She was in trouble; she shouldn’t have accepted the drink handed to her by a stranger. She was sure that there had been something in the drink, because she felt funny. She needed help and fast before the drug took full effect. She shouldn’t have come to this party anyway. Stumbling through the crowded house she searched for a phone. It was getting harder to think. By the time she located a phone, she had a hard time remembering the number she needed to call. She couldn’t call Tom he was away on a movie shoot. Even though he was suppose to be in town watching over her. She would have to call her best friend Colby; he would come get her.
Slowly she dialed the number struggling to remember his number. Finally the phone began to ring. She prayed she had called the right number. By now she could hardly stand up. A drowsy voice answered "Hello” She had trouble hearing over the noise. “Please I need help.” She pleaded into the phone. She couldn’t remember whom she had called.
“Mindy?” Colby asked glancing at the digital clock next to his bed; it was after two in the morning.
“Colby” Mindy said to the familiar voice. “What do you want?” She asked trying to think she was so confused.
“You called me?” Colby asked the hair on the back of his neck rising. Something was wrong.
“I did.” Mindy struggled to think. “I wanted to tell you I love you.” Mindy spilled into the phone.
“Have you been drinking?” Colby asked.
“I don’t…something’s wrong.. Can’t think.” Mindy replied her speech broken.
“Where are you?” Colby asked getting out of bed.
“Some guy gave me something to drink... I feel weird.” Mindy replied sinking to the floor. “I have to go. I love you” Mindy said so groggy she could barely keep her eyes open.
“Mindy!” Colby asked his voice rose in alarm. “Tell me where you are?” Mindy jerked awake at the sound of his voice.
“I’m at.” Mindy struggled to think. “In a house.”
“Who’s house?” Colby asked struggling to read her thoughts. He could usually read her thoughts easily unless her defenses were raised. Among other gifts Colby was physic. But he couldn’t get anything her thoughts were so hazy.
“I love you.” Mindy gushed into the phone. “I want you so much.”
“Mindy you need to think, whose house are you at?” Colby’s voice was sharp, his fear growing.
“You’re mad?” Mindy said her eyes tearing he sounded angry.
Colby was busy pulling on his pants. “I’m not mad; I just need you to tell me where you’re at?”
Mindy struggled to clear her vision, she couldn’t think. Looking down at the unfamiliar phone she struggled to her feet. Once up she handed the phone to some girl. “Here talk to this guy, I need to lie down.”
Hearing this Colby said “Mindy no wait!”
“Hello?” a strange woman’s voice asked.
“Can you tell me who’s throwing the party?” Colby asked.
“Jerry Starling” The girl replied.
“Thanks!” Colby said hanging up. He pulled his shoes on and grabbed his keys, heading for the garage. Dammit, he thought. What the hell was she doing at Starling’s party? She was only sixteen years old; he was going to kill Starling! Mindy wasn’t into drugs or alcohol. Someone must have slipped something to her in a soda. She said something about some guy giving her a drink. Shit! Probably some kind of rape drug. It would take at least 20 minutes to get there; he prayed he would get there in time.
Meanwhile Mindy was stumbling around the house in a complete haze. She needed to lay down somewhere. Opening a door Mindy entered a dark room not realizing she had entered a closet. Closing the door she sank to the floor and curled up in a ball, unable to move. She closed her eyes.
Twenty minutes later, Colby came to a screeching halt outside of Starling’s house. There was a crowd of people spilling onto the front walk from the house. Colby had to push his way through the crowd and into the house, where it was wall to wall people. Colby scanned the crowd searching for Mindy. Colby had the advantage of his height. At 6”4 he was the tallest person in the room. He moved from room to room. Opening a door to a back room Colby discovered a group sex session. In fact everywhere he looked people were getting it on. That’s what happened at parties where drugs and booze flowed freely, he thought. Which is why he had told Mindy to stay away from Jerry Starling? Everyone knew he was a big player in the drug scene. Pushing his way through a crowed hall he tried every door. One sex display after another greeted him. Several people were getting it on in the hall, unwilling to wait for a room. No doubt Starling was in one of these rooms giving it to some poor girl. Word had, it he liked them young. Which explained how Mindy had been invited? If Starling had laid a hand on her he would kill him he thought! Opening yet another door he noted it was a closet. He started to close the door, but heard a soft whimper. Opening the door fully he found Mindy curled up on the floor in the back of the closet. “Mindy.” Colby asked giving her a shake. Mindy stirred awake to the feel of someone shaking her. Her vision was all messed up and she couldn’t seem to make herself move.
“Colby” she mumbled.
“Come on Mindy; let’s get you out of here. He started to reach out to lift her into his arms.
“I can’t move” she mumbled.
“I know.” He stated. He was familiar with the effects of rape drugs on the body as a medical student.
“Hey what the hell are you doing, she’s mine! I’ve been looking all over for her.”
A guy in his early twenties stated from behind Colby. Causing Colby to stiffen in anger. Getting to his feet he turned to face the guy in question.
