An Ivy League's Poison

By KIMBERLY GIFFORD

Adultery, stalking, manslaughter, and murder seem to have one thing in common as far as Desiree Stone has come to realize: a poison called jealousy.

Seeking to leave a life of repetition and a past of pain behind, Desiree steps into a world of what at first seems to be a fairy tale come true: a whirlwind romance with Pierce Thomas Barrington Jr., a hot young English actor, as well as the sudden popularity and rocket sales of her first thriller. But before she can revel in her newfound happiness and success, Desiree realizes things arent always as they seem. After a painful breakup with her fianc, Colton, she begins to receive a series of harassing and threatening gifts that tend to arrive at random times no matter where she is, who shes with, or even where she hides.

The deeper into Thomass life Desiree digs, the more of his past is unearthed before her like an excavation gone horribly wrong. As the spotlight on their relationship in the media intensifies, the more threatened she becomes until she finds that everyone around her is a potential enemy, leaving her terrified of where to turn or what sort of gift will show up next. Are these so-called gifts from an overzealous fan of Thomas or from someone in her own past playing mind games that truly wants to get rid of her? What she didnt expect, what no one expected, was who her attacker was as the attacker took his last breath right before her very eyes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483612522

KIMBERLY GIFFORD

Kimberly Gifford is a fifteen-year veteran of cosmetology, leaving the industry in 2009 to pursue her passion in writing that was first sparked by a series of poetry that reflected on her life and the lives of those around her. It was then that she came up with the story line for her series. Kimberly currently resides in Missouri with her husband and three sons. You can follow her on www.twitter.com/kegifford & www.facebook.com/kegifford.

Book preview

Prologue

Dusk is falling over the woods, the path before me growing dark with shadows filtering over the trail like steadily creeping moss. I slow my jog to barely a skip, suddenly wary and a little short of breath. I take a drink of water, hoping to calm and steady my senses, but it seems to make me feel worse by the minute. The edge of my vision catches a movement to my left, but it’s gone before my eyes can regain focus. I trot on slowly, becoming more aware as I go that I am not alone. The wind sweeps through the trees, and I hear a soft call. My name? I stop again, trying to focus on my surroundings, but they’re getting steadily more off kilter.

Stella.

Yes? I call out, my voice shakes, and I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the spring chill. I blink several times, hoping to clear the fogginess that threatens. Instinct kicks in that something is wrong, and I turn to go back the way I came in.

Where do you think you’re going, Stella?

That voice! It sounds almost amused, as if it knows the answer but wants me to explain that I’m suddenly terrified and need to get away. Why is everything so blurry?

Wha-what? I need to go now. I’m not making any sense; this registers as my mind reels. It’s all I can do to keep the path before me in focus, and it’s becoming so hard to breathe. I’m vaguely aware that I’ve dropped my water bottle somewhere nearby, and my legs are like rubber yet somehow manage to lurch me forward.

The silence is almost deafening, save for the soft crunching of earth as I shuffle back up the path. Before I can grasp what has happened, my ponytail is yanked from behind, snapping my head backward as a hand brutally clamps over my mouth. In full panic, I claw at my attacker, digging my nails into whatever I can grab. I’m forced to look up into terrifying blackness; there are no features staring down at me.

I think you need a little more to drink. The voice is muffled as I’m hauled to the ground by my hair, my arms pinned beneath heavy knees. The hand won’t relent from my mouth or nose, ceasing all of my air. I’m aspirating fear and mocked with laughter, a low, drawn-out chuckle of prey. How does it taste, Stella? How does deceit taste, you bitch?

My jaw is clenched tight as it’s forced open, water pouring over my face and down my throat at the exact moment I gasp for air. Retching and terrified, I manage to bring my knee up enough to plow into the attacker’s side, gaining a split second I need to pull my arms free and shove them away.

