Poison Pen

by Jacquelin Thomas

  A trickle of sweat slid from Bailey’s temple down to her jaw, and she brushed it away with her hand. Her mind was clear, energized by her run.

  It was eight-thirty a.m. As soon as she made it home, Bailey intended to jump into the shower, then settle down to write. She enjoyed being able to focus completely on her craft. With her mother moving into the new house with them, the kids wouldn’t have to be shuffled from their home whenever Bailey had to travel.

  “I didn’t expect you to still be here,” she told her husband seated at the counter when she walked into the kitchen.

  “I’m making our plans for Aruba. How long do you want to stay?” Trace glanced up from the laptop.

  “Let’s see… I’m thinking two weeks of sun and sand. Some tennis. How does that sound?”

  He smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

  Bailey eyed him in disbelief. “Really? Two weeks. You’re going to take that much time off from work?”

  “Yes. I want to enjoy my family. We’re taking your mom with us, so we can have some quality time.”

  “You’ve already spoken to her about it?”

  Trace nodded. “She’s excited about going.”

  “Mama’s always wanted to go there,” Bailey said. “So, have I.”

  “I think we should leave the weekend after we close on the house,” he suggested.

  “Let me look at my calendar, but I’m thinking it’ll work.” Bailey began to dance. “We’re going to Aruba…”

  Trace burst into laughter. “I need to get out of here. Call me after you check your schedule, sweetheart. I want to book our tickets today.”

  She walked over to him and kissed his cheek. “Love you.”

  Bailey watched him stroll toward the door leading out to the garage. I’m so lucky, she thought. I have everything I want except one thing.

  Revenge.

  That afternoon, Bailey worked on her new book until the kids came home.

  “How was your day, Maddie?” she asked her daughter after planting a kiss on her cheek.

  “Sara told me that she’s not my friend anymore.”

  “Oh no… did she say why?”

  “I wouldn’t give her my ham and cheese sandwich.” Maddie plopped down on the sofa beside her mother. “I didn’t want her peanut butter sandwich so I wouldn’t trade.”

  Bailey bit back a chuckle. “I have an idea. Why don’t I make an extra sandwich for you tomorrow. You can give one to Sara.”

  “Yes. Then she’ll be my friend again.”

  Bailey called out for her son. “Hey… where did you go?”

  “I went to see Nana. I wanted to give her a hug.”

  “Well, where’s my hug, sweetie?”

  He rushed over to her. “Right here, Mommy.”

  Bailey reveled in his embrace. She loved being a mother. “How was your day?”

  “Gooder than yesterday,” T.J. responded. “My teacher was sick and we had another one—she was so mean.”

  “Today was better because your teacher came back today.”

  He nodded.

  Bailey spent the better of an hour with her children, helping them with their homework. She looked forward to moments like this, which is why she always attempted to write while they were in school. Family time was very important to her.

  Harini opened her door to find an irate Kaile standing there. “How did you get past my doorman?”

  “I know you’re behind all the lies going around on social media.”

  “Don’t get mad at me because the streets are talking,” Harini responded. “You shouldn’t be messing around with a married man—that’s on you.”

  “You’re a seriously vile person. Zeke has nothing to do with this—why did you involve him?”

  “Because apparently you’re nothing more than a homewrecker.” Harini gestured toward the door. “Get out and don’t come back to my place without an invitation.”

  “One day…” Kaile uttered. “You just wait… your time is coming.”

  Harini laughed. “I hear Zeke’s wife posted several not-so-nice tweets about you.”

  “You better be glad I don’t feel like going to jail today.”

  “You should be thanking me for not posting the mug shot when you got arrested for prostitution. You go around here acting like you so sweet and innocent—but people don’t know the real you, Kaile. By the way, does Zeke know that you were once a hooker?”

  “You know what I’ve been through, Harini. I shared those things with you because I thought you were my friend.” Shaking her head, Kaile added, “I was so stupid to ever trust a snake like you.”

  Harini shrugged.

  “Did I tell you that Bailey showed me pictures of her children. They’re so cute and adorable. She mentioned that she and her husband were planning on having another baby. Wonderful news, don’t you think?”

  Her words punched Harini in the gut.

  “Bailey looked really happy. She has a handsome husband… two children, and two books that are doing great—all the things you wanted. You shared some stuff with me, too. Remember. I bet that big expensive bed of yours is as cold as a coffin.”

  Fighting back tears, Harini screamed, “Get out of my house.” She opened the front door. “If you want a fight—I’ll give you one, Kaile.”

  “I better not see another thing on social media about me and Zeke or my past,” she warned. “I promise I’ll make your life miserable. You see… I know a little something about you and a certain author with the initials R.S.”

  Harini’s surprise was evident, but she tried to keep her expression bland. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Kaile walked through the open door. “Remember what I said…”

  Harini folded her arms across her chest as if to ward off a chill. How could she know?

  How could she have found out? She’d been so careful.

  “What’s done in darkness will always come to the light, sis.”

  She turned around to face her brother who was standing at the entrance of the foyer. “Kaile wouldn’t hesitate to expose me. She’s just fishing.”

