“No. I will not let some crazy person dictate my life. Too many folks depend on the income from this show. I refuse to give them that type of power.”
“That’s exactly what I like to hear,” Garrett said, as he walked into the office.
Hailey don’t know if she had ever been that happy to see anyone as she was Garrett at that moment in time. For some reason, seeing him eased the tension that had built up.
“Bach called me as soon as he got the letter. I rushed over as soon as I could.”
“Thank you,” she said, as she handed him the letter that had slipped out her hand.
“Bach, I need to see your surveillance film from the last twenty-four hours.”
“Follow me.”
Hailey and John were left alone. “Hailey, you and I’ve been doing this for awhile. I’m sure the staff would understand if we went on a short hiatus.”
“John, I’m not going to lie. This has shaken me up. I’m even a little scared, but I can’t live my life in fear. It’s times like these that I draw on the things I was taught years ago in Sunday school.”
“I just want you to be cautious.”
“That’s what GT Securities is for.”
“I just fear for your safety. You’re in that big old house by yourself. Maybe you should come stay with us until this blows over.”
“And be a third wheel in your madness. No. I’ll take my chances by myself,” she tried to joke.
“If you change your mind, just let me know.”
Hailey got up and went to her office. She dialed Jackie’s number. Jackie was in her office soon afterwards. “I want you to screen all of my calls. Unless it’s the president of the network or president of the United States, I do not want to talk to them. Understood?”
Jackie saluted her. “Yes sir. I mean ma’am.”
“Jackie, I don’t have time for jokes. Somebody is really trying to harm me and I need for you to do exactly like I told you. In fact, if you don’t feel up to the task maybe I need to find me another assistant.”
Jackie’s grin turned into a frown right away. “I was only trying to ease the tension around here. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Hailey took a few deep breaths. “I’m sorry okay. All of this has me on edge. I don’t know who to trust.”
“Don’t worry. I got your back. They will have to go through me to get to you.”
“Let’s hope it won’t come to that,” Hailey said, as Jackie left the room.
Hailey replayed in her mind last night’s events. She couldn’t recall seeing any strange vehicles on the street when they left. She didn’t even recall seeing anyone on the street near her entranceway. Whoever was taking the picture could have been yards away with the way technology was with lenses. Maybe one of her neighbors were obsessed with her. She needed to make sure Garrett checked into looking into that.
Hailey was in deep thought when Garrett entered. “How are you really doing?” he asked.
“Honestly, I’m a little rattled.”
She didn’t realize how much she needed to feel Garrett’s strong arms around her, until he embraced her and held her as if he didn’t want to let her go.
“Don’t worry. I will be taking Brenda’s spot.”
“But you can’t. You don’t have time. You have a business to run,” Hailey protested.
“I’m the boss so I can do what I please. Besides, that’s what cell phones and laptops are for. I can run my business from any location. It’s not like we’re going to another city. If I need to go to the office, I can still do that. I just won’t be able to stay there for a long period of time. You’ll be my top priority,” he assured her.
She got up and hugged him. “Thank you so much.”
Garrett held on to her as if both of their lives depended on it. Hailey felt relieved. She knew Garrett wouldn’t let anyone harm her. She removed herself from his embrace. “I guess I need to give you my schedule. Brenda and I had a routine.”
“That’s the first thing we’re going to change. Whoever has been watching you, knows what you’re doing and when. Hailey, my dear, get ready for a change.”
Hailey crossed her arms. “Garrett, are you sure this is a good idea? Don’t you have someone else that can take Brenda’s place?”
“I do, but you’re my responsibility and I’m not putting it off on anyone else.”
Hailey opened up her mouth to protest but thought second of it. What if he did assign someone else? She wanted Garrett and not just as her body guard. She wanted him in other ways. Ways that had nothing to do with her deranged fan.