Star Struck (26 page)

Hailey took a few deep breaths. “No. I have to face them sometime so it might as well be now. Just let me go get myself together.”

Garrett said, “Tre, let them know Hailey will be out to talk with them shortly. I don’t know what she’s thinking, but you know Hailey always get her way.”

Trevon left to do as he was instructed. Garrett surveyed the room where the tragedy happened while he waited on Hailey to return downstairs.  “I’m ready,” Hailey said. She still wore the same casual outfit she had on before but her hair was now pulled back into a ponytail. 

“You sure you want to do this?” Garrett asked.

“Let’s do it,” she said, as she took his hand and they walked outside.

Cameras flashed and question after question were asked. Garrett said, “Please. Ms. Barnes won’t be answering any questions. If you don’t hold it down, she’ll just go back inside.”

It immediately became quiet. Hailey cleared her throat and spoke. “I’m so fortunate to be able to stand before you. Less than an hour ago, my life was in danger. I pray that the woman who attempted to take my life can now get the help she needs. A lot of things will come out over the next few weeks I’m sure. Some will be true and others might not be. I will be as honest and forthcoming as I can through my publicist from this moment forward. Before I go, I want to thank GT Securities because it was the owners Garrett Morgan and Trevon Swint who were instrumental in me still being alive at this moment. Thank you Trevon for what you did and thank you Garrett.”

Hailey turned around to walk back inside. Garrett followed her. The reporters were not satisfied with her statement, they wanted more, but Hailey kept walking as the questions kept coming. “Thank you for what you said about GT Securities,” Garrett said.

“I meant it.”

“I feel guilty because Caroline was my secretary. I should have figured it out. It should have never come to this,” Garrett said, as he wiped the hair hanging in front of her eyes.

The police didn’t clear out from Hailey’s place until later that afternoon. They wanted to make sure they had enough evidence and information for their case against Caroline. Trevon had remained behind to filter any questions concerning GT Securities freeing Garrett up to remain by Hailey’s side.

Hailey closed her eyes and enjoyed the massage Garrett was giving her. She turned over and said, “You know there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you but put off.”

“What’s that beautiful?” Garrett said, through loving eyes.

“As my life passed before my eyes, the only thing I could think about was that I never got to tell you how much you mean to me…how much I love you,” Hailey said.

“You’re not just telling me that because of the stress of the situation are you?” Garrett asked, as if he was holding his breath.

“Garrett, I’ve been in love with you for awhile. It just took me this long to realize it. You bring out the best in me. I want to be the woman you need…the woman you want. I want to be your babies mama.”

Garrett laughed. “I love you too Ms. Barnes.” He pulled Hailey into his arms and they kissed and kissed.

Their kisses were interrupted by a knock on the door. “It’s me Tre,” Trevon said, from the other end.

“It’s unlocked,” Hailey yelled, as her and Garrett sat up in the bed.

“Everybody has cleared out,” Trevon said.

Hailey said, “I don’t know if you heard me when I told the officer that she had planned on killing Shareeka next.”

Trevon shrugged his shoulders. “She should consider herself lucky then.”

Hailey crossed her legs. “As much as I don’t like her, I don’t wish death on her or anyone else.”

“Ask me that in a few months,” Trevon said, as he attempted to laugh.

“This has been a long day,” Hailey said, as she stretched her arms up.

Trevon said, “I know I’m beat.  Well you two, I’m about to go. I just wanted to let you know so you could lock up.”

Garrett said, “Tre, man I owe you.”

“Yes, you do. But since I’m a good friend, I’ll give that one to you,” Trevon said, as he walked out the room leaving them by themselves. 

***

A week later, Hailey sat in her office at the studio and her agent Carmen who also had a dual role as her publicist, sat across from her.  Carmen, dressed in a cream colored suit, said, “All you need to do now is decide who you want to grant an exclusive interview with.”

“Whoever I go with, make sure it states in the contract that the money received will be donated directly to NAMI,” Hailey said.

“Okay, I’ll make sure that the National Alliance of Mental Illness gets the check.”

Someone knocked on her door. Hailey responded, “Come in.”

Garrett walked in. “I didn’t realize you had company. I can come back.”

Carmen stood up. “So this is the man who has stolen Hailey’s heart. You’re even better looking in person than you are on television.”

Garrett blushed as he shook Carmen’s hands.

“We’re through here. Hailey’s all yours,” Carmen said, as she left them alone in the office.

“You know you don’t have to keep popping in, now that Caroline is in custody,” Hailey said, as she now stood in front of Garrett.

“I’m not on official business. I’m here as your man.” Garrett pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Their lips were locked until they heard someone behind them clear their throats.

Mo said, “Seeing you two makes me wish I was in love.”

Hailey wiped the lipstick from Garrett’s lips. “Mo, you’ll find someone.”

“Maybe, but this is your time and,” Mo said, tapping his watch, “You’re a little late.”

“I’m sorry. I had to make time for my boo,” Hailey said, as she winked at Garrett.

Garrett remained behind as Hailey followed Mo to her dressing room. An hour later, Hailey walked out on stage. Hailey said, “Thank you all for tuning in today.” She scanned the audience and looked directly into the cameras. “Today’s topic is a serious one and unfortunately hits close to home. As you all know by now, I had a bad experience recently with a stalker who posed as a fan. On my panel today, I have a well known actor who just recently had his stalker prosecuted, a school teacher who survived multiple gun shots and a doctor who is well respected in his field as an expert on mental illness.”

Once everyone was situated on stage, Hailey began asking each one of her panelists questions. “Veronica, when did the stalking begin?”

