Betrayed by Love

by Hogan, Hailey

  “Good thinking,” Morrison said.

  While they were waiting on Mo to return, Eva met Jackie’s parents. They were informed of the importance of not letting on that Eva 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.

  Garth 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 Eva.

  “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 Eva’s heart. She squeezed Garth’s hand a little bit tighter.

  Garth said, “I’m going to do everything within my power to find out who did this to your daughter.”

  Eva and Garth left and went back into the other room to give Jackie’s family privacy. Garth remained with Eva as they waited on Mo to return. Mo came back with looked like an overnight bag. “Are you ready to be transformed?” Mo asked Eva.

  “Work your magic,” Eva responded.

  Eva sat in the chair as Garth laid down in the bed and watched television. Mo said, “Garth 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 Eva’s complexion several shades darker. Mo pulled out a blond wig. He said, “I don’t have time to do anything to your hair, so we'll hide your black hair under this wig.”

  Eva 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.”

  Eva 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, “Garth what do you think?”

  Mo, used his hands, and guided Eva to turn around to face Garth.

  Once Mo was through, Garth could barely recognize Eva. “Mo. I have to say you’re good. In fact, if you ever need a side job, GT Securities could use your services.”

  Mo placed his hand over his heart. “I would love to moonlight for you. Eva’s he’s a keeper.”

  Eva looked at Garth and her eyes were beaming. “That he is.”

  Garth said, “What should I call you?”

  Eva switched her head from side to side as they wig bounced. “Hmm. Call me Mimi.”

  "Well come on Mimi or whatever you want to be called.” Garth opened the hospital door and whispered something in the police guard’s ear. The guard pointed down the hall.

  Mo went in one direction. Eva and Garth went in another. “We’re going to use the exit we came in, but your disguise will work just in case someone’s discovered it.”

  “Paparazzi are everywhere.”

  An hour later, Eva was pulling off the wig. “Home sweet home,” she said, as she threw the wig on her bed and then flopped on it.

  Garth laid down next to her. “Ms. Ward if you really had eaten that candy and was laid up in the hospital, I don’t know what I would do.”

  “You really do care.”

  “I thought you knew that by now. I’ve practically dropped everything else and been by your side since Brenda left.”

  Eva planted kisses all over Garth’s face. “I know.” Eva felt Garth’s pocket vibrate. She continued to kiss on him as he talked.

  “Trevor was calling to check on you.”

  “I still don’t trust him.”

  “Until I can prove he’s not guilty, I chose not to let him know that it was only an act. That you are perfectly fine.”

  Eva responded, “Good, because I am still convinced Trevor is not as innocent in all of this as he claims.”

  ~ 40 ~

  Garth and Eva stayed up until midnight talking and now it was nearly noon the next day. Production had been shut down until further notice. Garth’s cell phone rang. “Caroline, are you sure no one else can handle this. I really don’t want to leave Eva by herself.”

  Caroline responded from the other end of the phone. “I’ve tried reaching Trevor but he’s nowhere to be found.”

  “See if you can get it rescheduled.”

  “I tried that but they insisted either you or Trevor meet with them today.”

  Garth felt torn. He didn’t want to leave Eva by herself but the contract he had with the state to be on governor detail when he was in the city was also important. If it was any other one of his clients, he would let the chips fall where they may, but this was the governor, so he had no choice but to follow up since Trevor couldn’t be located. He said, “Tell them I’ll be there. In the meantime, keep trying to track down Trevor.”

  Garth called Morrison to ensure that someone would be watching Eva’s place in his absence. “I really don’t want to leave you,” he said.

  Eva responded, “You said Morrison will have someone outside so go. I’ll be alright.”

  “If there wasn’t a security breach concerning the governor’s visit, I wouldn’t be leaving you, you know that right.”

  Eva kissed him. “I know. Now go handle your business. See there’s LA’s finest there.” Eva pointed towards the gate where a patrol car sat parked.

  Even with Eva’s blessings, Garth didn’t want to leave Eva. Eva watched Garth pull out the driveway. Eva wasn’t scared because Garth made arrangements before he left with Morrison. An officer was scheduled to watch her place at all times.

  Several people had been calling and leaving messages to show their concern with her health. The papers were filled with news of her poisoning. Eva logged on to some of the gossip blogs and had to laugh at some of them because they had practically killed her off. One caption read – DERANGED FAN OFFS TALK SHOW HOST. This time she was part of the misinformation. Until it was confirmed that Cheryl or Trevor was behind the threats, Eva would grin and bear it.

  Eva saw that her publicist had left a message on her fan page for her fans. She hated to lie to her fans. She hoped the fall out wouldn’t be too great after the truth came out. She mentally prepared her speech she would have to give.

  Parris had called several times so Eva took the time to call her back. “I just wanted you to know that I’m fine.”

  “Girl, you had us so worried about you. What happened?”

  “Well don’t tell anyone else but Casper, but I really didn’t get poisoned. It was Jackie. My assistant.”

