Extreme Devotion

by Kay Manis

  “Yeah, drugged. Paloma said her producers talked to some employees at the hotel who worked that night. They pretty much ratted out another employee. Supposedly the kid told the cops that someone paid him to put some kind of drug in Rory’s food. The doctor Paloma had on her show said that particular drug would cause people to act out and do things they wouldn’t normally do.”

  Oh my God, could this really be true?

  “Did the doctor say if it would make a person not remember what they’d done that night?” I said. “The drug, I mean?” Could this be true? Had Rory really been drugged?

  “Oh, yeah.” The man nodded. “The doc said people who’ve taken this drug have killed people and woken up the next morning never remembering a thing about it.”

  My mouth fell open and I slumped back into the bench.

  “Well, shit!” Dana shouted from the front of the bar. “Leave it to your dumbass to come to a sports bar during the X Games.”

  I stood up from the booth and pushed past the bartender.

  Dana snagged my bag from me and wheeled it toward the exit.

  “Hope y’all have a good time wherever it is you’re headed,” the bartender shouted at us.

  I secured my purse over my shoulder, yanking it tight as I stumbled through the bar.

  “Hey!” he shouted at me.

  I whipped around, wondering if I’d forgotten something. “Yes?”

  “You’re the girl from the story, aren’t you? That skater’s girl.” He nodded toward the television screen.

  Dana’s hand gripped my arm and yanked on me, nearly pulling me over. “Thanks for the drink, Tex. We gotta go,” she said, yanking me out of the bar.

  My feet stumbled underneath me as Dana hauled me down the long terminal, refusing to stop until we’d reached the bathroom entryway.

  “What are you doing?” I yanked my arm out of her superhuman hold.

  She glanced around the area as if looking for an escape. “We need to get the fuck out of here.”

  “Why?”

  “I wanted you somewhere far away from this shit, Hindley, not smack dab in the middle of it. The last thing you need is to watch his smug fucking face on television.” Her chin quivered and tears welled in her blue eyes.

  “Hey,” I said, moving closer. Obviously she’d taken this ordeal with Rory much more serious than I’d realized. “It’s okay, Dana.” I put my arm around her shoulders and squeezed her tight, which was ironic given the fact that I was the one who’d been utterly destroyed.

  Her ocean blue eyes rolled up to meet mine, not at all convinced I was telling the truth.

  “Let’s go home, okay?” I said.

  “But I wanted to get away from all this shit.” Dana waved her hand in the air. “You know, get you out of town, out of the country, off the planet.”

  “I don’t think NASA allows civilians on the Space Shuttle yet.” I laughed.

  Dana smiled. “Good to know.”

  “I can’t run away forever, Dana. This whole story will still be here when I get back. And obviously, someone is trying to tell us to stay home. So, let’s appease the travel gods and go home. Okay? We’ll take a fresh look at it tomorrow and maybe find a place to escape to then, all right?”

  She nodded.

  We left the airport with little fanfare. As we rolled down the highway, my thoughts went back to the bartender’s comment. Had Rory really been drugged?

  “Did you see his interview?” I asked.

  “What interview?”

  She was obviously trying to play dumb, but it so wasn’t working.

  “You know what interview, Dana.” I rolled my eyes.

  “I saw some of it.”

  “Did you watch the part about Rory being drugged?”

  “I didn’t watch that part, but I saw a story about it on the Internet.”

  “What did it say?”

  “Do you really want to hear this, Hindley?” I could hear the fear in her voice.

  “I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just—”

  “I’m fine. I swear.” I wasn’t but she didn’t need to know that. “Just tell me what you read.”

  Dana held her breath for several seconds before sighing. “It said the police investigated the accusations that one of the employees from the hotel had put drugs in his food that night.”

  “And?”

  “And, what?”

  “What did the police find out?”

  “One of the employees of the hotel said he overhead someone talking about putting something in Rory’s food.”

  My stomach sank. “What was it?”

  “They wouldn’t say for sure because they said the boy may be a minor. The police said he’s only seventeen, but the hotel isn’t confirming it because the guy is an undocumented worker.”

  I sat silent, trying to process the fact that perhaps Rory had been drugged. Did that mean he hadn’t really slept with Geneva?

  “Look, Hindley, why are you doing this to yourself? It doesn’t matter.”

  “What the hell did they give him, Dana?”

  “They think it was either Rohypnol.” She hesitated.

  “Or?” I asked, my heart hammering in my chest.

  She glanced over at me, her eyes anxious and fearful.

  Images of Donald Lee Westbank flashed in my mind.

  “It was GHB,” I said, “the date rape drug, the same thing that scum bag gave to me, wasn’t it?” I didn’t need to see her face to know the truth. She was terrified what this information would do to my mental state.

  “Hindley, don’t,” she said, squeezing my leg.

  I fought the sobs threatening to break free as tears streamed down my face.

  “Goddammit, Hindley, this is exactly why I wanted to get you the fuck out of here.”

  I heard her voice but didn’t comprehend the words. All I could see were the videos of Donald Lee Westbank raping my comatose body relentlessly in every room of my apartment.

