Star Struck

by Goss, Shelia

  Mo said, “Now you know I can make the story real good. Do you want it mild or wild?” he asked.

  “Don’t make it too far fetched. Then again, a few boo hoos might help.”

  “Oh I got this,” Mo assured her.

  Garrett walked through the adjoining door and said, “Hailey, the phone calls have started.”

  Hailey hugged Mo. “Showtime.”

  “And you know I was born to be a star. Just tune in to the news. When I leave here, I’ll make sure I go through the front entrance.”

  Garrett shook his head at Mo’s over dramatic display. Hailey went back into her hospital room and laid in the bed and got under the covers because she was cold. She looked at Garrett. “I hope this works.”

  “Morrison is one of the best. I trust his judgment,” Garrett responded.

  “That should be me laid up in a bed like that,” Hailey said, as her body shivered from the cold.

  “I wish it was neither one of you,” Garrett said. “Move over,” he said, as he got in the bed beside her. “Now lean on my chest.” Garrett wrapped his arms around Hailey, instantly warming her up.

  ~ 39 ~

  Morrison cleared his throat a few times. Hailey and Garrett woke up. Hailey stretched her arms. “I came baring gifts,” Morrison said, as he placed two containers on the tray near the bed. Hailey was glad because with everything that had been going on she hadn’t been hungry. Now that she didn’t have access to food, she finally had an appetite. She refused to eat the bland hospital food one of the hospital staff had brought her.

  Garrett sat in the chair beside the bed and Hailey remained in the bed as they ate their food. Morrison gave them an update on what was going on outside. He said, “You might want to watch the news.” He flipped on the television to one of the local stations. Standing outside of Cedars was Mo surrounded by cameras and microphones. One reporter asked, “Were you the one who found Hailey and her assistant?”

  “Yes and I almost passed out myself. But I knew time was important so I immediately called 9-1-1.” Mo’s bright red shirt really stood out on television.

  “Were they conscious when you found them?” another reporter asked.

  “No. That’s what concerned me. I called another co-worker and we immediately started trying to do CPR.”

  Sandy Blair, the tabloid reporter, asked, “How is Hailey and her assistant doing?”

  Tears started flowing down Mo’s cheeks. “Jackie was sleeping when I left. The doctors won’t let me in to see Hailey. Hailey’s my best friend and I just hope that she’s alright,” Mo said. “Whoever is responsible for this, they need to come after me. Going after someone who has never done anything to anybody,” Mo paused and then continued, “it’s just not right.”

  Reporters started throwing out more questions. Mo said, “It’s just not right,” he shook his head and fielded his way through the reporters down the walk way. The cameras followed him to a waiting cab.

  Garrett spoke out first. “Mo’s good.”

  “Told you,” Hailey said, as they continued to watch the news.

  The anchorwoman said, “Sources tells us that Hailey is still not conscious. We’ll update you on the ten o’clock news. Back to you Jim.”

  Morrison said, “Now all we have to do now is wait.”

  Garrett said, “I’ll be right back.”

  Hailey said, “This bed is not too comfortable. Can you get me another bed?”

  “I’m afraid the air mattress is the best they have,” Morrison responded.

  Hailey didn’t look too pleased with his answer. Morrison pretended he didn’t notice. He went on to say, “Garrett said he has one person watching Shareeka Johnson. I also have someone watching her. There’s also someone outside your hospital door. If she makes a move, we’ll know it.”

  Hailey said, “Here’s another option since this is the best they can do…is there any way, you can slip me out of here so I can go home? My back is not going to make it on this bed.”

  Garrett walked back into the room and answered for him. “I spoke with Mo. When he comes back, he’ll transform you and nobody will know it’s you.”

  “Good thinking,” Morrison said.

  While they were waiting on Mo to return, Hailey met Jackie’s parents. They were informed of the importance of not letting on that Hailey hadn’t been poisoned too. They agreed to cooperate because they wanted to find out who was behind their baby girl’s stint in the hospital. Jackie’s prognosis was good because they were able to pump her stomach in time. Fortunately someone was around when she ate the candy or it could have been deadly.