  “But I saw Mo, your hairdresser,” Parris interrupted.

  “Girl, I told Mo to do that. See the police are trying to bring the stalker out in the open.”

  “I thought Trevor’s crazy fiancé was behind it.”

  “I did too but Parris to be honest, Trevor doesn’t look too innocent in all of this. He could well be behind it too.”

  “Trevor, no, I don’t think so.”

  “Think about it. We’ve both been in a movie or two. It’s usually the person you least expect and the closest to you doing crazy stuff to a person.”

  Parris said, “You do have a point.”

  “Parris, that’s my other line, let me call you back.” Eva clicked over to the other line.

  “You’re going to die,” a sinister voice said from the other end of the phone.

  Eva dropped her phone. She looked out the window and didn’t see anyone. She called the police officer on his cell phone to make sure he was still in position. He answered within two rings. “Do you need me to come to the house?” he asked.

  “No, I was just making sure someone was still out there watching,” she responded.

  Eva sent Garth a text message. He responded that he was in the meeting with his client. She
asked him of Trevor’s whereabouts. He responded that he hadn’t been in contact with him. That didn’t make Eva feel secure.

  The intercom sounded alerting her to a visitor at the gate. She saw that it was Trevor. “How did he get past the cop?” she asked.

  She dialed the cop’s cell phone number. “Why did you let him through?” she asked.

  “He works for GT Securities. He’s clear,” he responded.

  Eva was pissed. “I don’t care. Nobody was supposed to get through those gates,” she yelled.

  “He’s been out watching for me. I had another emergency call. Since GT works for you, I thought it was okay.”

  “Only Garth can authorize that.”

  “I’ll have another car come. I’m stuck at this accident now.”

  “Please do and hurry or some heads are going to roll!” Eva said.

  Eva looked around the room to see what she could use to protect herself just in case Trevor was on his way over to do some harm. Trevor used the security code to enter. She was waiting for him at the end of the stairway. “Don’t come any closer,” she said.

  “Eva what’s wrong with you? Caroline told me you were at home so I came to check on you because I knew Garth had that meeting.”

  “A meeting you could have taken if you would have made yourself available. You mysteriously disappeared.”

  “I can explain,” he said.

  “No need to explain to me. I think we both know that I’m on to you.” Eva attempted to stay calm, but her hands were sweaty and she didn’t know what she would do if Trevor tried to attack her.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t play dumb with me. I want you to know the police is coming back so if you harm me in any way, they’ll get you.”

  “Eva you got it twisted. Calm down baby.” Trevor reached out to her.

  Eva jumped back and said, “I’m not your baby. In fact, why don’t you just leave. I’m safer here by myself.”

  “Eva,” Trevor said, refusing to retreat.

  “Leave Tre or I swear,” Eva said, as she held out the bat, “I will come at you with this bat and hit you like you stole something.”

  “You have it all wrong. I’m here to help you, not hurt you. You’ve been watching too many movies.”

  “Get out!” Eva yelled.

  Trevor left but not without trying to plead his case. He kept saying Eva had it all twisted, but she didn’t think so. She watched him pull out of the driveway and the gate closed shut. “Where are the police?” she shouted. She dialed Garth’s number and got voice mail. She left a few obscenities before slamming down the phone.

  Her phone rang. She thought it was Garth calling her back so she answered without looking at the caller ID. A familiar voice was on the other end. “This is Caroline. Garth’s secretary.”

  Eva said, “Yes, I know you.”

  Caroline said, “I just wanted to drop off some stuff for Garth. He said he would be stopping by there after he got out of his meeting.”

  “Sure Caroline. How long will you be?”

  “I’m actually right outside your gate. I didn’t want to scare you with all that’s been going on so I wanted to call you first.”

  Eva walked up to the monitor and saw Caroline sitting in a car outside the gate. “I’m letting you in now.” She punched a button to give Caroline access.

  Eva unlocked the front door and waited for Caroline to come up the driveway. Caroline got out of her car and retrieved a box from her trunk. Eva watched her walk in carrying a box of what she assumed was some of Garth’s stuff.

  “Come, you can sit it in here.” Eva walked towards her home office. She noticed Caroline looking around admiring her décor. Eva couldn’t help but smile since she decorated herself.

  Caroline placed the box down and said, “This is a pretty home you have here.”

  “Thanks. Would you like to see the whole house?” Eva asked.

  “Sure.” Caroline sounded excited.

  Eva took her on a quick tour. “This is my favorite spot,” Eva said, pointing at the chaise sitting by the window that was connected to the balcony on the second floor.

  Caroline went to the window to admire the view. It looked out over the pool and beautiful floral landscaping. “I can see why,” Caroline said.

  “Let me show you my other favorite spot,” Eva said.

  Once they were out of her room, Eva closed the door and walked around Caroline and headed downstairs. “This is my second favorite spot,” she went into the kitchen.

  “I wished my kitchen was half as big,” Caroline said, as she admired the stainless steel cabinets.