My chest is constricted with fear, and my limbs are hardly functioning. I manage to struggle a short distance off the trail toward the dark shelter of trees, silently begging just to make it a few more feet to mock safety. My vision is phasing out, and I’m sobbing, breathing so labored I fear my heart is going to burst.

Stella. I can feel the twisted smile behind the sound of my name. I haul myself forward, digging into the ground with fingers that want to snap, pulling myself away from inevitable death. A heavy thud lands squarely into my back, knocking me flat and sprawled as an unnatural amount of weight presses against me. My air is again cut off, and I can feel the biting and cutting as hundreds of prickly teeth gnash into my throat.

Oh god, this is happening.

I’m panicked and fighting pathetically, random gurgles are forced through my constricted airway as the ligature is yanked upward, and I’m dragged to my knees. Robbed by tunnel vision, I can only make out a distorted silhouette as I’m spun around and we are face-to-face. I stare into cold, uncaring features that I had once trusted, shocked realization plowing through me as I try to understand what I have done to deserve this. I desperately reach out to touch, hoping that in my ebbing vision, I’m not really seeing what is before me. I pray that this is a nightmare. A very painful, horrific nightmare.

Got you, didn’t I. Our lips are a hairsbreadth apart. I can feel the excitement in the tone that sends my senses into overload as memories flash before me. I’m abruptly dragged to my feet and hauled several steps into the grass nearby. My body has failed by now, and the random seconds I’m able to gasp for air are not enough to sustain me. I have no fight left as I lay broken and staring straight into those detached eyes that were once so familiar. I accept that this is the end, and I’m going to die. My jaw is vehemently forced open as the poison ivy vines are removed from my throat and savagely crammed into my mouth as far down as they will go.

The darkness has become so that I can no longer focus at all, my eyes giving up and closing. The only things left of my senses are the dying ebb of my heartbeat and the echoing laughter from a growing distance. And then all is black.

Chapter One

Are you going to be done sometime this century? Hello? Earth to Desiree! Ruby clucked impatiently, clearly annoyed.

I chose to ignore her as I studied myself in the full-length mirror for what seemed like an eternity. Did I really look that out of it? At least I have some color on my skin from lying out in the sun all afternoon, so I don’t look a complete zombie. I finished my makeup and leaned back to reexamine myself. My warm almond-shaped brown eyes stare critically back at me, and if one were to look close enough, they could see the slightest hint of green flecked throughout. My hair has always been the one thing I have maintained and took pride in. I love how the sun shows off the rich red undertones that flicker in little slivers within the deep brown. Not very many people can say they have stayed true to their natural self with living in a world that constantly promotes the changing of image.

All right, I’m ready now. Hey, these pants don’t make my ass look big, do they?

You’re kidding, right? Yeah, your ass looks like a rhino’s butt, now let’s go!

Gee, thanks. Ruby is ever so helpful and fully deserving of my flipping her off.

Oh c’mon, you know you look good! And besides, all the boys out here love a big butt. She laughed and swayed a booty catwalk across her bedroom, swinging her hips wider than entirely necessary.

I chuckled. I suppose she’s right. I don’t look half bad in my sharp grey-and-pink pinstripe dress pants, high waisted with a big black belt accenting. A bell-capped black V-neck top made the perfect complement along with my black snakeskin heels. Not too bad at all, I mused.

Oh my god, are you done admiring yourself already, princess? I mean seriously, these aren’t high-profile bars we’re going to, you know, jeans would have been fine.

Thanks, but I know I’ll be more comfortable in these billowy pants. I needed to choose my words carefully. Saying that I prefer to look classy may come out wrong, and besides, Ruby said there were some local snobs who were regulars at the Fire & Ice bar. If I needed to level with any of the resident smart-asses, I have a few dirty tricks up my sleeve.

All right, let’s go. You’re driving, right? There’s no way I’ll be able to find my way back here.

Duh, I’m driving! You would get our asses lost, GPS or no GPS. Ruby snickered.

I noticed her neighbor watching us from the front window as we backed out of the driveway. What the hell?