  “So it has been confirmed it was poison?” Jackie’s mom asked.

  Garrett answered, “We’re not certain, but we’re not ruling it out.”

  Jackie’s dad said, “I need to know something as soon as you find out.” He was looking directly at Hailey.

  “Sir, you will be one of the first.”

  “She’s our only daughter and if anything ever happened to her. Elaine and I, well we don’t know what we’ll do.”

  The sight of him crying tugged at Hailey’s heart. She squeezed Garrett’s hand a little bit tighter.

  Garrett said, “I’m going to do everything within my power to find out who did this to your daughter.”

  Hailey and Garrett left and went back into the other room to give Jackie’s family privacy. Garrett remained with Hailey as they waited on Mo to return. Mo came back with looked like an overnight bag. “Are you ready to be transformed?” Mo asked Hailey.

  “Work your magic,” Hailey responded.

  Hailey sat in the chair as Garrett laid down in the bed and watched television. Mo said, “Garrett was able to recognize raw talent so it didn’t surprise me when he asked me to do this.” He picked out a concealer in his kit and changed Hailey’s complexion several shades darker. Mo pulled out a jet black wig. He said, “I don’t have time to take out those tracks, so we’ll hide your golden brown hair under this wig.”

  Hailey picked up the wig and admired it. “It’ll work.”

  Mo pulled out an outfit from his bag. “I decided you needed to be more casual so I brought you a jogging suit and a pair of tennis shoes.”

  Hailey went to the bathroom and changed into the outfit. The clothes and tennis shoes were a perfect fit. Mo, did a few more things to her face. Mo said, “Garrett what do you think?”

  Mo, used his hands, and guided Hailey to turn around to face Garrett.

  Once Mo was through, Garrett could barely recognize Hailey. “Mo. I have to say you’re good. In fact, if you ever need a sideline hustle, GT Securities could use your services.”

  Mo placed his hand over his heart. “I would love to moonlight for you. Hailey’s he’s a keeper.”

  Hailey looked at Garrett and her eyes were beaming. “That he is.”

  Garrett said, “What should I call you?”

  Hailey switched her head from side to side as they wig bounced. “Beyonce’s altar ego is Sasha. My altar ego, let’s call her KiKi or Mercedes.”

  “KiKi, how did you come up with that name?”

  “It just sounds good.”

  “Well come on KiKi or Mercedes or whatever you want to be called.” Garrett opened the hospital door and whispered something in the police guard’s ear. The guard pointed down the hall.

  Mo went in one direction. Hailey and Garrett went in another. “We’re going to use the exit we came in, but your disguise will work just in case someone’s discovered it.”

  “Paparazzi are everywhere.”

  An hour later, Hailey was pulling off the wig. “Home sweet home,” she said, as she threw the wig on her bed and then flopped on it.

  Garrett laid down next to her. “Ms. Barnes if you really had eaten that candy and was laid up in the hospital, I don’t know what I would do.”

  “You really do care.”

  “I thought you knew that by now. I’ve practically dropped everything else and been by your side since Brenda left.”


  Hailey planted kisses all over Garrett’s face. “I know.” Hailey felt Garrett’s pocket vibrate. She continued to kiss on him as he talked.

  “Trevon was calling to check on you.”

  “I still don’t trust him.”

  “Until I can prove he’s not guilty, I chose not to let him know that it was only an act. That you are perfectly fine.”

  Hailey responded, “Good, because I am still convinced Trevon is not as innocent in all of this as he claims.”

  ~ 40 ~

  Garrett and Hailey stayed up until midnight talking and now it was nearly noon the next day. Production had been shut down until further notice. Garrett’s cell phone rang. “Caroline, are you sure no one else can handle this. I really don’t want to leave Hailey by herself.”

  Caroline responded from the other end of the phone. “I’ve tried reaching Trevon but he’s nowhere to be found.”