  “I’ve been blessed with a beautiful house; although lately, I’ve been feeling like a prisoner in my own home with everything that’s been going on.”

  Eva led her out of the kitchen to other areas of the house.

  “How do you deal with it?” Caroline asked, as they now stood in the living room.

  Eva wasn’t sure where she was going with the question. “What do you mean?”

  “Being a star and having to deal with crazy fans.”

  “Normally, it doesn’t bother me, but this person here has taken things to the extreme.”

  “That’s what they tell me.” Caroline picked up one of the magazines on the table. “This is a beautiful cover.”

  “Thank you. I took that one about five years ago. I was in Milan.”

  Eva’s cell phone rang. She saw that it was Trevor and didn’t answer. “Excuse my manners. I didn’t ask you if you wanted anything to drink.”

  “A glass of water would be fine,” Caroline responded.

  Eva said before leaving for the kitchen. “I’m sure Garth will appreciate you bringing this out here.”

  “I knew he had that important meeting so when he told me you were home, I wanted to make things easier for him,” Caroline said. “There was no reason for him to drive all the way to the office when I could drop it off.”

  Eva said, “Trevor told me he talked to you.”

  “Trevor was here?” Caroline asked.

  “Yes. In fact, if you would have come a few minutes earlier, you would have caught him.” Eva was still standing in the doorway entrance to the living room.

  “If I would have known he was coming I could have sent these over with him,” Caroline said.

  “No biggie. It’s good to see you outside of the office.”

  “You don’t have many female friends do you?” Caroline asked.

  Eva wondered why Caroline asked a question like that out of the blue. “I have a few. Wait right here. I’ll be back with your water in a few.”

  Caroline seemed like she didn’t have a problem speaking her mind. Eva could respect that because neither did she. She retrieved two cold bottles of water and headed back to the living room.

  “Did Garth say what time his meeting would be over?” Eva asked, as she held two cold bottles of water. “Caroline,” she said a few times since she wasn’t in the living room where she left her. Eva ducked when she saw Caroline coming towards her through the corner of her eyes. Caroline barely missed hitting her with the poker she had apparently picked up from the living room fireplace. “What the hell?” Eva screamed.

  “You had to go after them both didn’t you?” Caroline screamed. Eva saw the pupil of Caroline’s eyes turn cold black.

  Caroline stepped toward Eva again swinging. Eva was not going to allow Caroline to hit her with the poker. She ran around the couch.

  Caroline tried to trap her but was unable to. “Trevor would have been mine if you would have just left him alone,” Caroline screamed.

  “I don’t want Trevor. You can have him,” Eva said, as she ran around the coffee table and Caroline ran around to the other side.

  “Him and I had something good going but you just wouldn’t leave him alone. He would have asked me to marry him but no, you had to have him, didn’t you?” Caroline said.

  Eva couldn’t believe what she
was hearing. Garth had no clue he had some maniac working for him. All of this time, she had been blaming Cheryl and the guilty party was Garth’s secretary. Eva had to think fast. She couldn’t afford to panic. She stopped moving and Caroline followed suit. “Cheryl was Trevor’s fiancé, not me. So maybe you should be at her place instead of mine,” Eva said.

  Caroline swung the poker back and forth in front of her. “See there you go trying to dictate what I do. I’m not one of these men who seems to think the sun rises and shines with Eva Ward.”

  “All I’m saying Caroline is that Trevor and I don’t have anything going on. That was Cheryl. So go after the right woman.”

  Caroline reached the poker out towards Eva. Eva jumped back accidentally hitting the heel of her foot against the chair. She screamed, “Ouch.”

  “Trevor and Garth are about to end a friendship because of you,” Caroline said.

  One thing Eva knew is that she would not be able to reason with a crazy person. She was backed up in the corner of the room. Caroline came at her with full force. They wrestled until Eva was able to get it loose. It ended up flying across the room cracking her glass table. “Look. We can talk about this. What ever you think is going on isn’t?”

  Caroline brushed herself off and then pulled out a gun. She shot in Eva’s direction but the bullet bypassed her and hit one of her expensive vase. Pieces shattered everywhere. “Okay, I see you want to go out the hard way.”

  Eva halted her step. “Caroline, you can get some help. I want press charges.”

  Caroline laughed. “Of course you won’t because you won’t be around to do so.”

  “Garth knows you’re here so please think twice about this.”

  Caroline let the gun hang to her side and looked directly into Eva’s eyes that were now full of fear. “He has no idea I’m here. He never asked for those papers. I just needed an excuse to see you.”

  “But why?” Eva asked, her legs trembling. She had to get a grip, but she was losing it fast.

  Caroline began picking up the magazines on the table and then throwing them one by one down on the floor. “Because you think it’s all about you. I don’t see what they see in you.”

  Caroline’s hand covered her mouth. “Oops, the little accident the officer outside of your gates had to go to—well let’s just say I cut a few people off and caused it.”