Page 26 of Two Hearts' Ploy

“As far as what I’m doing now, working at the studio? It’s filling a void for me until my superiors let me in on their plans for my future. Ever since I was a kid, when I listened to music, I had this strange ability to be able to recognize each and every instrument in the background. And I was really into music. I cancarry a tune, but truthfully, I’m not that good. I’m much better on piano or guitar, although I’ll never be good enough to be a real musician. According to Eve, what I do have is this knack for coming up with instrumentals that are both unique and original.”

“I can’t ask for more than that.” Wren nodded her understanding. “So if someone tried to sabotage the equipment at Eve’s studio, you’d know what to look for?”

He held her gaze. “I would. And I’m going to give her a call this evening and let her know I’ll be checking everything out on a daily basis beginning tomorrow morning.”

Jeff turned back to Jake. “Wait a minute. Did you say her security man is named Tanner? It’s probably just a coincidence, but the name Marc Tanner sounds awfully familiar. By any chance, is he former Air Force?”

Jake pursed his lips. “Let me check the file. I didn’t do anything more than check his qualifications and references, which are excellent by the way.” Jake glanced quickly at the file. “Well, that’s a coincidence. It says he was a patient here at the wounded warrior home about four years ago.”

Jeff grinned, glancing at Wren. “When you decided to record at Eve’s studio, I’m wondering if Marc might have had something to do with pushing you to make that decision?”

Wren blinked. “Come to think of it, he did seem to know an awful lot about Crystal Rock. When he gave me the list, I was prepared to go with another studio, but then Dragonfly Studios suddenly stood out, so I asked him to give me more details.”

Jake and Jeff seemed to be looking at each other rather knowingly.

“What’s with the mysterious looks you two are giving each other?” she asked, suddenly suspicious.

Jake smiled widely. “There are things you’re going to find out about Crystal Rock that you’ll be scratching your head about,Wren. Let’s just say that there’s a good chance that fate brought you here so that we could protect you.”

Jeff snorted. “And then we can just leave it at that.”

“Now you sound grumpy,” Wren muttered.

“I just remembered something that I said to Marc back when we were in rehab together.”

When he didn’t volunteer more, she huffed out a breath.

“Well, I’m feeling a little clueless here, so what do we do next?” she asked.

“Once Jeff and I take care of the security at his place, you can move in,” Jake said. “For now, enjoy your stay. You’ve got a new look, and truthfully, I don’t think you’re easily identifiable anymore.”

“I agree,” Jeff observed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen any images with you in short hair, and the bangs definitely give you a different look.”

“Okay. So maybe I can do a little shopping and take a walk on the beach – things like that? Maybe have some meals in the restaurant instead of ordering room service?”

“I don’t see why not, although I would feel better if you had someone with you when you weren’t at the Inn,” Jake admitted. “I’m sure Eve or Danny would love to shop with you.”

Jeff shrugged. “I can hang out with you too. In fact, how about we walk to the beach right now and pick up a couple of hot dogs for lunch?”

Her jaw dropped open.

Finally, she answered, “I thought you had work to do?”

He shrugged again. “I have a home studio, which is where I’m going to be working on your demos this afternoon. Jake and I won’t get started on security at my place until tomorrow, since I’ll have to determine what will be needed for your stay so I can order everything. But we both gotta eat.”

“Okay. I’d like that,” she said, standing as Jeff did. “Truthfully, I’d feel better having someone along to see the sights anyway.”

“As long as there isn’t any trouble, I don’t see why we can’t do some sightseeing or more while you’re staying at my place. There are a lot of great places to eat around here too.”

Jake was smiling strangely as he stood to escort them to the apartment door, suddenly winking at Jeff. “I’ll talk with both of you later today.”

“Sounds good,” Jeff said, appearing sheepish when he looked around the hallway before exiting the apartment and heading toward the staircase, motioning for her to follow.

“Thanks, Jake,” Wren said, heading through the doorway behind Jeff.

Chapter Thirteen

What the heck was so funny, Jeff wondered? Frowning fiercely as he tried not to stare at Wren, who was looking incredibly sexy stretched out on the sand, he picked up one of the towels she’d brought along, waiting for his nephew Danny to join him from the water.

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