Spotlight

31

Ring ... ring ... ring ... ring

"Urgh! Leave me alone!"

Sarah looks at the caller ID on her phone and once again sees it's an unknown number, which presumably has yet another reporter trying to get a quote and or comment from her with regards to what has transpired in the last 24 hours. Tossing her phone on the couch, she paces around the apartment and tries to figure out how to navigate her way through the press coverage of the Jingle Ball failed proposal, her involvement in it all and the fact that the media has no become wise to the allegations against the higher ups of her record label.

Despite flying direct from New York to LA, in the middle of the night, she found herself swarmed at the airport and security had to intervene on her behalf and escort her out to an awaiting car.

The apartment door opens and Tanner makes his way inside with his phone attached to his face.

"Yes. Okay, perfect! See you soon, I owe you big time or should I say Sarah owes you big time?" Tanner laughs and then finishes the call.

"How are you doing?" Tanner eyes her up. "Did you manage to get any sleep?"

"A couple of hours. Tanner what am I going to do? I need to get to Abby and the building is surrounded; I'm afraid that if I'm seen leaving, they'll follow me to Abby's parents. I need to see Abs and let her know what's really going on and not what TMZ and the other websites and pages are saying about me and Dave. She needs to know that I'm not the one who's under investigation and that I'm more than willing to meet and discuss with the authorities and tell them everything I know."

Tanner nods. "I messaged her, letting her know that you'd be out of reach for a bit and not to worry. She knows that what the media is reporting is inaccurate and she's got your back, so you needn't worry. Also, I've got a plan to get you out of here; back up will be here soon and then you'll be on your way to see your girl."

"I hate the radio silence, Tan; I need to see and speak with Abs."

"I get it, but right now you need to keep your head down and avoid being seen associating with anyone who isn't Lauren; because you are still a couple according to the media and I'm concerned about your phone and messages being tapped. How about you finish packing and let me do my thing, okay?"

Sarah nods, "Fine. I'll be in my room." She scoops up her phone and heads to her bedroom and finishes packing while she awaits Tanner's plan to come into play. Her phone continues to buzz and ring with notifications and calls, all requesting to get her side of things and she does her best to ignore the noise and focus on her packing. Dragging her bags to the living area, she hears Tanner speaking with the front desk on the intercom.

"Yes. She's cleared. Thank you."

"She? Who's here Tan?"

"Back up is here." Tanner smiles at her.

Sarah looks at him questioningly until there is a knock on her door and he opens it to reveal Jess and another woman beside her, who Tanner immediately hugs.

Sarah hugs Jess, "What are you doing here?"

She smiles, "Tanner asked for our help in getting you out of here."

"Umm, who exactly is Tan speaking with?"

Jess laughs, "That's one of my employees, Taylor. She kinda looks like you, doesn't she? Don't worry, you can trust her; I wouldn't have brought her if I didn't think you could."

Sarah nods, "Okay, so what's this plan to get me out of here?"

"Tanner is going to dress Taylor as you and you as Taylor; the ole switcharoo trick. There is a rental car in the parking garage along with a prepaid cellphone we picked up on the way over that you can use without being concerned about someone listening in. Have you already packed your stuff or do you need some help with it?"