Star Struck(67)
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.