------------------
When Charlie got Dusty alone in his room, he didn’t waste any time explaining their plan to sneak out.
“When my mom and dad leave tonight, we can sneak out through the garage, and Eric will pick us up for Cindy’s party.”
“Dude, there’s only one problem, I don’t have the pills. My mom is all about herbal remedies so there wasn’t anything I could bring,” Dusty apologized.
“No worries. I have enough to get us in. My dad had surgery last year and he didn’t use all the doses the doctor gave him.”
“Lucky for us,” Dusty replied. “Are you sure we won’t get caught?”
“Nah, it’s all good. Bethany thinks I’m gross, so we stay out of each other’s way.”
Dusty groaned. “I’m not worried about sneaking out, but about getting caught at the party. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Relax. Cindy’s parents are out of town until Sunday, but she has to go to family stuff Thursday, which is why Tuesday night is perfect. There should only be about twenty people there. Plus, I made sure Mendy would be there for you so we can get you laid, dude.” Seeing Dusty’s frown at having sex with Mendy, Charlie backtracked. “At least she could use her mouth to help take the edge off.”
“What?” Dusty protested. “No way. Not on a first date, but maybe we can make out a little bit.”
“That’s the spirit. These cocktail parties loosen you up, even if you haven’t done it before.”
“Yeah, well, let’s just play it by ear until then, all right.”
“Sure, dude. You’re going to have so much fun.”
------------------
Marie had gone home to take stock of all the pills she had on hand.
Two trips and a dozen bottles later, her counter was filled with many types of pills.
I had no idea what was sitting in my cabinet, she thought as she surveyed the counter, with at least a hundred pills in each container.
Some were from when her tooth had been hurting, but she had only taken the prescribed pills that first day. Others were left over from changes in dosage to a lower or higher dose, and she just hadn’t taken the time to clean out the cabinet.
She didn’t have to wait long before the phone rang.
“Shelia, I have a question for you?” Marie began, without the courtesy of a hello. “Can you use meat after the expiration date, or will it hurt for the youth group to eat it? I just hate to throw it out.”
“Well,” Shelia replied cautiously. “I don’t believe it would hurt anything. Most of the time, they put those labels on things simply so that you throw it out and have to come back for more.”
“I have about thirty pounds in my freezer I’d forgotten about. I think I’ll split it up and make it two different donations.” Marie was having fun talking about her pills in code.
“Oh, I agree. If it’s frozen, then it won’t go bad, and you can bring the rest of it in a couple of weeks. They can only use so much at a time before it spoils.”
“Wonderful. Well, thanks for putting my mind at ease, and don’t forget to message me the list of items we need to bring.”
“Sure,” Shelia mumbled, a little taken aback at her enthusiasm. “See you then.”
As she closed her phone, Marie did a little happy dance, flinging her arms in such a way that they hit the pill bottles on the counter, knocking them over like bowling pins.
Instead of replacing them in the bathroom, she opened the pantry holding her china and tried to hide them in the pitcher and gravy moat.
There. That’s somewhere the kiddos won’t think to look, and certainly wouldn’t appeal to anyone breaking into my home.
She talked to herself so that the house wouldn’t seem quite so empty. Most of the time, it didn’t bother her, but when the holidays came around, it emphasized the fact that no one had ever wanted to commit to her.
Let’s see if I’m more attractive in my golden years. Shaking off the depressing thoughts, she headed to the computer. Now there are dating sites on here. I wonder if Mr. Fine is on one of them.
Hours slipped away as she filled out profiles online. Just as she was closing the computer, someone messaged her.
The profile’s picture was older, and showed a handsome man in his early twenties. Leery, she opened the message.
“Hi. I saw you were new and wanted to welcome you to the site. We cater to locals who want to meet someone their age without the pressures of most dating sites. We want you and those who you pair off with for dates to get to know each other and find suitable companion. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. A.J.”
“A.J., thanks for the welcome. I do have one question, why is your profile photo of a much younger man if this site is for 40-60 year olds?”
“We urge that you post an older picture of yourself so your matches aren’t based on looks alone. We want everyone to really connect on a deeper level. When you feel comfortable sharing your picture with a potential match, then please do.”
“Wow! I’ve been on several different sites tonight and none of them were worried about the inner person. They were all about age and looks. I am so relieved, A.J. You have been so helpful. Is there a safe place where people on this site get together and meet?”
“Absolutely, Marie. It is okay if I call you Marie? We have a gathering once a month, normally on the last Saturday of the month at the senior bingo center, over on 10th Street. Since there aren’t any activities that night, we meet for music, refreshments, and a good evening of friends and fellowship. Please think about joining us. It starts at seven pm.”
“I do know where it’s located, and after I leave the family part of Thanksgiving, I always feel so lonely.”
“I completely understand. I don’t have any immediate family in the area so holidays tend to drag on for me. I find a few good books and settle in for a long weekend.”
“Oh, you like to read? I do too, but I have to confess, their just trashy romance novels.”
“Nothing to be ashamed of, but you should really try a few of the biographies our library has available. There are several that are simply riveting.”
