Poison Pen

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “I can come down on Friday,” Trace offered.

  “I’d love that. We could make it a romantic getaway.”

  “Then you’d better get all of your research out of the way before I get there.”

  Bailey gave him a sexy grin. “I intend to do just that.”

  Trace glanced down at his watch. “I need to get out of here. My first appointment is at nine-thirty.”

  “Do you want to meet for lunch?”

  “Sure.”

  “Text me when you’re able to go,” Bailey said. “I know today is one of your busiest days.”

  “Let’s plan to meet at the Mexican restaurant on the corner,” Trace suggested. “Say one o’clock?”

  “I’ll see you then, sweetie.”

  He kissed her. “Have a productive day.”

  “Always,” Bailey murmured.

  She walked straight to her office and spent the rest of the morning searching for information on Randy Spook. Bailey jotted down what she thought might be relevant in her quest. If I can prove what I believe—I’ve got you, Harini.

  Bailey checked into her hotel shortly after four on Thursday. The six-hour drive to Georgia was tiring. She unpacked, then settled down to relax and read over her notes. She knew that Randy grew up in River Oak, a small town outside of Atlanta.

  Bailey went online to try and locate a copy of his obituary.

  She nearly jumped for joy when she found it.

  Randy leaves behind a sister Harriet. Another sister, Regina preceded him in death…

  There wasn’t much to it, but she now knew he had another sibling. She knew he and Regina were twins because he’d mentioned it in his dedication to her. However, there was another sister, although she could have passed on as well. “Harriet Spook… I hope I can locate you and that you’ll be willing to tell me about your brother.”

  Bailey had not been able to find out any real information on the woman. No doubt she was probably married now with a family of her own. Hopefully, she was still in River Oak. If not, Bailey was sure she’d be able to find someone who knew the family.

  She did another search to see if she could determine if Harini ever lived in Georgia.

  There was no doubt in her mind that a connection existed between her and Randy. It was a puzzle Bailey was determined to put together.

  She placed a quick call to Kaile.

  “Hey, I have a question for you. Do you know if Harini ever lived in Georgia?”

  “I don’t think so. When we first met, I thought I detected an accent, but when I asked her about it—she kind of brushed it off. She told me she grew up in Maryland.”

  Bailey felt a thread of disappointment snake down her spine. “Oh…”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “I agree with your theory that there’s a connection between Randy and Harini. When I was reading his books—I felt like I was reading one of her early books. Do you think that’s why she’s the way she is—maybe he did that to her.”

  “I’m not really buying that, Bailey. The voice and style of their books are eerily very similar. Every author has a unique voice. You may echo another writer, but there’s still something authentic in your style of writing,” Kaile stated. “I believe Harini used Randy’s work as a guide for her first two books. I know it doesn’t really make sense...”

  “No, I get what you’re saying. It’s like taking a song by an artist and singing it the exact same way—not making it your own or adding your own unique spin on it.” Bailey tapped her pen lightly on the desk as she talked. “If that’s what she did, then why not keep it up? It was working for her.”

  “That’s what I’m not understanding either,” Kaile said. “The rest of her books are nothing like those first two books of hers. I figured she was trying something new, but when her sales went down, I thought she’d go back to the way she wrote her first two books, especially since she’s obsessed with being on bestseller lists and winning awards.”

  “I don’t have any answers for you, Kaile. Not right now, but hopefully, I’ll have some soon. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”

  Chapter 24

  Bailey eyed the photographs she’d just received.

  Trace had flown down to Atlanta where she picked him up as planned. They spent a romantic weekend in Georgia, driving back home yesterday.

  Shaken, she stared at the pictures once more, then tried to reach Trace on his cell, but the call went to voicemail.

  Bailey called the office. “Hey, can I speak with my husband, Gina?”

  “He’s in a session. I’ll have him call you when he’s done.”

  “You know… don’t worry about it. I’ll just see him when he comes home.”

  Her next call was to Lanelle. “Can you meet me for lunch?”

  “Sure.”

  Bailey vowed not to react until she talked to both her husband and her friend. The photographs were not recent, but an explanation necessary.

  Lanelle arrived a few minutes after twelve. She took one look at Bailey’s face and asked,

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Something’s bothering me,” she responded. “I’m sitting here trying to figure out why you never mentioned that you and my husband were once involved or better yet... why you never once revealed that you knew who he was.”

  Lanelle looked shocked. “It was a long time ago, Bailey.”

  “So why keep it a secret?”

  “Did he tell you?”

  “No, he didn’t.”

  “Bailey, I really didn’t know you were married to Trace when we met. I found out the first time you invited me over.”

  “But when you realized it—why didn’t you say something?”

  “You and I were becoming friends and I didn’t want to lose that. I didn’t think it would matter.”

  It bothered Bailey more that her husband never once mentioned that he had ever met Lanelle. It was a sore reminder of how Colton had betrayed her with Harini.

  “He’s the guy you were in love with, right?”