“You responsible for the condition she’s in!” Colby asked grabbing the guy and slamming him back against the wall. Suddenly the hall was quiet as everyone stared.
“What condition? What the hell’s wrong with you?” The guy asked sweat breaking out on his brow. “It’s not my fault; she must have drunk too much. Hey you’re welcome to have at her, she won’t mind.” The guy replied, too stoned to comprehend the danger he was in. It was a dumb move as Colby knocked him cold with one powerful punch. Turning Colby reached down to get Mindy, who still couldn’t move. Turning to start back down the hall, people moved readily out of his way. He clearly wasn’t someone to mess with. Carrying her from the house, he places her in the back seat of his Ford explorer. Pulling his cell phone out he punched in a number and listened as it rang. “Hello.” A groggy voice answered. “Doug, I need your help. You need to meet me at my house.” Colby said walking around to the driver’s side door and opening the door.
“Colby? It’s three a clock in the morning.” Replied Doug.
“I know it’s an emergency.” Colby replied pulling away from the curb.
“It better be!” Was Doug’s very terse reply.
Arriving home Colby lifted Mindy from the car. “What’s wrong with me?” Mindy mumbled aware of being carried.
“You were drugged.” Colby replied, opening the door to go inside. He carried her into the house. Colby’s house was a one level rancher. There was a large kitchen and living area. A master bedroom and two spare bedrooms. The house included a fully finished basement that housed his office and another non-regressed bedroom. The carpet throughout the house was a light shade of beige. The living room contained two large, cream colored, Italian leather sofas. And a large overstuffed chair with matching footstool, done in the same cream colored leather. The coffee table and end tables were made of wood. Two brass lamps added a touch of elegance to the room. A big screen TV dominated one wall, surrounded by a huge entertainment unit. The wall over the fireplace held a modern painting that was a mass of wild colors. It wasn’t his taste; his mother had decorated the entire house. His surroundings weren’t that important to him. But he knew that Mindy didn’t much care for the decor in his house. The master bedroom was large and dominated with a king size four postured bed. There were also several large dressers and a huge Armoire. All were done with rich cherry wood finishes. The bedspread and sheets were a deep wine color. Something else Mindy didn’t like, though she never said anything. The master
bath done in cream and sand tones was a different story. Mindy loved the huge bathroom. Which included duel sinks? A glass enclosed shower. Several large cupboards, and drawers, took up most of one wall. Large glass mirrors over the sink. And a large jetted tub, which he had allowed Mindy to use whenever she wanted. He had rarely used the tub, preferring showers. Along side the bathroom was a large walk in closet.
Carrying Mindy down the hall, he entered the spare bedroom he’d given Mindy to use. It was like stepping into another world all together. Where every other room was done in modern decor, this room which he had allowed Mindy to decorate was done in southwestern decor. The four postured queen size bed, was adorned with a southwestern quilt. Southwestern pottery of various shades adorned several dressers. There were prints of Indians and other southwestern art adorning the walls. It was all very tastefully done and brightened the room beautifully. Setting Mindy down on the bed, he removed her shoes, before sitting down on the edge of the bed. He brushed her hair away from her face. Her eyes were closed. She was a pretty girl, with blonde hair falling just below her shoulders. Her hair was thick and unruly. Her eyes were hazel in color, her nose small. Her lips were full, and her skin was beautiful. Not to light, and not too dark. She would never be considered beautiful in the classical sense. Her body was slender, with large breasts. Her favorite asset he knew. Her hips were too wide to suit her. She would never be able to drop below a size eight as a result. Her legs were slender. She was small in stature, standing at 5”2. She was perfect he thought, in every way. He had loved her from the moment they met. But she was only sixteen and he was twenty-one. So for now he was just her friend and confidante.
