Page 102 of Heartstring

“They…they asked about Kay.”

“Fuck.”

My mind goes blank.

Need to get to Kay. Now!

“Where’s Nikko?” I ask.

“At your place.”

“Let’s go.” I walk back to the room where everyone’s gathered.

Bastian’s expression changes as soon as he sees me.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ve just been hounded by a bunch of paps asking about my daughter. I need to get out of here. I need to get Kay away from Stillwater.”

“Okay, let’s go home then.”

I vaguely notice Bastian asking Darius and his band to tell people we had a family emergency because I’m too preoccupied packing mine and Bastian’s guitars.

There are no paps when we go out through the fire exit, but I suspect that’s part of the plan Bastian worked with Darius.

By the time we get to my place, Nikko has our stuff packed, and we’re ready to leave.

“I’m not going,” Kay says, crossing her arms.

“Kayleigh, this is not the time,” I say, grabbing the bags.

“Why don’t I ever get a say in anything?” She follows me back and forth as I load the car.

“You wanted to go to Vermont. Well, you got your wish. We’re going to Vermont.”

“Are we coming back?”

“I don’t know, Kayleigh. Get in the car.”

She huffs but gets in.

When we’re an hour out of Stillwater, I call Daisy.

“Mik, where are you?”

“On our way to Bastian’s place.”

“Okay, I’ll try to limit the damage on my side.”

“How did they even find out about Kay?” I ask, not bothering to take the anger out of my voice, even though it’s not Daisy’s fault.

“I don’t know, honey. I overheard some people mention the Find a Celebrity app, but everyone already knew where you were. How they got from A to B is what I’m still trying to figure out.”

I sigh. “Let me know what you find. Can you call Kay’s tutor and see if he’s willing to help until we figure out what we’re doing?”

“Sure, honey. I’ll be in touch. Drive safe.”

I end the call and gaze at Kay, who’s giving me the silent treatment.