequestered for the week, she had agreed.
Then Benji wanted in on the action, giving Tabitha a smoky makeover.
Trista, who had been lounging on the sofa in ratty sweats and a hoodie, wearing no makeup with her own hair in a messy bun, pointed a carrot stick at her.
“Oh my god, Tabitha. You should be a model.”
Benji fanned himself. “Girl, if I played for your team, I’d be all over that,” he gushed.
The praise did her heart good. Tabitha was pretty, but she had nothing on her exotic-looking cousins.
Stop it. You’re gorgeous just like Tessa.
Her beast wasn’t wrong about her mom. Since Tessa stopped aging a long time ago, she and Tabitha could pass for sisters.
After packing her things, she texted Mason about the change in location, then she called Cailín and explained the situation.
She asked her friend to arrange for a different car to drive and then she changed out of her security duds and put on a pair of dress slacks with a chunky sweater before packing her clothes.
She waited until Marilyn had returned to her own room, then donned the prosthetic, morphing her from a redhead to a female with a funky style.
Trista, understanding the assignment, was dressed similarly, and neither of them would stand out.
When she met Trista in the living area, the woman grinned. “These prosthetics are unbelievable. Would you make me another one once filming is finished? I’d love to be able to go out in public incognito.”
Tabitha agreed. “I’ll make you several.” She couldn’t imagine being recognized, then preyed upon by the paparazzi or random fans.
Tabitha’s phone pinged, and she opened the text from Perry, relaying the info to Trista.
“Craig is going to wait until tomorrow and drive over with Major.” She sent a response, asking for the address of the rental as well as telling Perry he needed to come get the prosthetic for Craig.
A few minutes later, he knocked on the door and handed her a handwritten note containing the address of the rental.
She gave him the mask, and he told them he would see them later.
Tabitha messaged Major with the change of plans.
THM: Got it. You be safe, and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Tabitha sent him a thumbs-up emoji followed by a red heart because yes, she was smitten.
She then texted Cailín, letting her know they were ready and to respond when she was a few minutes away.
The two of them carried their own luggage down to the first floor, since the hotel staff was aware of who was staying in their suite.
They passed several members of the film crew in the lobby, and not one of them paid any attention to the two females.
Cailín was waiting under the portico, but she didn’t get out, pretending to be a ride share driver.
Tabitha had shared her plan with Trista so the woman wouldn’t be surprised to see Cailín behind the wheel.
After stowing their bags in the trunk, they got into the back seat.
Tabitha buckled up as Cailín pulled away from the hotel. “I appreciate you doing this.”
Cailín bobbed her head. “Nothing but a thing. I borrowed Papa’s car to be on the safe side. He and Dad are waiting with my car. I figured you could drive it, and I’ll retrieve yours from the parking garage.”
Like Tabitha, Cailín had more than one vehicle at home.
When on a job, they drove the more practical sedans, but they had been taught defensive driving as teens, and there wasn’t one of her Clan who didn’t like fast cars.
Anthony had his Corvette, while Tabitha had opted for an Audi.
They both had Harleys, having grown up riding with their parents.
Cailín glanced at Trista in the rearview mirror. “How do you like the prosthetic?”
“It’s amazing. We walked past several of the crew on the way through the lobby, and no one looked twice at us.
I’ve asked Tabitha to make me one to keep.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for this life I have, but sometimes I want to go out for coffee or dinner and not be bombarded with people recognizing me. ”
Cailín bobbed her head. “We know a famous artist who uses a fake name for that reason. Only close family members are aware of his identity. He never goes to art showings so that he can keep his anonymity.”
“Anyone I know?” Trista asked.
“Rico Di. Have you heard of him?”
“Who hasn’t? I have several of his paintings. I’ve always imagined him to be this hot Italian who lives on a secluded island, surrounded by dozens of women in skimpy swimsuits.”
“Yep, that’s him all right,” Cailín lied.
She pulled into a parking garage and drove to the top floor where there were few cars.
Cailín parked next to her Genesis, and her two dads climbed out.
Cailín popped the trunk, and Jasper grabbed their bags, putting them in the trunk of their borrowed vehicle.
Trevor held his arms open to Tabitha. “Come on, bring it in.”
“How the hell did you deduce which one of us was me?”
“You think I wouldn’t recognize one of my girls by the way you carry yourself? It’s like you don’t even know me.”
Tabitha stepped into Trevor’s hug. “I do know you, and I love you bunches.”
“Not as much as I love you,” Trevor responded as he always did.
Jasper wrapped her up tight when Trevor let go. “Good to see you, Tabby.”
“You too, Uncle Jas.” He wasn’t technically her uncle, but having grown up spending so much time at their home, she loved him as if he were. “Okay, we need to get on the road.” Tabitha dug her key fob out of her purse and handed it to Cailín.
“Text me when you get settled at the new place,” Cailín said.
“Will do.” She and Trista climbed into Cailín’s car, and after inputting the address into the GPS, they were off. Just a few hours, and then she’d get to see Major again. I can be professional. I can be professional.
“There’s no way in hell those two men are Cailín’s dads. What are they? Late thirties? Early forties?”
“Nah, they’re older than they look, but Jasper is biologically Cailín’s brother. He adopted her when she was a baby.”
“Oh, that makes more sense.”
Tabitha was glad she didn’t have to lie to the woman, but she would to keep their secret.