“Biographies make me depressed.”
“What? How on earth is that possible?”
“Well, the people who have biographies written about them have always done great things. As I read about them, I realize I haven’t done anything to speak of. Then I plan how I could help out in different ways, but my chair always gets the better of me.”
“Ah, such a quandary. I do think you are selling yourself short, though. You don’t have to start new programs. There are many in place already, they just need the volunteers to keep them going.”
“I don’t know. I worked hard for thirty years and now I’m really enjoying retirement. Again, I do believe this chair has magical powers that hold me down.”
“Nonsense. What time is your family doing their Thanksgiving meal?”
“Oh, we always start eating around 2-3 in the afternoon, depending on who all is attending and where they are driving from. Why?”
“There’s a shelter on the east side of town and they’re always looking for people to help serve lunch to those who are staying with them.”
“That’s in only two days…well one, really. They are probably full. People always help out with that kind of stuff.”
“Hmm. Every year, we need more hands to help than show up. Why don’t you come for the 11-1 shift? It will give you a chance to start on your biography, and you might have some fun at the same time.”
“Well, not to be forward, but will you be there?”
“Yes. I get there early to help with the turkey, and then I stay until late afternoon. It beats staying home alone all day, and I know that I’m helping my community.”
“Can I think about it?”
“Sure, but I’ll put you down as coming, and if you change your mind, just message me.”
“I guess that will be okay.”
&nb
sp; “It’s been a long day so I will sign off for now. I’m glad that you joined our match site. I look forward to seeing you.”
“Same here. Good night.”
“Good night, Marie.”
Marie couldn’t explain the thrill she felt as she pulled information from the man.
“It wouldn’t hurt if I helped out someone else, but I’ll see what Sunni thinks tomorrow. I doubt I’ll plan to go to the shelter, but it won’t hurt to keep him guessing.”
Stretching as she stood, her body protested from sitting at the computer for so many hours. She headed to bed to dream of eligible men with bingo balls, not realizing that her plans were about to change drastically.
------------------
Charlie’s parents left and Dusty grew more nervous as the moment approached to sneak out.
As they walked through the kitchen and out to the garage’s back door, Dusty released the breath he was holding as they made it to the alley undetected.
Eric pulled up in his blue Buick Skylark as they approached. Barely slowing down, he threw open the door and Charlie hopped in, leaving Dusty to run along while trying to open the back door.
Laughing at their prank, Dusty sat there fuming, already unhappy to be headed to the party.
The house they pulled up to was completely dark, but Eric continued on the drive around toward the back until they were sitting at the top of the hill, looking down on the car covered field next to the barn.
Eric pulled up at the end of a row and put the car in park.
Charlie turned in his seat to face Dusty. “Here.” He shoved several pills into Dusty’s hands. “Hand them to the guy at the door so that he’ll let you in. It’s the entrance fee.”
“I thought—” Dusty started to ask, but was cut off by Eric.
“Look, I know this is new to you. Just do as you’re told and follow our lead. We’ve done this a few times and haven’t gotten caught yet.” Eric threw a wink over his shoulder at Dusty as he exited the vehicle.
As they came closer to the barn door, the beats became distinguishable, until the door opened and the music rushed out, drowning out everything else.
The bouncer was a dude from the football team, and Dusty had only seen him around school since they didn’t run in the same circles.
Leaning in to ask Charlie what he was doing there, the question died on his lips as he caught Eric’s expression.
“Uppers on the left, downers on the right.” He stood between the two bowls and held out a big bowl to accept their contribution to the party. Charlie and Eric placed their hand over the extended bowl and dropped five pills each into it.
Dusty took a deep breath and followed their example, almost missing how many pills they took from the other two bowls. Charlie helped him with the decision by pointing to the uppers.
“Get any of the blue or orange pills. They mix well together.”
Nervously, Dusty grabbed two and shoved them in his pocket.
Charlie grabbed his arm and pulled him through the mass of bodies dancing to the earsplitting music. They made their way to the back edge where the girls were sitting on a couch.
Dusty looked around, wondering how they would be able to talk with the girls, but his doubts were quickly vanquished when both couples claimed the couch and each other’s mouths.
A soft hand on his arm startled Dusty, as Mendy pointed to a dark colored recliner next to the couch. Following her, he took a seat while she settled on the arm, leaning back against him.
Mendy cupped her hand to absorb some of the noise as she shouted in Dusty’s ear. “Did you want a drink?”
“Sure,” he answered, then shook his head in acknowledgement in case she hadn’t heard him.
“Be right back.”
She returned with six beers and passed them out to everyone. Everyone stopped playing tonsil hockey, as Eric lifted his glass.
“Bottoms up.” Everyone clinked bottles and popped their pills, downing them with their beers.
Charlie threw an arm around Dusty as he leaned in to whisper in his ear. “She’s all ready for you. Don’t mess this up.” Dusty took a big gulp of his beer to avoid replying.
Mendy startled him when she placed her body next to his, rubbing against him. She pulled him toward the chair beside the couch that the other two couples were occupying.