  “I’m taking you home with me tonight.”

  I didn’t fight her. I no longer had anything left inside me.

  History had taught us both that I had no business being alone with my memories. And there was no way Dana would ever leave me in this state. Not after everything I’d just learned. That’s why I loved her. She always protected me, especially from myself.

  Chapter 35

  -HINDLEY-

  I tossed and turned all night. Going to bed with Donald Lee Westbank on my mind always meant sleep would be impossible.

  Since it was obvious I’d never get any rest, I wrapped myself in a robe and walked down the hall to the living room. Dana’s condo was rather large but I tried to walk quietly. I didn’t want to wake her and make her worry anymore about me than she already had.

  I searched for the remote, hoping some mindless show or movie would lull me to sleep. Clicking on the massive television, I tucked my legs underneath me and surfed the endless channels Dana subscribed to.

  Then I remembered, she was addicted to those baby-daddy talk shows. The wild ones where the host would order a DNA test for a woman who was sleeping with at least three guys at the same time—two usually being cousins. Then the host would yell out the results and everyone would gasp in horror, and fighting would ensue. I laughed to myself. It was staged but who cared. That was exactly the kind of mindless television I needed tonight.

  I positioned the pillows behind me and waited for the cable box to boot up, wondering if I should get some ice cream or popcorn. Before I could move, the list of recorded shows popped up on the screen and my heart stopped.

  Paloma Monroe.

  The show’s description revealed it was Rory’s interview and my stomach dropped. Should I watch it? Should I listen to his side of the story? My heart was already ripped to shreds. Why not totally destroy it with the truth?

  I noticed two shows with Paloma’s name. One was marked part one and the other part two. He must have had a lot to say
, I thought.

  Assuming part one was just a retelling of his youth, I chose to start with the second show. If he was lying I’d be able to tell within a few minutes.

  As I pushed play and listened to Paloma go through her recap of part one of her interview with Rory, his face flashed on the screen and my breath caught, choking me. He was dressed casually but still looked devilishly handsome like he always did. His bright blue eyes held me in a trance. Suddenly I wondered if this had been a good idea.

  I noticed they were sitting outside on the porch at someone’s house, large trees dotting the landscape behind them. I couldn’t help but wonder where they were filming. And who he was with. And if he was thinking about me as much as I was thinking about him.

  “Let’s go back to the night when you lost control,” Paloma said.

  Rory’s bright blue eyes grew darker. “I’d love to talk about that night, Paloma, I really would, but I honestly don’t remember anything.”

  “You’ve maintained that version of your story for weeks now,” she said, “never wavering from it once.”

  “That’s because it’s the truth.”

  I watched him intently, looking for any signs he wasn’t being honest, but sank back into the couch when I saw none.

  Paloma pulled a paper up and glanced down at it before staring at Rory. “Would you be relieved to know our producers have discovered that a hotel employee did in fact drug you?”

  I gasped. No way.

  “I’d be surprised that someone would do that. But no, it doesn’t surprise me that it happened. It’s a scenario I’ve thought of recently in the past few days.”

  “Why?”

  “People who really know me, people who know my character, understand I would never intentionally act out like that toward them. And the fact that I have no memory of the outburst would definitely indicate someone gave me drugs.”

  Did that mean I didn’t know him at all if I’d questioned his actions that night?

  “Well, you’re exactly right,” Paloma said. “The police have confirmed through witnesses that someone did put a drug called Rohypnol in your food that evening. Are you familiar with that drug?”

  “I’ve heard of it, but no, I’m not aware of what it is and what it does to people.”

  “According to our medical sources, the drug would cause the exact symptoms that you experienced, including aggressive behavior, impaired judgment, reduced inhibitions, and memory loss.”

  Rory nodded in understanding, as if not at all shocked.

  “You don’t seem surprised by our findings.”

  He leaned in. “Look, Paloma, I know myself. People who love me know me. It’s not a shock to find out that I ingested something that would make me behave in a manner that was so out of character for me. I’m devastated I hurt the woman I love. I promised her she would always be safe with me, that I’d protect her from harm, and yet I didn’t.”

  My eyes stung with tears and I swallowed hard. Part of me considered turning off the television right then. I couldn’t afford another breakdown. I reached for the remote but stopped when Paloma continued.

  “You sound heartbroken,” she said.

  “I am. Completely.” His voice cracked and I noticed his chin quivering.

  “Oh, God,” I whispered. He was totally telling the truth.

  “You’re talking about Hindley Hagen, your attorney and sports agent.” It was a statement not a question.

  He swallowed hard and nodded, unable to speak. He was hurting just as much as I was, maybe even more if that were possible.

  “Are you still in love with her?” Paloma asked.

  My heart stopped and I held my breath, anxiously awaiting his answer.

  He never hesitated. “Of course I love her.” He smiled, his expression changing into what looked like true joy. “I’ll always love Hindley Hagen.”

  Oh, God. He’d said he loved me, said my name out loud. His declaration on national television may be my undoing.

  “What about Hindley?” Paloma asked. “Does she feel the same way?”

  “I hope so.”

  “You haven’t talked to her though, since your outburst in Miami?”