  “See if you can get it rescheduled.”

  “I tried that but they insisted either you or Trevon meet with them today.”

  Garrett felt torn. He didn’t want to leave Hailey by herself but the contract he had with the state to be on governor detail when he was in the city was also important. If it was any other one of his clients, he would let the chips fall where they may, but this was the governor, so he had no choice but to follow up since Trevon couldn’t be located. He said, “Tell them I’ll be there. In the meantime, keep trying to track down Trevon.”

  Garrett called Morrison to ensure that someone would be watching Hailey’s place in his absence. “I really don’t want to leave you,” he said.

  Hailey responded, “You said Morrison will have someone outside so go. I’ll be alright.”

  “If there wasn’t a security breach concerning the governor’s visit, I wouldn’t be leaving you, you know that right.”

  Hailey kissed him. “I know. Now go handle your business. See there’s LA’s finest there.” Hailey pointed towards the gate where a patrol car sat parked.

  Even with Hailey’s blessings, Garrett didn’t want to leave Hailey. Hailey watched Garrett pull out the driveway. Hailey wasn’t scared because Garrett made arrangements before he left with Morrison. An officer was scheduled to watch her place at all times.

  Several people had been calling and leaving messages to show their concern with her health. The papers were filled with news of her poisoning. Hailey logged on to some of the gossip blogs and had to laugh at some of them because they had practically killed her off. One caption read – DERANGED FAN OFFS TALK SHOW HOST. This time she was part of the misinformation. Until it was confirmed that Shareeka or Trevon was behind the threats, Hailey would grin and bear it.

  Hailey saw that her publicist had left a message on her fan page for her fans. She hated to lie to her fans. She hoped the fall out wouldn’t be too great after the truth came out. She mentally prepared her speech she would have to give.

  Parris had called several times so Hailey took the time to call her back. “I just wanted you to know that I’m fine.”

  “Girl, you had us so worried about you. What happened?”

  “Well don’t tell anyone else but Casper, but I really didn’t get poisoned. It was Jackie. My assistant.”

  “But I saw Mo, your hairdresser,” Parris interrupted.

  “Girl, I told Mo to do that. See the police are trying to bring the stalker out in the open.”

  “I thought Trevon’s crazy fiancé was behind it.”

  “I did too but Parris to be honest, Trevon doesn’t look too innocent in all of this. He could well be behind it too.”

  “Trevon, no, I don’t think so.”

  “Think about it. We’ve both been in a movie or two. It’s usually the person you least expect and the closest to you doing crazy stuff to a person.”

  Parris said, “You do have a point.”

  “Parris, that’s my other line, let me call you back.” Hailey clicked over to the other line.

  “You’re going to die,” a sinister voice said from the other end of the phone.

  Hailey dropped her phone. She looked out the window and didn’t see anyone. She called the police officer on his cell phone to make sure he was still in position. He answered within two rings. “Do you need me to come to the house?” he asked.

  “No, I was just making sure someone was still out there watching,” she responded.

  Hailey sent Garrett a text message. He responded that he was in the meeting with his client. She asked him of Trevon’s whereabouts. He responded that he hadn’t been in contact with him. That didn’t make Hailey feel secure.

  The intercom sounded alerting her to a visitor at the gate. She saw that it was Trevon. “How did he get past the cop?” she asked.

  She dialed the cop’s cell phone number. “Why did you let him through?” she asked.

  “He works for GT Securities. He’s clear,” he responded.

  Hailey was pissed. “I don’t care. Nobody was supposed to get through those gates,” she yelled.

  “He’s been out watching for me. I had another emergency call. Since GT works for you, I thought it was okay.”

  “Only Garrett can authorize that.”

  “I’ll have another car come. I’m stuck at this accident now.”

  “Please do and hurry or some heads are going to roll!” Hailey said.

  Hailey looked around the room to see what she could use to protect herself just in case Trevon was on his way over to do some harm. Trevon used the security code to enter. She was waiting for him at the end of the stairway. “Don’t come any closer,” she said.

