Page 72 of Fractured Mind
“Only this one,” I reply to Ruby, lifting the can to show her. “But I haven’t opened it yet.”
“Have you felt a sharp pain anywhere?”
My eyes shoot to Theo. His words immobilize me. “Why?” I ask. The sadness in his eyes makes a sliver of nervousness creep up my spine.
“Recently, some girls were hospitalized after parties.”
Hospitalized...The word ricochets through my head. I clench my fists to prevent anyone from seeing my hands tremble.
I peer up at Ashton. His body has turned to stone. He doesn’t look like he’s breathing.
“What the hell?” Levi barks aloud, cutting through the silence. “How did they end up at the hospital?”
Theo lets out an audible sigh that makes his shoulders fall. His eyes meet mine as he answers, “Instead of drink spiking, guys are drugging girls with some sort of syringe.”
Blood drains from my face.This isn’t happening, it can’t be. I close my eyes, hoping this isn’t real.
“Let me through.”
When I open my eyes, Ruby stands before me with her head near mine. Worry is swirling in her eyes, and both her hands are on my arms.
“Did you experience any pain?”
I bite my lip and nod as silent tears stream down my face. Ashton’s hands dig into my skin as he still holds me up, though I doubt he realizes it.
Ruby’s lips pinch together as she swallows. “Can you show me?”
There’s a painful tightness in my throat, but I force the words out. “I felt it in the middle of my back.” The fragility in my voice reflects my emotional state.
Ruby moves behind me with everyone else except Ashton. His face is emotionless. He’s staring at me, but it’s like he’s looking right through me.
There’s a light touch of fingertips on my back. “There’s a puncture mark,” Levi says.
Ashton’s eyes close briefly and his nostrils flare. Once his eyes open, the rage radiating off him startles me. His jaw is tight,and a vein pulses in his neck. It’s as if someone else has taken over his body.
I move my head toward him. “Ashton.” I strive to capture his attention as everyone crowds in front of me. He doesn’t reply. Instead, he helps guide me to Ruby. I put my arm around her shoulders as she holds some of my weight.
“Were any of the girls raped?” Ashton’s voice is harsh and detached. A curse comes from Levi as he rakes his hands through his hair. Theo looks at Ashton with a wide-eyed expression and gives him a small nod.
My stomach clenches, making me curl over. I heave, but nothing comes out.
“Mia!” Ruby shrieks as I heave again.
A fresh wave of tears cascades down my face when I stand upright. The drowsiness hits me again.
“Who were you with?” Ashton’s voice is strained, like he’s holding himself back, so I purse my lips. I know as soon as I tell him, he’ll be unable to control his anger.
“Please tell us.” Ruby’s voice is soft and encouraging. “What if the guy does this to someone else tonight? We need to catch him.”
She’s right, and I refuse to let him do this to anyone else. What if he’s the one going around doing this? Those girls deserve to know who did it and get justice. My friends are here for me, and I was lucky, but the next girl may not be.
“His name is Joe, but that could have been a lie. He’s wearing a tight white tank top and blue shorts, and he has a shaved head.”
Ashton points to Levi and Jackson. “You two go through the house. If you find him, call me.” A tremor runs through me from the bark in his tone.
“Wait!” I yell, and everybody halts. “Maree said he was her cousin. She wanted me to go over and talk to her when they were standing away from the crowd. I think she set it up.”
“Get her as well,” Ashton snaps, making Ruby and me jerk back.