  “No.” He turned and glanced into the monitor, and there he was. Staring right at me. My lost boy. My love. I ached for him in that moment, ached for both of us. “But I have faith.”

  “So what gives you hope?” she asked. “What makes you think she’ll forgive you?”

  “I won’t give up on us.”

  I bit my lip, not sure if I wanted him to or not. He sounded so sure of himself, sure of my forgiveness. And wasn’t that my Skater Boy.

  “That’s pretty confident thinking, isn’t it?” Paloma asked.

  “Actually it’s a song, by Jason Mraz. I Won’t Give Up on Us. I sing it every day, over and over, trying to psyche myself up.”

  “You have to admit that might sound completely insane to some people.”

  He shrugged and laughed. “Have you ever seen me skate? To be an extreme sport athlete, you have to be insane.”

  Paloma joined in his laughter.

  Rory smiled, his shoulders easing down as he visibly relaxed.

  I grabbed the remote and paused the show, staring at his image for a good minute. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much I’d missed him, and how much my soul ached at the thought of never being with him again.

  But, he’d slept with Geneva, I reminded myself.

  Paloma said he was drugged.

  Did that matter? Was that enough of an excuse to forgive him? I had no idea at this point and suddenly I was too tired to care.

  I tugged at the pillow behind me and placed it under my head as I stretched out on the sofa. My eyes fluttered closed, and Rory’s beautiful face floated through my mind. There was a lot I wasn’t sure of but one thing was clear after watching him on TV. I still loved him. I just wasn’t sure I could forgive him.

  Chapter 36

  -HINDLEY-

  I sat at the head of the conference table, staring at those sitting around me. My mother and Paul were on one side while Dana and Luis sat across from them. Why were we all here?

  I jumped when the intercom buzzed.

  “Your guests are here,” a woman said, her tone clipped.

  Everyone turned and stared at me.

  I realized they were waiting for my response. “Um, okay, show them in I guess.”

  The group seemed relieved, as if they thought I would say no to our visitors. Now I was really curious about our surprise visitors. Maybe they could shed some light on why we were all here.

  The door opened and Geneva and Rory waltzed through the door, hand in hand.

  What the hell?

  They walked around the table, greeting everyone but me.

  My heart nearly beat out of my chest and I felt light-headed. I was grateful I was sitting down, feeling like I might have passed out.

  “Well,” Geneva said, addressing everyone but me, “as most of you know, Rory and I—” She glanced up at him, her eyes alight with what looked like adoration.

  Rory lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles.

  I seriously thought I was going to vomit all over the conference table.

  All eyes remained transfixed on the happy couple

  I couldn’t stand the silence. “What?” I yelled.

  Every head jerked toward me, eyes wide with surprise.

  Rory dropped Geneva’s hand and walked around the table, stopping just in front of me. He leaned down wrapping his fingers around the arms of my chair.

  I held my breath, staring into eyes that had once held so much love for me but were now cold and dark. I recognized the man in front of me. This was dark Rory.

  “What is it, Rory?” I whispered, willing him to put an end to my misery. This couldn’t be real.

  A cruel, perverse smile spread across his face as he lifted one hand, letting his finger stroke my jawline.

  I shivered from his touch and I hated m
yself for being so damn weak when it came to this man. “Just tell me,” I pleaded.

  He bent even lower, putting us at eye level, his nose nearly touching mine.

  He smiled, a genuine expression of joy changing his once dark face.

  I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he’d come to his senses and realized it was me.

  “Geneva and I got married,” he said casually as if the words wouldn’t destroy me.

  I struggled to breathe, my mouth going dry.

  The room erupted in cheers as everyone congratulated the happy couple.

  Dana hugged and kissed Geneva like they were best friends. Luis took Rory into a huge hug that had them both laughing.

  What was happening? Why were the people I loved most in the world celebrating?

  “Wait!” I screamed, but no one heard me, or if they did, they ignored me. As I slumped back in my chair, an idle observer to the chaos surrounding me, a cold hand wrapped around my shoulder.

  “Ready, baby?”

  I recognized the voice. It was Rory. Maybe all of this had just been a horrible nightmare. A sense of calm enveloped me.

  The grip on my shoulder turned painful. Gazing in front of me, I realized Rory wasn’t beside me, he was standing next to Geneva, showing off their new wedding bands.

  Fear struck through me, leaving me chilled to the bone. The voice I’d heard wasn’t Rory’s. It belonged to someone much more sinister. Closing my eyes, I slowly turned in my chair, gripping the arms to brace myself for what I would find.

  “Come on, Hindley,” he snarled.

  I blinked my eyes open, paralyzed, unable to make a sound. There standing before me with a sinister grin was the most evil man I’d ever known.

  Donald Lee Westbank.

  “No!” I screamed. Pulling my knees to my chest, I held on to the arms of the chair, preparing to kick him in the groin.

  Before I could strike, his hands wrapped around my ankles and he pulled me to him, his face only inches from mine. “You’ll never get away from me this time, Hindley,” he said in a low tone. “Not ever.”

  I searched the room, looking for anyone who would help me.