Yeah, she’s nosy. I just ignore her old ass. Ruby answered my thoughts when she too noticed her neighbor staring.

Ah, fun for you, I guess.

Ruby sighed. Not really, I can practically hear the old coot use the bathroom. The walls are so thin in this duplex. It drives me mad.

My pants pocket buzzed, and I immediately realized that I didn’t call Colton back after we left the beach. Shit! Here’s to betting he’s wondering why I had forgotten.

Hey, Rube, turn the music off for a minute, will you? I waited three rings before answering, hoping he wouldn’t detect the reluctance in my voice.

Hey, baby, what’cha doing? Colton sounded a little tipsy, of course.

Oh, not much. Just got back from the beach a while ago and now heading to Ruby’s for some dinner and a movie. Or two, who knows? Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her wide-eyed shock at my blatant lie.

Oh okay, that sounds fun. Did you have a good day at the beach? How’s the family?

Everyone’s fine, it was nice to see them again and get to relax. It’s been years since I have actually been to a real beach.

That’s good, so will you be around later? I’m catching up with some of the guys from work, we’re out for drinks, but I can call you later on.

Um, sure. I don’t know how late it will be, but you can send me a message to see what I’m up to. I had my fingers crossed that he wouldn’t because if he knew my plans, he would go nuts.

Okay, I’ll talk to you later. I lov…

Bye, I quickly cut him off, ending the call. I could feel Ruby staring at me from across the seat with a million heated questions brewing.

So why did you lie to him? she demanded.

Rube, if you knew how this conversation would have gone if he found out we were going to a bar, he would have completely flipped out on me. Not to mention my damn phone would be ringing every fifteen minutes! I must have been intensely convincing. Ruby backed off as though she felt sorry for me.

Are you serious?

Very.

But why?

Because I haven’t always been the kind of person that knows how to behave when drinking, not that I intend on getting drunk tonight either. I’ve stayed sober in public for the past two years, and only at home do I allow the occasional bender.

You can cut loose tonight though. She attempted a smile. If you start hitting on the locals, I’ll reel your ass in and make sure no one talks to you. She was joking, of course, but it really bothers me that he always makes me feel like a child even when he’s not around. I couldn’t fault him, of course; things have happened in the past as a result of being reckless. All I could muster at this point was a weak smile as she pulled into the parking lot. I desperately wanted the subject to drop.

The stained glass sign that read Hanafin’s had quite a charm to it. According to Ruby, the owners are straight from the heart of Dublin, Ireland, and the building was true to its culture in every way. Deep wooden oak floors and tables lined the warm honey-stained walls, pairing nicely and complementing each other with the decor. The central bar had shelves crammed full of various beer and every kind of liquor you could possibly want. Which is perfect, I need a few drinks to get my wits about me as it is.

Thankfully, our meal was short lived as it was beginning to quickly pack with patrons by the minute, and Ruby’s friends were messaging that they were already heading to Fire & Ice over in Waterford near where Ruby lived. It was apparently a dance club, and knowing how much Ruby and her friends loved to dance, I was bound to have my butt glued to my seat for most of the evening.

Um, what the hell is going on? Ruby gawked as she pulled onto the street toward Fire & Ice. According to her, it seemed unusually busy for a weeknight.

Heavy security was detailed outside the front doors, and the local media stood around puffing cigarettes and chattering away on cell phones. This could only mean one thing: there was a celebrity in our midst. Who on earth famous enough would be in this part of town? Well, obviously one who would want to avoid the spotlight considering this location.

I guess you haven’t heard what’s going on, have you? I asked.

No, I haven’t, and neither has Caroline. She just texted me from inside and said a section of the bar has been closed off to a small group, but no one is saying who it is. Ruby seemed agitated.

That’s exciting though, isn’t it? Maybe someone famous is in there! I faked a scream, fanning myself heavily with both hands. I really don’t get the point of screaming at someone just because they’re famous; the lack of manners in that is appalling to me.

