Page 171 of Spark of Obsession

The ICU is located on the fifth floor on the west annex. I get buzzed into the unit just from saying I am a visitor. Since it is during visiting hours, no one questions my presence.

I quietly slip into Monica’s private room at the end of the hall and try not to disturb her while she sleeps. It was not long ago when I was the one lying in a bed hooked up to an IV. Perhaps I was drugged too, and the side effects of the pill I took voluntarily was no side effect at all. Maybe someone did slip me something in one of my drinks at The Shack. Maybe I am a victim on the growing list of victims.

The squeaky sound of the chair’s leather cushion jostles Monica awake in a semi-panic.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” I quickly respond, standing up and moving toward the hospital bed. I place the vase of flowers and card on her bed tray.

Monica’s eyes squint and adjust to the light in the room. She studies me for a few seconds and then is able to recognize me.

“You’re in the agency,” she whispers, as she sees the bracelet on my wrist.

I look down at it. I forgot I even had it on, since I barely take it off. It has become part of my normal look these days. “Yeah, I’m Angie McFee. We met at the mixer event several weeks ago. Claire and I are roommates, and she told me that you were a victim of a frat party drugging.”

“So they say,” she says softly. “I don’t remember a thing.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say with a frown. Her eyes are sunken in, dark shadows marring her once flawless complexion. It’s as if this incident has aged her ten years.

“Why are you here? It’s not like we know each other well.”

“My friend Resa was almost drugged. The night she was followed by some men was the same night three college students were drugged while dining at the Campus Smoothie Cafe. Now you are a victim at a Frat party. Plus two other girls.”

“Wow, two more?”

“Yeah. Do they know what type of drug was found in your system?”

“There were several. But the standout one was Fentanyl.”

“For pain?” I ask.

“Yeah. But that drug would not make me feel paralyzed.”

“You said you don’t remember anything from the night. You sure? Can you think back to any types of drinks you had? Anyone that stood out as being out of place?”

“I’m such an idiot for even attending the party. I never go to those types of things. But my roommate’s crush was going to be there, so I went for moral support.”

“Who was the crush?” I ask, earning a frown from Monica. “I promise not to share. I just need to figure out what is going on. I cannot trust the campus police to solve this mystery.”

“Bryce. He’s a frat guy.”

“We have class together.”

“Please, please, please don’t let him know about my roommate.”

“I won’t,” I promise.

I silently hope that Bryce is not involved in any of this situation. But to rule him out would be careless.

Tears well up in her eyes. “Am I in more danger? Did I end up in some type of crossfire, or am I being targeted?”

“I have no idea. But I’m going to figure this all out. I need you to hang low. Do not go anywhere alone. And do not drink anything that is not sealed.”

Confusion flashes over Monica’s face. “Okay,” she agrees reluctantly. “Not sure why you have so much interest in all of this. But I guess any help to uncover why River Valley U girls are being drugged would be good.”

“You’re not alone. None of this is your fault. Please don’t let anyone know I was here. I need to keep a low profile if I am to figure out what is going on.”

“Be careful,” Monica warns. “I’m so thankful some guy named Paul found me before someone could assault me.”

“Wait, what?” I ask suddenly.

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