Veronica responded, “As I look back on it, it started on day one. My stalker was the principal of my school. I made the mistake of going out with him on a few dates. After I realized he was not what I was looking for, I tried to end things easily.”

The audience became mesmerized as Veronica relayed her story of how the principal would sit in on her classes unannounced and send her threatening emails at home. Veronica’s eyes watered, “Nobody would believe me when I told them about the hateful things he said and did to me. They thought I was blowing things out of proportion.”

There weren’t too many times Hailey’s guests left her speechless, but this was one of them. Hailey gave Veronica a hug. “You’re a brave woman for sharing your story. Thank you.”

“I came on your show Hailey because I don’t want women to be afraid to speak out. Talk to your local legislators. There are laws being passed everyday but there’s still so much more that needs to be done.”

A number, 1-800-FYI-CALL, and website, www.ncvc.org, flashed at the bottom of the monitor for the home audience to contact if they were being stalked. Hailey said, “Let’s go to commercial. Women aren’t the only ones being stalked. When we come back we’ll talk to award winning actor Clark about his stalker.”

A few minutes later, Hailey said, “Welcome back. I don’t know what to say after hearing Veronica’s heart wrenching story. Clark’s ordeal hasn’t gotten much press. He feels mainly because he was a man being stalked. Clark tell us your story.”

Clark said, “Hailey, thanks. I’ve been wanting to talk about this publicly for some time but because we were in litigation I couldn’t. Now that my stalker has been convicted, I can say that these past ten years have taken a toll on me.”

“Ten years,” Hailey said. “I had no idea and I’m sure others didn’t.”

Clark said, “People close to me did. This woman would show up everywhere I was. I don’t know how she would know where I would be because I had sworn people close to me to secrecy, but she would always find out.”

“I read she came from a wealthy family so that’s why it took so long for the authorities to take her threats seriously.”

Clark said, “That and the fact that she knew the law. I had several protective orders against her. If the protective order said she couldn’t be within one hundred and fifty feet, she would be exactly one hundred and fifty-one feet. She was a sly one.”

In the next segment, Hailey asked Dr. Smith, “What signs should we be looking for when dating someone?”

Dr. Smith responded, “As in
Clark’s case, he didn’t do anything to encourage his stalker. He had no idea who she was. They had never officially met. If a person has an obsessive type personality, anything can trigger that type of behavior.”

Hailey asked, “How can we protect ourselves?”

Dr. Smith said, “First make sure you report it—not just to a friend, but make an official report at the police station. Start keeping a log of incidents and provide that to the police. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and do not travel alone. And many may frown on what I’m about to tell you, but I suggest that you protect yourself by any  means necessary. Women and men should take self defense classes.”

Hailey asked another series of questions. During the rest of the show, the audience was more informed of the warning signs and how serious it could be if someone was stalking them. Hailey said, as the show ended, “Thank you all for tuning in today. This show was close to home for me.  If you are being stalked, please don’t take it lightly. If you are one who is doing the stalking, know that there are programs out there designed to help you. You can get the help you need.”

Hailey then ended the show the way she always did with, “Remember to do something nice for yourself. When you’re happy, the people around you will be happy.”

She spent the next hour talking to the audience and signing autographs. Garrett waited for her backstage.  Hailey looped her arms through his and said, “Let’s blow this joint.”

“I’m proud of you,” Garrett said.

“That was a hard show for me to do,” Hailey confessed.

“I know, but you faced your demons head on. I admire you for that,” Garrett said.

“I’ll feel better once Caroline has been sentenced and put away for a long time,” Hailey said, as they walked.

Garrett responded, “Caroline will get what’s coming to her. You can stake my life on that.”

~ 43 ~

Three months later…

Garrett removed the blindfold from Hailey’s eyes. “Wow,” she said. “This is beautiful.”

Hailey knew they were coming to the beach but she was not expecting to see a table holding a candlelight dinner in the sand near the water. Hailey took a seat when Garrett pulled out her chair.

“You’re the hardest person to surprise,” Garrett admitted.

Hailey said, “You got me good with this one. I thought we were just going to take a stroll near the water. I didn’t expect dinner.”

“I hope everything is to your satisfaction,” Garrett said.

“The food looks scrumptious,” she said, as a man dressed in black and white removed the cover showing a plate of shrimp fettuccine with marinated sauce.

The sounds of the ocean provided a romantic soundtrack to their meal. After they ate their main course, the same man came to their table and brought them desert. Instead of placing the desert in front of both of them, he handed them both to Garrett. Garrett stood up and placed the dish in front of Hailey. He then got down on one knee. He removed the cover. On top of the cake was a ring. Garrett held the dish and said, “Hailey Barnes, will you marry me?”

Hailey was ecstatic. She almost jumped out her seat. Without hesitating, Hailey said, “Yes. Yes.”

Garrett removed the ring and tried to wipe out the icing, but Hailey was too excited. “Put it on like that. I’ll worry about the icing later.”

They sealed their new engagement with a kiss under the moonlit night.

***

Hailey glanced at her reflection in the mirror several times. The form fitted gold dress showed all of her curves.  The strapless floor length gown had been hand delivered to her by Fabio, one of her favorite designers. She really liked the fact that her back was out. Fortunately her workouts had been working, so she could show off her fit physique. Tonight was one of the biggest nights of her career. She vowed to enjoy every moment of it. What made it more special was the fact she would be sharing it with the man she loved. Hailey smiled as she looked at the three carat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. Garrett’s proposal caught her by surprise. Their relationship had moved at a fast pace, but she didn’t regret it. She knew in her heart that he was the only man for her and she was glad he felt the same way about her.