  “Yeah,” Lanelle answered, “It was a long time ago, Bailey.”

  “That’s why I don’t get all the secrecy,” she stated. “Harini was able to find these photos of the two of you.” She spread them on the table. “You look pretty cozy and very happy together.”

  Lanelle muttered a string of profanity.

  “Trust is very important to me.”

  “Bailey, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want it to be awkward whenever I’m around you and Trace.”

  “You should’ve told me.”

  “I disagree,” Lanelle stated. “Your husband should have told you about our history.”

  “He should have,” Bailey agreed. “And I’ll deal with him about it. I’m curious. Have you talked to him recently?”

  “Only once. I called him to see if he was going to say anything to you. I told him that I really liked you and I didn’t want our history to ruin the friendship I was building with you.”

  Arms folded across her chest, Bailey eyed Lanelle. “So basically, you convinced my husband that it was a good idea to keep a secret from me.”

  “You know Trace… he has a mind of his own. He would’ve told you if he thought it was best, regardless of how I felt about it.”

  “I’m very disappointed, Lanelle.”

  “Bailey, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

  She could read the sincerity in Lanelle’s eyes, but Bailey didn’t like secrets. “Maybe not, but I still feel betrayed.”

  “And if you’d known… would we be friends right now?”

  “I don’t know,” Bailey responded. “The point is I wasn’t given the choice to decide on my own.”

  “You know who’s behind this?”

  “I do,” Bailey said. “This reeks of Harini.”

  She heard the front door open and close.

  “Good,” Bailey uttered. “Trace is home. The three of us can finish this conversation.”

 
; “Hey sweetheart…” his voice died at the sight of Lanelle. “I didn’t know you had company.”

  “I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to hear from you why your past relationship with Lanelle was such a big secret.” Bailey pointed to the photographs on the table. “You can thank Harini for exposing the truth.”

  “We weren’t trying the deceive you in any way. I knew you were building a friendship with her—I didn’t think it was a big deal. We broke up almost 15 years ago. It’s ancient history.”

  “Somehow Harini found old pictures of you two and sent them to me to cause problems in our marriage. I need to know if there is anything else I should know? Any secret babies out there?”

  “I honestly thought that a past relationship just wasn’t worth mentioning,” Trace told her.

  “Would you still feel this way if I’d done this to you?” Bailey asked. “What if you were building a friendship with Colton? Wouldn’t you want to know whether I ever dated him?”

  “I guess if it was a relationship that truly meant something to you,” Trace responded. “Do you want to know about all the women I’ve dated?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Lanelle and I discussed telling you, but she really liked you and she didn’t want our history to be an issue. She wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

  “I think I should leave and let you two talk,” Lanelle interjected. “Bailey, I’m really sorry.”

  When they were alone, Trace said, “Sweetheart, I’m sorry for not being upfront about my relationship with Lanelle. In hindsight, I can understand why you’re upset.”

  “Trace, the only reason why I haven’t gone ballistic is because I trust you. I’m angry with you and Lanelle for keeping this from me, but I do understand that your intentions were good. But you know how Harini’s going to make this look, don’t you?” Bailey asked. “She’s going to take this and run with it. Our personal life is going to be plastered all over social media.”

  “You know the truth, Bailey. That was a long time ago, and the truth is that she doesn’t know that you’re just finding out about my past.”

  “I am so tired of this woman.”

  “Don’t let her get to you. She’s not worth it.”

  “I know… I’m just sick of her going around here and ruining lives. At some point, Harini needs to pay for her sins.”

  “She will face the consequences of her actions.”

  “Yeah, you keep saying that, but all I see is Harini being blessed with a new movie deal and more awards. Meanwhile authors out there are devastated and feel violated because of her.”

  “But she’s alone,” Trace pointed out. “That’s all she has, Bailey.”

  “Oh, what do we have here,” Harini murmured when she saw the email from Bailey. “Pip, you have to hear this.” She read the letter aloud.

  Harini:

  I know you are behind the photographs I received. I’m sure this was an attempt to cause problems in my marriage and my friendship with Lanelle. I am writing to let you know that despite your best efforts—you failed because I already knew about their history.

  My marriage is stronger than ever, and Lanelle and I are great friends. Your attempt to wound me by sending old pictures of a time long past in my husband’s life FAILED.

  I take solace in knowing that one day you will reap the consequences of your actions against others. You will pay for all you’ve done. I only hope that I will be around to witness your downfall. God has given you a real gift in your writing—yet, you choose to abuse your talent.

  I am warning you that if you persist in these attempts to wreak havoc in my life, I will have no choice but to go public with everything you have done to me. I will put you on “trial” publicly in the same manner as you have done with others. Your reputation is already stained.

  People are whispering behind your back. They are warning others to stay away from you. I’m sure you’ve noticed that your friendships are dwindling away—writers are no longer looking to be mentored by you. You will always have a few faithful stragglers, but for most—a plague is more preferable than being around you.

  Leave me alone. Do not contact me or send me anything. I am not afraid of you and have no problem digging through the skeletons in your closet. You have been warned.

