Page 57 of Burn the Script

Marcus

Is Graham with you?

Code Pegasus

Angel

Graham’s not answering his phone.

He needs to call Marcus NOW.

CODE PEGASUS!!!

“Tate,” we say in unison. Code Pegasus means Tatum has found herself in a sticky situation, and it’ll take all hands on deck to rescue her.

I scramble off to the side, sending quick responses to Marcus and Maisy before switching to social media. Graham stuffs his cock in his underwear, then rushes to his backpack and rummages through the overstuffed pockets, searching for his phone.

“What kind of trouble could she get into in a small town?” he asks, tossing his wallet and keys onto the floor. “No one knows she’s there.”

It doesn’t take long to find the online buzz. Photos of Tatum and her man are posted everywhere. She’s wearing a disguise, but the fake glasses and her natural brown hair color aren’t fooling anyone. Plus, they’re kissing in the middle of an arched footbridge like fucking beacons.

More photos of them eating dinner and dancing at a club rack up the views and shares. A livestream of the current situation, however, is what makes my stomach clench. A mass of screaming fans surrounds a hotel, leaving them hemmed in with no escape.

“This is really bad, Graham. They’re trapped. How big is San Antonio? Where did all these people come from?”

Graham is famous, but Tatum’s star shines in a different stratosphere. She can’t go anywhere without getting mobbed. And after hiding for six months, she resurfaces at a popular tourist destination, of all places.

Finally, Graham locates his phone and a wrinkled T-shirt. “Over thirty missed calls,” he says, tapping the screen and bringing it to his ear. “Hey, Marcus. I fell asleep as soon as I got home, and my phone was in silent mode. No, I haven’t looked yet. I’m in California. Right, you knew that.” Agitation comes off him in waves as he paces my living room, bunching the shirt in his hand. “Yeah, I can move my flight up. I’ll let you know as soon as I have the details.” When the call ends, he looks like he’s physically being torn in half. “I’m so sorry, my darling. They need my help.”

My arm cuts through the air. “Don’t apologize. Go help her. Help them.”

He shoves the phone in his back pocket and shakes his head, whispering, “Damn it, Jake.”

“This isn’t Jake’s fault. He knows nothing about her life.” My voice rises as the panic takes hold. “Tate knew the risks, and she never should’ve gone there without taking precautions. She was reckless!”

In the past, when our friend group would venture out in public, I kept my distance from Tatum. The majority of onlookers’ attention would be directed at her, and I wanted no part of it.

Graham tugs the shirt over his head and kneels between my feet because I’m glued to the sofa. “I’ll play my part and fix this. Tate will be back in Walford before dinner.” Unaware of the real fears wreaking havoc on my heart, head, and stomach, he smiles and rubs my legs. “Next weekend, I’m free all day on Saturday. How do you want to spend it?”

The scared voice in my head whispers Maybe we should skip a weekend. This rescue mission will thrust him into the headlines. He’ll have eyes on him again. I should take this opportunity to press pause and regain perspective—to remember why I ran a year ago. But a selfish voice screams at me to lock down the date and keep him a little longer.

I relax my features with practiced calm and a smile. “I’ll think of something and let you know.”

Graham cups my cheek and brushes our lips together. “Wish me luck.” Another quick kiss, and he’s gone.

My appetite and sense of chill leave with him.

Me

Are you awake?

Carmen

No.

Me

Check social media.