Wow, your acting sucks. Besides, this would be a first for sure because no one famous ever comes around here. Hopefully, it’s some hunky beefcake with big muscles! Oh god, here we go again with Ruby and her obsession with muscles. I involuntarily rolled my eyes.

Once inside, we joined Ruby’s friends, Caroline and Sarah. No one had any idea who the mystery guest was, which was disappointing, but I can see that eyes were still searching the faces among the crowd. After getting acquainted, we ordered drinks, and I mostly stayed quiet and listened as they chatted away about the day’s events at work and their boyfriends. I noticed my cell phone had a few texts that I missed from Colton, the most recent one sounding a bit testy. I replied that things were fine but became more suspicious with his replies and poor grammar that he was already smashed. What a hypocrite.

Hey, Desiree, we’re heading out onto the dance floor, you coming? Ruby was trying to peel me away from my seat.

Ugh, no thanks, I’m not drunk enough for dancing. Besides, I was about to get another dirty martini. Go ahead, I’ll be fine.

You sure?

I shooed her away. Yes! Go. I watched in amusement as the three of them boogied onto the dance floor, chatting and dancing with people in a group they knew.

Can I get another dirty martini, four olives, please? I asked, leaning against the bar. The barista nodded as she grabbed ingredients and a shaker.

Thanks, can you just put it on my tab? I’m at table 9. My cell vibrated; another sloppy message from Colton. Rubbing my temples was about the only thing that was keeping me from losing my marbles.

Compliments from the gentleman across the bar, the barista said as she sat my glass in front of me, a huge smile on her face. Something about the way she spoke made me immediately suspicious.

I’m sorry, what? Who the hell would buy me a drink?

Slightly nodding over her shoulder, her eyes led me to where my admirer was standing at the other end of the bar. I couldn’t tell in the dim light if this was a joke or a sincere offering, although he grinned rather sheepishly at me while his buddies gave each other elbow jabs. Hmm. He’s extremely attractive and charismatic looking, perhaps younger than me but mature. Handsome in every way yet strangely familiar, though given the distance, I couldn’t be sure. I managed a gracious smile in return and requested the barista to relay my thank-you by ordering him a drink of his own; on my tab, of course. She looked smug as she chuckled; the way she acted gave me the impression I was missing out on some inside joke.

I spotted Ruby pushing her way through the crowd heading back to our table as I turned back to my admirer. His buddies howled with laughter when the bartender conveyed my returned thanks with a drink. Given that, he held up his glass in salute. I smiled back shyly, reciprocated our silent toast in the air. This was definitely a first for me.

Hey, are you doing okay? I thought you looked a little bored over here. Who are you talking to? She scanned up and down the bar, looking for someone close enough to me to converse with.

I’m fine, really. Colton keeps bugging me, and some guy at the bar bought me a drink.

Wait, what? Who? Did you talk to him, or are you going to talk to him? What if this guy slipped you a roofie? What’s Colton been saying?

Damn, girl, are we playing twenty questions? No, I don’t know who he is, and I doubt the barista would allow a roofie since she served me right at the bar. And Colton’s still out with the guys. I had started to reply to his text but got sidetracked by Handsome and his buddies down the bar. I took too long to reply, and now Colton’s decided to call me. I tried to cancel the text but hit the wrong button, answering the call by accident. Aw shit!

Excuse me, Rube, I’m going down the hall to talk to Colton. I’ll be right back.

She nodded absently, still scanning the bar for my mystery guy. Probably making sure he isn’t some local douche bag she knows, and that was fine by me.

What the hell is going on? Colton barked as soon as I put my ear to the receiver.

Ruby’s friends invited us to the local grill. I tried to sound impassive.

It sounds like you’re at a club to me. His voice was stern with anger.

Yes, it has a bar and a dance floor, but they call this a grill or cafe or something. Why, what’s the big deal? You’re out drinking with the guys, are you not? I’m trying hard not to lose my cool, especially in public.

