Star Struck(66)

Hailey was impressed with how Garrett handled the situation. She stood in the background and continued to listen as they exchanged information. Garrett said, “We would appreciate it if you wouldn’t speak with the press about any of this.”

After Garrett finished talking with the officers, Hailey made it known that she wanted to go to Cedars to check on Jackie. “It might be best not to,” Garrett said.

Special Agent Morrison walked up to them. After their initial greeting, he said, “Good, I caught you both before you left. I overheard you say you were going to Cedars. I’ll take you there myself. I know a secret entrance.”

Garrett said, “But we’re trying to avoid any media attention.”

“I have an idea. Media attention is exactly what we need.”

Hailey looked between Garrett and Morrison. “I just want to check on Jackie.”

“Ms. Barnes. In order for what I have planned to work. I will need your full cooperation.”

Hailey retrieved her purse from her office. Thirty minutes later, Morrison had snuck Hailey in. Only she didn’t walk in, she was wheeled in on a stretcher. As they went down the hallway, she noticed the surprised look on several people’s face, when they recognized her. Garrett was on one side of the stretcher and the detective and some paramedic who she didn’t remember his name, was on the other.

“We need a nurse,” the paramedic said.

Hailey was officially admitted into the hospital. Morrison had it set up where she was in a room right next door to Jackie with an adjourning door. “I’m not sure if this was a good idea,” Garrett said.

“I’ll do anything if this will end this madness,” Hailey said, as she slipped into the room to check on Jackie.

Mo put his fingers up to his hand to hush her. Jackie had several IVs in her and was resting. Mo whispered, “They pumped her stomach. The nurse said she’ll be in and out. I was going to stay until her parents get here.”

Hailey let Mo in on their plans. Mo’s facial expression changed dramatically as if he was watching a thriller. Hailey said, “This is a time where I don’t care if you talk to the media.”

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.”