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 couldavoid 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 methan 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 ofdress 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.