Yeah, I’m out with the guys. But unlike you, I know how to behave. Okay, he’s going to get bitter with me about this.

I practically yelled at him instead of pacifying the situation. Not always, you didn’t. Look, I’m out with the girls, I’ve had one drink, and I don’t plan on making a fool out of myself, thank you very much. Besides, you’re such a hypocrite! I couldn’t help balling my fist and punching the wall.

That’s the thing, Desiree, you never do plan on it, and I’ve already paid for my mistakes. Remember? I guess this is another way of getting back at me, is that it?

You know what, Colton? Piss off, I’ll talk to you later. I hung up and shut off my cell phone. How infuriating that he would still bring up the past after all this time! I needed to pull myself together, but I was seething with fury and hatred for the man. I spun around so quickly, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and smacked right into a broad chest.

Oh, excuse me, I’m so sorry. My anger dissipated as soon as I locked eyes with one of the most gorgeous men I have ever seen. It was the guy from across the bar! Oh god, I hope he’s not a stalker or something worse.

No, pardon me. Are you all right, miss? You seem a bit rattled.

Oh no, I’m quite all right. I mean yes, I am fine. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What the heck is wrong with me?

His lean tall frame towered over me a good eight inches, with a perfect smile of brilliant white teeth. He wore a mild scent of musky cologne and sported a very subtle coarse shadow around his mouth and jaw, one that I wouldn’t be opposed to feeling graze across my skin. His hair was a brown mop in complete disarray but looked entirely sexy on him. When he spoke, I immediately noticed his British accent.

Ah, how I love British men. They can be so alluring. Thick brows accentuated his eyes, deep pools of blue with perhaps a touch of green to them, a topaz color. He is simply stunning to look at, breathless perfection in every way, dressed in deep blue denim trousers and a white dress shirt slightly opened at the collar, a few buttons undone. He looked like he might be a model, but something was nagging at me. Where have I seen this face before? My mind raced so fast that I couldn’t even think straight.

Hi, I’m Thomas Barrie.

Shaking his hand, I couldn’t help but choke on my own name. Nice to meet you, I’m Desiree Stone. Thanks for the martini, you really didn’t have to do that. I tried not to give away the quivering in my voice.

Nice to meet you, Desiree. You’re most welcome, and thank you for drink as well. I must say that it was quite a surprise. I have never had a woman buy me a drink before. He seemed amused. You looked a little tense over here, so I thought I would see what the wall did to deserve such a life-threatening punch.

He stared so intently at me, and I was starting to lose my composure. Sorry, I’m a bit stressed out. I’m here on business actually. My cousin is the one at our table over there, with the bobbed blonde hair. I pointed in her direction.

I watched her jaw drop open when she saw me talking to this unbelievably attractive guy in the hallway. Ha! Jealous much? She grabbed her friends and nodded toward me; their mouths fell into the same state of shock as well. What is the big deal? He seemed like a decent guy, unless he was some sort of creep, which would be just my luck.

What kind of business are you here for? If you don’t mind my asking. Thomas turned back to face me. Unless I should let you get back to your group? It looks like they’re missing you.

My cheeks felt hotter by the second. No, it’s fine. Actually I’m a writer. I’m in the beginning process of getting my novel published, so I flew in to meet with my agent.

Really? That’s exciting, what is your novel called? I’ll have to keep my eye out for it so I can tell people I met its beautiful author. His eyes bore into mine as if he were trying to figure out my life’s story. Are all British guys this intense?

"The title is called The Poetic Murders, I said with pride. It’s about a murderer who leaves their mark at the scene of the crime with poetic quotes riddling the sense for the murder."

Hmm, interesting concept. Is this your first book, or have you published others? Thomas questioned as he leaned back against the wall, ever so polite and patient.

No, this is my first novel, though I have written poetry as well in a compilation. I do have a hidden desire though, I blurted. I can’t help but feel awkward as I’m fumbling over my words like an incompetent moron.