She pushed him into the chair as she straddled his lap, facing him so that she could have better access.
He almost got up, but noticed both Eric and Charlie eyeing him, so instead of them calling him a chicken, he stayed where he was sitting.
Another swig of his beer should have helped settle his nerves, that was until she started grinding around, giving him an unexpected lap dance. Downing the last of her beer, she placed her arms behind his head, pulling him close for a kiss.
Dusty’s senses were overwhelmed, and pills he had taken must have kicked in because he didn’t want her to stop. Responding, Dusty took her lead and gently kissed her back.
It must have been right because she suddenly started moving faster and took both of his hands, placing them on her waist to keep her steady.
She fell forward, her whole body shaking uncontrollably and he was certain this was not a reaction to their kiss.
Dusty jumped up and laid her back into the chair as she continued to move in uncoordinated ways.
Frantically waving at the others, he placed his cell phone to his ear.
“Yes, 9-1-1, there’s a girl here and I think she’s seizing.”
“Where are you at?”
“I’m not sure. It’s a party in a barn, and I didn’t drive so I have no idea.”
“Did she take anything?”
“Some beer and a few pills.” Dusty didn’t finish his sentence as the cell phone was ripped from his hand.
“Dude, what are you thinking?”
Dusty tried to focus on what Eric was saying, but all he could hear was Charlie screaming at everyone. “Cops! Cops!”
“Is she dead?” Charlie questioned.
Dusty put his hand on her neck, trying to ignore the foam coming from her mouth.
“Yes, for the moment.”
The band screeched to a stop and yelled, “Cops!”
A stampede for the door commenced, and they were left with silence.
Mendy wasn’t shaking anymore, but her body would give a shudder.
“Look, you guys might as well go. I’ll stay with Mendy since the party was on my property. They would question me anyway, but there’s no point in the rest of you getting in trouble,” Cindy said.
“She’s right. Do you want to come…umm, what’s your name?” Eric asked as he tried to recall Charlie’s date’s name.
“Tiffany. Yea, I’ll squeeze in because I don’t want any trouble over this.”
“Go, now! There’s a driveway around the back of the barn that leads to the main road.”
“Dusty! Dusty, come on, man.” Charlie pulled on his arm. “We have to go. The police and ambulance will be here in just a few minutes.”
“I can’t leave her. What if she dies?” Dusty said in a whisper.
“Here’s the deal. Unless you want to have the police interrogate you and have your parents find out where you were this evening, then you need to get in my car now! I’m leaving, and if you aren’t in the vehicle, well, that’s your problem.” Eric started running for the barn doors, not caring if the others were behind him.
Since they had stood around, debating on what to do, the entire place emptied out. Even the band was wheeling the last of their stuff toward the doors.
Charlie continued to pull and push Dusty toward the exit. Tiffany finally grabbed one side, while Charlie grabbed the other. They made more progress as his body moved along without help from his brain.
Finally, the fog lifted a little, and Dusty shook them off.
“I’m good. Let’s go.”
The three of them started to run to Eric’s car, pulling out the back gate as the lights and sirens coul
d be heard.
“See, they’ll make it. The emergency people can help her, but this way, we don’t have to go to jail.” Charlie tried to reassure his friend.
“Stop it.” Realizing that there was no way to explain his feelings of guilt to Charlie, Dusty gave up for the moment.
No matter what his friends said to comfort him, he was pretty sure he had just left the first girl he had ever kissed to die.
Chapter 5
Arriving back at Charlie’s home, Dusty realized his friends and Tiffany were looking at him expectantly.
“What?” he snapped.
“Uh, we’re here. You can get out now.”
“Right.” As he started to move, they all realized that he was shaking so badly, he couldn’t move.
“Should I just take him home?” Eric questioned hesitantly.
“No. His mom will throw a fit. He can sleep it off here. Park the car while I try to get him out,” Charlie instructed Eric.
“No, I’ll manage,” he muttered shakily.
Forcing himself to move, Dusty mechanically got into the house with Charlie hovering behind him.
Charlie guided him to the bathroom and emptied his pockets before shoving him under the shower. It seemed to help shock him back to reality by the time Charlie returned with a pair of pajamas.
Dusty’s shock was diminishing, but he waited for Charlie to leave before taking off his soaked clothes. Drying off, he took a deep breath and put the borrowed pajamas on. Wringing out his wet clothes, he opened the door to a worried Charlie.
“Ah, let’s get those clothes into the dryer.” Showing Dusty the laundry room, they remained silent as the dryer started.
The silence deepened as they got into bed and settled in for the night. Both boys lied in the darkness, wondering what was happening to Cindy, and if Mendy was still alive.
They were both awake when Charlie’s mom checked in, but they didn’t move, not wanting any questions from her that they couldn’t answer.
As the door of the parents’ room shut, Charlie finally spoke. “Do you think it was the pills? Or was she just sick?”
“No, she was fine until the drugs got to working against the alcohol.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get laid,” Charlie commiserated.
The Mommy Detectives and the Bingo Hall Mystery Page 4