He knew she didn’t suspect his feelings for her. She thought he saw her as a friend and for now that was for the best. He had a girlfriend after all. He’d dated her for several years now. Though he had no real interest in her, she was a convenient sex partner when he was in the mood. Which wasn’t very often? He was studying to be a medical examiner. And his studies consumed most of his time. Not that school was hard for him. He was brilliant; he had graduated from High School at sixteen, received bachelors at nineteen. He would be graduating with duel masters in criminal psychology and forensic medicine, come June. Than it would be on to med school. He worked as an orderly for the county coroner’s office. Coming from a family of Lawyers his parents had not been happy with his choice of studies. Being a Doctor like his older brother would have been okay. But a medical examiner, they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him to want to pursue such a dark career. Mindy on the other hand thought forensics was fascinating. Part of his attraction to her was her clear interest in his studies. They talked constantly about what he was learning. His girlfriend Teri couldn’t stand to even think about touching a dead body, leave alone cutting one open. But Colby was fascinated by death and discovering the cause. Though she was interested in forensics, Mindy wasn’t headed for medical school. Her passion was writing. Mindy was a small town farm girl. At twelve she had written a story about a little girl and a magical white tiger, which was entitled Meri and Jaba. A neighbor had read her story and helped her send it to various publishers. Her Story had been published, and than Disney had made her story into a movie. She had written the screenplays for several movies based on Meri and Jaba, which Disney also bought. At sixteen she had already sold five screenplays to Disney to be made into movies. But she wanted more Colby knew. She wanted to
move away from kid stories and into writing for mature audiences. Colby had no doubt she would be a famous writer someday. That was why she was in California. Tom Conner was supposed to be chaperoning her. But Tom was a big movie star, and most likely out of town on a shoot. Something Tom had neglected to tell her parents. If her mother, even knew her daughter’s location. Her folks were divorced. And her Dad had gotten custody of his daughter. Mindy had been unwilling to leave the farm or her Dad. Her Dad was easy going and trusting. He farmed the family farm and so couldn’t accompany his daughter on the many trips she made to California to deal with her agent. Mindy had met Tom Conner’s on the Tonight show when she was twelve. He had been there to promote his latest movie. Mindy was there to talk about writing the Disney movie Meri and Jaba. She had walked up to Tom and given him her business card, telling him that she might have a part for him someday. Tom had started to laugh but had been stopped by how serious she seemed to be. He had felt an instant liking for her. Her Grandma had accompanied Mindy. Tom had taken them to dinner, and become good friends with Mindy. Who now had the use of his guesthouse whenever she was in LA? He had met Mindy at a party an older friend had drug her too. She tended to run with an older crowd being mature for her age. His girlfriend was hosting a dinner party at her apartment. He had been bored out of his mind, and was sitting in a chair, thinking about leaving. When Mindy had dropped into the sofa a crossed from him.
“Hi.” She had said with a smile. “Your Colby, Jeff’s brother.” She stated. “I’m Mindy; your brother is dating my friend Amber.”
“You write movies for Disney.” Colby remembered. “My brother has mentioned you. You here with Amber?”
“I was, she ditched me, she’s off somewhere with your brother. I don’t really know anyone else here.” Mindy commented looking around.
“I don’t know any of these people very well.” Colby commented. “Teri's friends mostly.”
“Your Teri’s boyfriend?” Mindy asked.
“Yes, you seem surprised?” He asked.
“I guess I don’t see you two together.”
“Why?” Colby asked.
“Your brother says you’re studying to be a coroner?” Mindy had dodged the question with one of her own.
“Medical Examiner. So?” He replied. He was used to people being put off by that.
“That’s why I don’t see you guys as a couple; Teri can’t stand that kind of thing.” Mindy answered staring at Teri who was holding court with friends across the room. She had the best looking guy in the room and she’d left him alone. Turning her attention back to Colby she studied him for a moment. He was gorgeous in a dark sort of way. “I’ve wanted to meet you since Amber told me about you.” Mindy said.
“Why me?” He asked intrigued. She wasn’t at all shy.
“I’m a writer, and I’m interested in doing a movie involving a murder. I could use the input of a medical examiner. I don’t know too much about autopsies.”
“Most people find them gross.” He commented studying her.
“Not me, I think it’s fascinating.” Mindy stated.
“Why do you say that?” Colby asked surprised by her enthusiasm.
“Because it involves solving the mystery of how someone died. And in many cases, helps to convict the killer. That’s a very important job. I have a side interest in Criminology.” She was full of surprises, he thought. Her friend Amber had interrupted them than. She had gotten into a fight with his brother and was ready to leave.
“Colby, can you give us a ride? Your brother’s being a jerk!” She had asked. Colby was glad to have an excuse to leave the party. So he had driven Amber to her apartment. And than he had dropped Mindy off at Tom’s guest house. He ended up spending several hours talking to her about school and his ambitions. As he was leaving she had given him her card, and said to stay in touch. He had, and she had become his closest friend and confidant. When she was in town she stayed at his house a lot. To the extent that she had her very own room. He trusted her completely and she had full access to his life. He was a very private person, trusting few people. His house was proof of this. There was a lock on his office and bedroom doors. No one, including family was allowed access to these areas. No one except Mindy, she not only had keys to his house. But she also had a key to his office and bedroom. His parents had keys to get into his house, but that was it. Even his girlfriend Teri didn’t have a key to his house. Something that really irked her! Teri didn’t stay at his place at all. When he was in the mood he went to her
place. He didn’t want her at his place or in his bed. She came over during the day to hangout sometimes, but he always saw her back to her apartment. The sex was good so Colby maintained his connection with her. And for some reason Teri put up with his crap. And she had never seen Mindy as a threat to her. She was just some stupid kid that had latched onto him. Although she did resent the time and attention, Colby gave to Mindy. Colby knew that Teri assumed he would marry her when he got done with school. Even though Colby had never mentioned marriage to Teri! He would marry Mindy; he’d known that from the start. He was aware of exactly when his brother pulled into the drive. Going to answer the door, he opened the door just as his brother was reaching for the bell.
“Dammit Colby! I hate it when you do that. It creeps me out!” Doug complained as he entered the house. “What the hell is the emergency? You look fine to me!” He was clearly pissed off.
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