  “Hailey what’s wrong with you? Caroline told me you were at home so I came to check on you because I knew Garrett had that meeting.”

  “A meeting you could have taken if you would have made yourself available. You mysteriously disappeared.”

  “I can explain,” he said.

  “No need to explain to me. I think we both know that I’m on to you.” Hailey attempted to stay calm, but her hands were sweaty and she didn’t know what she would do if Trevon tried to attack her.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t play dumb with me. I want you to know the police is coming back so if you harm me in any way, they’ll get you.”

  “Hailey you got it twisted. Calm down baby.” Trevon reached out to her.

  Hailey jumped back and said, “I’m not your baby. In fact, why don’t you just leave. I’m safer here by myself.”

  “Hailey,” Trevon said, refusing to retreat.

  “Leave Tre or I swear,” Hailey said, as she held out the bat, “I will come at you with this bat and hit you like you stole something.”

  “You have it all wrong. I’m here to help you, not hurt you. You’ve been watching too many movies.”

  “Get out!” Hailey yelled.

  Trevon left but not without trying to plead his case. He kept saying Hailey had it all twisted, but she didn’t think so. She watched him pull out of the driveway and the gate closed shut. “Where are the police?” she shouted. She dialed Garrett’s number and got voice mail. She left a few obscenities before slamming down the phone.

  Her phone rang. She thought it was Garrett calling her back so she answered without looking at the caller ID. A familiar voice was on the other end. “This is Caroline. Garrett’s secretary.”

  Hailey said, “Yes, I know you.”

  Caroline said, “I just wanted to drop off some stuff for Garrett. He said he would be stopping by there after he got out of his meeting.”

  “Sure Caroline. How long will you be?”

  “I’m actually right outside your gate. I didn’t want to scare you with all that’s been going on so I wanted to call you first.”

  Hailey walked up to the monitor and saw Caroline sitting in a car outside the gate. “I’m letting you in now.” She punched a button to give Caroline access.

  Hailey unlocked the front door and waited for Caroline to come up the driveway. Caroline go
t out of her car and retrieved a box from her trunk. Hailey watched her walk in carrying a box of what she assumed was some of Garrett’s stuff.

  “Come, you can sit it in here.” Hailey walked towards her home office. She noticed Caroline looking around admiring her décor. Hailey couldn’t help but smile since she decorated herself.

  Caroline placed the box down and said, “This is a pretty home you have here.”

  “Thanks. Would you like to see the whole house?” Hailey asked.

  “Sure.” Caroline sounded excited.

  Hailey took her on a quick tour. “This is my favorite spot,” Hailey said, pointing at the chaise sitting by the window that was connected to the balcony on the second floor.

  Caroline went to the window to admire the view. It looked out over the pool and beautiful floral landscaping. “I can see why,” Caroline said.

  “Let me show you my other favorite spot,” Hailey said.

  Once they were out of her room, Hailey closed the door and walked around Caroline and headed downstairs. “This is my second favorite spot,” she went into the kitchen.

  “I wished my kitchen was half as big,” Caroline said, as she admired the stainless steel cabinets.

  “I’ve been blessed with a beautiful house; although lately, I’ve been feeling like a prisoner in my own home with everything that’s been going on.”

  Hailey led her out of the kitchen to other areas of the house.

  “How do you deal with it?” Caroline asked, as they now stood in the living room.

  Hailey wasn’t sure where she was going with the question. “What do you mean?”

  “Being a star and having to deal with crazy fans.”

  “Normally, it doesn’t bother me, but this person here has taken things to the extreme.”

  “That’s what they tell me.” Caroline picked up one of the magazines on the table. “This is a beautiful cover.”

  “Thank you. I took that one about five years ago. I was in Milan.”

  Hailey’s cell phone rang. She saw that it was Trevon and didn’t answer. “Excuse my manners. I didn’t ask you if you wanted anything to drink.”