Page 10 of Two Hearts' Ploy

“I had Abby print out a list at work. If someone is after you, Wren, they might have already found a way to tap into your phone or computer. How else would they know about your appointment at the studio in the first place?”

“I personally called and made the arrangements to switch up my studio time on my cell phone. Usually, I have one of Mike’s office assistants do it for me. The time was booked months ago.”

“We should still play it safe,” Marc muttered.

“Then they could be monitoring you and Abby too, Marc,” she answered, suddenly feeling panicked.

He nodded. “Yes. I’ve actually been wondering about that for a while now myself. But we could use it to our advantage if we want to sneak you out of town. As soon as the names of the people who were killed at the studio are released, if what we suspect is true, you could be in even more danger.”

“That means I should probably get out of here within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. I’d better decide on one of these studios. I suppose if I’m not happy with the first place I choose, I could move on after a couple weeks and try another,” she said.

“Or you can work remotely in conjunction with one of the studios here. But that might mean your location could get leaked.”

“No, I’d better not do that.” She sighed. “Even though I need to get this new album recorded before I go back on tour, I think I know enough about what works for me to be able to guide the technicians from whatever company I choose.”

“Well, why don’t you take a look at that list while I grab us some coffee.”

Another ten minutes later, Wren had narrowed down the list to a couple different places before she suddenly noticed one in the upper Midwest.

“Dragonfly Studios. Crystal Rock, Wisconsin,” she muttered. “Why does that sound familiar?”

“Eve Loughlin owns the place. She opened it up about a year ago.”

“I’ve always liked Eve. But why in the heck is she running a recording studio instead of performing?”

“I have no idea, although Abby would probably know since she keeps up with all the fan magazines. But you know, Crystal Rock might be the perfect place for you to hide out, Wren. You know who else is based there? Marielle McKinnon along with her mentor, Emily Richardson.”

“That’s right. She runs a music camp in Crystal Rock, doesn’t she? That’s how Marielle got her start. I remember her telling me. You might be right. It would be nice to go somewhere with a few familiar faces.”

“Okay. One problem solved. We’ll get you a burner phone this afternoon and you can use that to book studio time with them. We’ll need to figure out how you’re going to travel,” Marc said, becoming thoughtful. “Even taking a private plane these days requires a lot of verification for security. We’ve never had to worry about hiding your itinerary before.”

She shrugged. “I could just drive. I used to do it all the time when Dad was ill. We could get out the word that I’m going to be recording in New York instead, and maybe you could head out of town as a distraction by using our regular charter service and booking the flight in my name.”

“I’m not sure I like the idea of you driving cross country all on your own, Wren, without any security. Especially after what happened today.”

She frowned. “In a weird way, I think I might be safer, Marc. I could wear a wig and sunglasses and dress down in jeans. Maybe even go with a slightly frumpy look.”

“What would you drive?” he asked.

“I can use cash to purchase an SUV,” she said. “If I trade in that van that I rarely use in the garage, I’d also be able to transfer the plates right away.”

“I think I know a dealer who’d remain discreet. Driving that van is like driving a tank, so either way, that would be a practical move, I suppose. And there’d be a lot less chance of you having trouble on the road in a brand-new vehicle. But it’s a thirty-hour drive. What about hotels? Even those require an ID when you’re checking in, even when you pay cash.”

“I’m thinking if I book rooms in some small-town hotels, no one will even know who I am, even when I show an ID. But first things first. I don’t want to make any arrangements without a new phone.”

Marc sighed. “I should have one too. I suppose it would be better if you only communicated with me, although we shouldprobably think of one other person we can trust, in case there’s trouble.”

“Okay. I’ll start packing so that’s out of the way.”

“And I’ll go purchase some burner phones,” Marc said, finishing his coffee. “I’ll meet you back here at about three.”

“I’ll be here.” Wren nodded firmly. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Chapter Four

Later that night

Crystal Rock, Wisconsin

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