And what is your hidden desire, Desiree? God, those eyes and the sexy way he spoke my name!

Well, if this book succeeds, then I would love to write a screenplay based on it. I think the drama can really be intensified on the screen. The way his lips twitch is incredibly distracting.

Brilliant. I wish you lots of luck, Desiree. Ah, I do apologize. I’m going to have to get going. My friend is signaling for me. We must be leaving. Thomas looked toward the bar, rather annoyed.

It’s fine, go ahead. I best get back to my table as well.

Perhaps I’ll see you around before you leave? Is he hopeful? Wow.

I don’t know, probably not. I’m only on this end of town tonight because my cousin lives a few streets over. Oh, how I wished more than ever that I could stay. Or better yet, just move here!

I see. He seemed to be contemplating. Would it be all right if I asked for your number then? His topaz eyes were so warm and inviting it was hard to resist saying no, even though I should have. I have thrown all the rules out the window by opening myself up to a complete stranger, a gorgeous one nonetheless. Boy, am I all kinds of stupid tonight!

Um, sure. I reached for his phone and entered my number into his contact list. As I handed it back, our fingers momentarily touched. The slight skin contact gave me an intense rush.

It was a pleasure to meet you, Desiree. I’ll be in touch. He gave me a slight bow then turned and joined his friends heading out the door.

Numbly, I walked back to my table in a slightly disoriented daze only to be bombarded with questions from Ruby and the girls.

Holy shit! Do you have any idea who you were just talking to? Ruby and Caroline shrieked in unison.

No, why? He told me his name is Thomas. He’s the one that bought my drink at the bar, I explained. Thomas left a warm feeling stirring up inside me, one that shouldn’t be there.

Are you kidding me? He’s the mystery admirer? Ruby nearly fell out of her chair with excitement. I felt completely in the dark. What am I missing?

What did you two talk about? Sarah asked, interrupting.

Yes, do tell us everything. All the details! Caroline demanded.

We exchanged buying each other drinks, and then he saw me punch the wall in the hallway. That’s when he introduced himself to me. I thought it was an amusing introduction.

You bought each other a drink? Ruby looked confused. And why did you punch the wall?

I did, and apparently it worked, right? He came over to talk to me after! By the way, he asked for my number. My face hurt from this plum stupid smile that I was sure would end up permanent. I was still feeling the aftereffects of my and Thomas’s short conversation. He certainly stirred something up inside me, and it was entirely new and exciting.

Look at her blush crimson red! She has no idea who she was just talking to, and she’s still sitting there grinning stupid like a hyena! Sarah clipped, maybe a little jealous. Both Ruby and Caroline agreed, which made me feel out of place, and I’m starting to believe that her friends are quite annoying.

I am not! What’s the big deal? Fabulous, I have become the brunt of the evening’s joke.

What’s the big deal? Ruby, is your cousin a cavewoman? Because she clearly has no clue, Caroline sneered.

Funny. Ah ha ha, I mocked. All right, tell me, who is this Thomas? I suddenly felt completely out of touch with the world. I certainly didn’t expect to meet someone that was capable of making my heart beat faster than a hummingbird’s wings. For all I knew, he could be the most eligible bachelor in all of New England.

Chapter Two

I couldn’t fall asleep no matter what I tried; my brain wouldn’t shut down from replaying the same scenes over and over again. Before we left the bar, I was forced to listen to Ruby, Caroline, and Sarah carry on about this man whom even I didn’t recognize in the flesh after vaguely seeing him in a few magazines. I felt like the biggest recluse in the entire world, and pretty stupid to boot.

Pierce Thomas Barrington Jr., Ruby had said. I couldn’t believe it, and neither could she.

I guess the name does sound somewhat familiar, I thought out loud.

Are you serious? Do you not watch movies at all? Where the hell are you living these days, the stone age? The girls nearly shouted at me one by one.

I can’t believe I was talking to the famous British actor the whole time, and I didn’t even know it.