  “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Pip responded.

  Chapter 19

  “How’s work coming along?” Bailey asked. She decided to call and touch base with Cassidy while she ate lunch. Normally she would eat with her mother, but JoAnn had plans with some of her friends from church.

  “Nothing’s changed here. Oh, except that Beth finally made manager.”

  Seated at the counter, Bailey said, “That’s wonderful. She’ll be a good one.”

  “She always asks about you.”

  Bailey smiled. “I really liked her. She was about the only person on my team I was close to—she cried when I put in my notice.”

  “Have you seen all that stuff on social media about Zeke and Kaile?” Cassidy inquired.

  Bailey responded, “Yeah, I have.” She glanced out the window in her office. “I feel terrible for her.”

  “I don’t condone infidelity, but I feel bad for Kaile, too—it’s her personal business out there like that.”

  “I’m pretty sure Harini is the one who did this,” Bailey said. “She and Kaile used to be close. I don’t know what happened between them, but they’re no longer friends. She’s the only person I know messy enough to do something like this.”

  “Wow… she really is a piece of work… that woman.”

  Bailey nodded in agreement. “She is that…”

  “Maurie and I are taking the kids to a festival this weekend. You should see Zoey and Legacy together. They’re hilarious.”

  “Madison always asks about them,” Bailey said. “T.J. talks about your son a lot. He calls him the friend. He’s always asking, when am I gonna see the friend?”

  Cassidy chuckled. “Joey wants to move to North Carolina, so he can hang out with T.J.”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Bailey said.

  “Girl, Joe is not leaving his job to start over do
wn there,” Cassidy stated. “He’d lose seniority if we transfer. Trust me, I already broached the subject with him. Anyway, how’s your writing coming along?”

  “Great,” Bailey replied. “I’m actually thinking of revisiting the first book I wrote.”

  “I hope you do. I really loved that story. But why now?”

  “I’m finally in the space to deal with that part of my past, Cass.”

  “Have you seen Harini?”

  “No, but that day is coming,” Bailey said, “and I’m looking forward to it.”

  From the moment they arrived in Aruba a couple of days ago, Bailey felt as if she’d stepped into a piece of heaven. The Renaissance Resort Hotel near downtown had its own island where pink flamingos and iguanas roamed freely.

  While her mother and the children were having breakfast, Bailey and Trace enjoyed a couple’s massage in a cabana.

  Afterward, the entire family enjoyed a day at the beach.

  Bailey and Madison built a sandcastle while Trace and T.J. played near the water’s edge.

  Her mother and the kids settled into their suite after an early dinner, so that Trace and Bailey could enjoy the evening as a couple.

  “Aruba is everything I thought it would be,” Bailey said.

  They were able to secure beach chairs in front of the Moomba bar to watch the sunset which was painted in beautiful shades of orange, yellow, red, and pink.

  “I love it here.”

  Trace placed an arm around her. “So, do I.”

  Later in the evening, Bailey and Trace decided to do as the Arubans do and drive up to the California Lighthouse. She’d read that it was the perfect place to enjoy the magnificent skyline of the most northern tip of the island.

  The stars were bright and shining and the moon hung heavy in the sky. The faint roar of the surf came to her ears and a warm, soft breeze came from the ocean.

  “This is so perfect,” Bailey said. She reached over and took Trace’s hand in her own. “I’ve dreamed of traveling the world with the man I loved since I was a little girl. My dad used to tell me that I should be grateful for the simple things in life and I am. But I never saw anything wrong with wanting more.”

  “You’re right,” Trace responded. “There isn’t anything wrong with that. I’m happy that I get to see the world with you.”

  “I almost let my dreams die when I left Philadelphia.” Bailey shook her head. “I won’t let that happen again.”

  “Am I imagining this or are you still very angry with that woman—the one you said betrayed you?”

  “It’s not anger really,” Bailey said. “I’m just not going to let her forget what she did to me. I promised her that she would one day pay—I intend to see that she does.”

  “Do you think this is healthy?”

  “I guess you don’t,” Bailey responded. “You asked, and I gave you my truth. Maybe one day I won’t feel this way, but for now, maybe we should change the subject.”

  “You won’t get an argument from me.”

  Bailey lovingly touched his cheek. “Why don’t we go dancing? We can have a couple of glasses of wine, then party the night away.” She didn’t want thoughts of Harini to put a damper on their time together in Aruba.

  A week after their vacation ended, Bailey attended the Virginia Literary Festival in Richmond. She was thrilled to have her mother, the children and Trace with her. While they were out sightseeing, Bailey went to check in with the conference coordinator.

  She ran into Kaile at the registration table.

  “Hey Bailey, it’s good to see you.”

  “You, too.”

  Kaile’s eyes bounced around their surroundings. “I see the gossip mill is still running amuck,” she said, shrugging. “It’s a good thing I really don’t care what people think of me. Besides, Zeke and I have been over for a long time.”

  “Did you ever find out who leaked it?” Bailey inquired.