  Bailey

  “The little cat has claws after all,” Harini said with a chuckle.

  “I told you she wasn’t one to mess with.”

  “I’m not afraid of Bailey. There’s nothing she can do to me.” She burst into laughter. “Skeletons in my closet. Oh, she wishes…”

  “You’re sure you don’t want me to go back with you to Georgia?”

  Bailey shook her head. “You’d probably be bored. River Oak is really small and there’s no Starbucks. I’m only going to be gone for a couple of days, Trace. I’ll be back home before you get a chance to miss me.”

  “What are you hoping to find this time?”

  “I don’t know. I did get the name of a lady who used to work for the Spook family. I’m going to hear what she has to say and hopefully she can lead me to his sister.”

  “You really think this guy and Harini somehow knew each other?”

  “I do. They had to cross paths at some point before he died.”

  “Maybe they didn’t,” Trace suggested. “Harini may have just come across Randy’s books. She didn’t need to meet him to copy his style of writing.”

  “I thought about that,” Bailey responded. “But I can’t explain it. I just feel that this goes deeper than anyone knows. Harini is very secretive when it comes to her life. Think about it—she brags about everything but is mum when it comes to her childhood… her past in general. The only thing I know about her is that she has a brother. That’s it.”

  “You really didn’t know her very long. Maybe it takes her a little longer to open up to people.”

  “She’s hiding something, Trace. I trust my instincts.”

  Chapter 25

  “Great morning to you,” an old woman greeted when she opened the door to Bailey. “My daughter called and told me to expect you ‘round this time.”

  “Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Bennett.”

  “Folks ‘round here call me Miss Clara Mae. I can’t imagine why a famous author would come all the way to Georgia to talk to me.”

  “I wanted to speak to someone who knew Randy and his family. I heard that you worked for them.”

  “For a few years, but when I couldn’t take no more of Charlotte Spook’s attitude—I left. That woman vexed me more than a lil’ bit.”

  “What can you tell me about them?” Bailey asked.

  “When the Spook family came to town, we was all excited about having a black doctor, but he was so rude and stuck-up…” Clara Mae shook her head sadly. “They walked around town like they was stepping in high cotton while the rest of us was walking in dirt.” Fanning herself, she continued. “Oh, they thought they was better than the rest of us. They had the biggest house on the largest acre of land… Dr. Spook was somethin’ else, but his wife, she was even worse.”

  Bailey was enthralled as she listened.

  “Charlotte kinda calmed down some after she had to go to Atlanta for a spell. I heard she had some sort of breakdown. Don’t know for sho’ but that’s what people was saying. But when Randy got published… Lawd… you couldn’t tell his mama nothin.’ She pranced around town like a proud peacock in mating season.”

  “He was only twenty at the time,” Bailey said. “I imagine she was very proud of him.”

  “We were all proud of Randy,” Clara Mae responded. “It was nice to see something good happen for him. He spent a lot of time in the hospital.”

  “He was sickly?”

  Clara Mae gave a slight nod. “They found out Randy had a bad heart when he was in high school. That’s what killed him.”

  “I had no idea,” Bailey said. “His sister Harriet—what can you tell me about her?”

  “To the best of my kno
wledge,” Clara Mae said, “Harriet’s life was pretty much unremarkable which I’m sure disappointed her high falootin’ parents.”

  “Is she still in the area?”

  Clara Mae shook her head. “She left town after Randy died. I guess Harriet just couldn’t bear to live in that house after what happened. No one had heard from her until she called my daughter a couple of weeks ago, and said she wanted to sell the house. Sharon told her that the place needed to be updated and it was in bad need of repair. Harriet instructed her to sell it as is.”

  “What happened to Randy’s parents?”

  “Dr. Spook and his wife died in a car accident about a year after he passed away. Come to think of it—that was the only time Harriet came back to River Oak. She came down to bury her parents and close up the house.”

  “Why do you think Harriet wants to sell now?”

  Clara Mae shook her head. “No idea. Guess she just wants to move on with her life. I thought it was mighty strange that she had an attorney handle everything for her. She only talked to my daughter that one time and told her to go through her lawyer for everything else.”

  “Were they close?” Bailey asked. “Harriet and Randy.”

  “I’d say so. Randy wasn’t one for a lot of attention, but Harriet… she loved it. I used to watch the poor thing doing everything she could to get her parent’s attention. Randy was their favorite and they didn’t hide it. They showered the boy with love. Harriet… they ignored. One thing I remember about Harriet—she always had a book in her hand. That girl loved to read. If I had to pick, I woulda said she’d be the writer in the family.”

  “His twin Regina…”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know nothing about her. Heard she died when they was babies. They was still living up north then.”

  “Do you know where they’re from? I had assumed that they lived in River Oak all of their lives.”

  “I think it was some place in Maryland.”

  Bailey glanced down at her notes. “I haven’t been able to find any current pictures of her.” Bailey said. “What did she look like?”