  “You and I both know who is behind this.” Kaile waved her hand in dismissal. “Speaking of the witch, she just arrived.”

  Bailey’s eyes followed her gaze to where Harini was standing. They locked eyes for a moment.

  She was pleased when Harini looked away first.

  Bailey and Kaile walked passed her without speaking.

  “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what happened between you and Harini?” Kaile inquired. “I know something must have taken place because the two of you were so close, then you went ghost. I couldn’t even find you on any of the social media platforms.”

  Bailey was silent for a minute, debating whether to tell Kaile the truth. She decided to be honest. “Harini had an affair with my ex-boyfriend—only he wasn’t an ex at the time.”

  “That last child she lost? Was that his baby?”

  Bailey nodded. “Yes.”

  “Oh wow… I wasn’t expecting that.” Kaile shook her head in dismay. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s fine. The truth is that Harini couldn’t have gotten pregnant without Colton’s help. He is just as much to blame for what happened, if not more. But it really doesn’t matter anymore. I’m married to the man I’m supposed to be with.”

  “I guess that was enough to make you leave town.”

  “That wasn’t the only reason, Kaile.” Bailey glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone could hear what they were discussing. She turned back to face Kaile and said, “Not only did she have an affair with Colton—she also took my storyline and sold it as her own.”

  Bailey eyed the woman sitting across from her. “You don’t look surprised.”

  “Unfortunately, I’m not.”

  “Did she do that to you?”

  Kaile shook her head. “She knew better than to try something like that with me. However, I’ve heard other writers say this about Harini recently.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah. There are a couple of people here I’d like you to meet,” Kaile said. “I need to speak with them first though.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “Harini is taking advantage of a lot of folks. She’s not loyal—not even to her friends… if she still has any.”

  “One day she’s going to get what’s coming to her,” Bailey stated. “Trust me on that.”

  “Have you ever read any books by Randy Spook?” Kaile inquired.

  Bailey shook her head no. “Why?”

  “He only had two books come out before he died. He was only twenty years old and a fantastic writer. You should check him out.”

  “Oh wow… what happened to him?”

  “I think he had a heart attack or something. If you read his books, I’m sure you’re going to find them very interesting.”

  Bailey wondered why Kaile was being so cryptic. “You know something, don’t you?”

  “Not really, but I have a theory. There’s a connection between Randy and Harini. Read his books and tell me what you think.”

  Bailey searched out Kaile at the welcome reception.

  “Hey, I was just about to come looking for you. I want to introduce you to Lanelle Chase and Mariah Sanderson.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both,” Bailey said with a smile.

  “They’re both writers,” Kaile announced. “And Lanelle is actually from your area.”

  “You live in Raleigh?”

  Lanelle nodded. “Yes. I have to tell you that I loved both Black Rain and Seasons.”

  Mariah interjected, “Seasons was my favorite.”

  “Another thing you all have in common is that at one point, Harini was your mentor,” Kaile interjected.

  Her words were met with silence.

  Smiling, Kaile said, “I thought you ladies should meet.” She glanced over her shoulder. “My agent’s here. I’m having dinner with her, so I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Bailey gestured toward a nearby table. “Shall we have a seat?”

  “So, Harini was once your mentor, too?” Mariah inquired.

  “It was a long time ago
,” Bailey responded. “Ten years to be exact.”

  Lanelle played with her napkin. “Her mentorship ended when I found out that she wasn’t at all who I thought she was.”

  “Same here,” Mariah said. “I have to say I was very disappointed in the way things turned out. Harini was supposed to be helping me with me book—the next thing I knew… she had a book coming out with the same storyline.”

  “Did the same thing to me,” Lanelle said.

  “Oh wow…”

  “What was your experience like with Harini?” Lanelle asked.

  “Sadly, it’s the same as yours,” Bailey answered. “But she didn’t just take my idea—she also got pregnant by the man I was dating at the time. That’s what hurt the most at the time. There are just certain boundaries friends shouldn’t cross, but then… Harini really wasn’t my friend.”

  Lanelle shook her head in disbelief. “Now that’s really messed up.”

  “I fault him because Harini didn’t hold a gun to his head.” Bailey paused a moment before continuing. “I stopped writing because of what happened. Because of what she did to me. But then I met my husband and he’s the reason I’m even published. He really helped me regain my confidence.”

  Lanelle smiled. “That’s nice. It’s good that you have someone in your life who is so supportive.”

  “How did you get over what she did to you?” Mariah bit into a soft taco.

  “Time,” Bailey responded. “It’s took a while, but I was finally able to move pass what happened.”

  “Well, I’m not over it,” Lanelle stated when Mariah left the table to talk to another conference attendee. “I want Harini to pay for what’s she’s doing. Mariah and the other girls are afraid of her. They worry that she’d black ball them or expose them in some way.”

  “You’re not worried?” Bailey wanted to know. “You see what she’s done to Kaile and other authors.”

  Lanelle shrugged. “I’m not scared of Harini Samuels. Let her come for me. Besides she doesn’t have anything on me. I keep my personal life private.”

  Bailey nodded in agreement. “My sentiments exactly.”