Who's Marli?

Foreword

There are countless college textbooks that try to explain how a victim of a traumatic event reacts. Some become paranoid, withdrawn and insecure. Others develop an anger that lives with them for years after the event.

When it comes to a violent rape, however, the psychological consequences are quite numerous and difficult to fathom for those not so violated.

When Marli, a stranger in the big city, is raped at knifepoint, her response is one of pure rage that quickly evolves into a psychopathic personality trait. The question arises: were the tendencies already present but buried deep under the personality that she developed in high school; or if, as a victim of circumstance, she evolved into an efficient killing machine with no respect for the vermin she eliminated? Just who is Marli? She soon recognizes that she is a dispenser of vigilante justice and enjoys many riches along the way.

Long aspiring toward an acting career, she realizes her dream after a circuitous route involving lust, love and wanton destruction of life.

Marli is a fictitious character, as are all other characters in the story. Readers are asked not to judge her, but to try to understand her. The story is pure fiction, created only for a reader’s enjoyment and any similarity to living persons or actual events is totally coincidental.

Appreciation and thanks are due to Lyn Tierney, Julie Wessling and my wife Pat for their proofreading services. They proved resourceful in proofreading my previous book, First Loves Lost.

Chapter One

Marli accepted the advice of a talent scout when she was only 18, living in a small farm town in Iowa. He told her she was attractive enough to make it in show business, but she would never get the break she needed in Iowa. Her best chance, he told her, was to go to New York or Los Angeles and get into an acting program.

He was third in a long line up to Marli’s register. As she tallied his purchases, he started the conversation that would lead to the suggestion that she go to Los Angeles or New York.

How am I supposed to do that? she asked him.

Any way you can, he answered. In fact, I’m going to New York tomorrow and I’d be glad to give you a ride.

Marli had always dreamed of being a star and she could not believe her good fortune. Here I stand, checking out groceries at the local grocery store and this talent scout just provides me the opportunity of a lifetime. How lucky can I be? she wondered.

I really don’t think I should do that, she said aloud. It wouldn’t look right.

Would it look right if you ended up in movie theaters all over the country … even here in Harlan, Iowa?

I don’t know. Look, I have to keep this line moving. Can we talk later?

Sure, he said. Meet me for coffee in that café next door when you get off. What time is that?

I get off at four. My name’s Marli, what’s yours?

Jeff. Marli’s an unusual name. How do you spell it?

It’s not my real name, but it’s what I would use if I became a professional at anything. She spelled it for him. Just one name, like Cher.

So, you have thought about it.

Dreamed about it. See you at four.

He smiled, handed her his business card, paid her and picked up his bag and left.

By four o’clock, Marli was fidgeting. She felt an uneasy excitement at the prospect of achieving her dream, or at least starting out to go after it. Her only reservation was the thought of driving all the way to New York with a stranger. She had read many horror stories that began that way. That reservation was strong enough that she had decided to follow his advice, but to get to New York on her own.

Hi, Marli, Jeff said. He rose as she reached his table.

Hi, she answered as she took a seat.

Would you like a cup of coffee? he asked.

Rather have a soda, she responded. Coffee always makes me jumpy.

Have you tried decaf?

No. The taste of coffee doesn’t thrill me, so I stick to soda.

Jeff ordered their drinks, then started the conversation about going to New York.

I work with an acting agency in the city and they’re always looking for new talent. You have the looks, and if the talent is lacking, they run an acting school that could help and start you working. There are so many opportunities in New York, I prefer it to Los Angeles. Many of our great movie stars started in New York… on Broadway or off Broadway somewhere. Even some upstate places will offer a range of opportunities.

You’ve really turned me on to an acting career. I’ve always dreamed it was what I wanted to do, but never had the nerve to strike out on my own and try to achieve it.

I won’t kid you, Marli. It’s not easy, but there’s something about you that makes me feel you can make it. I’m a talent scout, after all, and I’ve picked a number of winners in the years I’ve been at it.

I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I’m not going to go to New York … with you that is. I can get there on my own.

Never accept a ride from a stranger?

Uh-huh. Mom and dad were pretty emphatic on that, she said.

Well, I’m disappointed. I’m sure I would have enjoyed the company.

In the car or in the motel room? she wondered.

I would still appreciate your advice, she said warmly.

Did you do any acting in high school? he asked.

"Just in my senior year. Just a few months ago, actually. I was in Funny Girl."

The lead?

"Yeah. I had a little trouble with the song, you know, People, but everyone thought I did a real good job."

Did you take any theatre or acting classes?

"Oh, sure. That’s how I got the part in Funny Girl.

Well, there’s a start. Sounds like you would fit nicely into our program.

This is exciting. I’m going to start making my plans right now… today!

That’s the spirit, Marli. The right things happen to people who take the right steps.

A little guidance, like yours, doesn’t hurt, either.

It’s a pleasure for me and I enjoy helping young people go after their dreams. Now, I have business in Des Moines tomorrow, so I have to get ready for the trip. Then I head east all the way to New York.

That’s an awful lot of driving, Marli said.

I’m driving a rental. From Des Moines, I fly.

Well, I couldn’t have done that.

When I offered you a ride, I included the plane.

That’s too generous. I should have to put some effort into this, Marli said.

Suit yourself. I realize that you probably need more than a few hours to prepare for such a move.

After a few moments of more small talk, Jeff gave her a complete outline of travel arrangements by train, and expected expenses. Marli had nearly five thousand dollars in savings from savings bonds and scholarship money she never used for college. Jeff assured her that it was enough to get her started. He also gave her notes on people to contact and his agency contact information.

I don’t know how to thank you, Jeff. It would have taken me months to put a plan like this together.

Just doing my job, Jeff said.

Well, I really appreciate it, Marli said. and I’m doing it. I’ll be on the way in just a few days or a week.

Would you like a bite to eat before you leave? Jeff asked.

Too excited to eat, Marli responded with a shake of her head. I never pursued that dream of mine because I didn’t even know where to start. Just going to anywhere without some sort of plan was a frightening idea to me. Now you’ve given me the plan and advice that makes me think this is the time to get things moving.

Glad to be of service. When you get to New York, call my agency. They’ll know where I am and will put you in touch if I can do anything else for you.

You’re too kind. Thank you so much. She stood and offered her hand.

Jeff was impressed with Marli’s looks and the level of sophistication in her speaking.

Standing, Jeff shook her hand lightly and smiled at her. Good luck.

She returned his handshake and Jeff was impressed with the firmness in her grip.

Thanks again, Marli said. She turned and walked away.

Jeff sat back down and watched her leave the café. He ordered a sandwich.

Very early the next morning, he would be on the highway, headed east to Des Moines.

From the cafe, Marli walked several blocks to Josh Wilson’s house. She and Josh had become close since midway through their senior year. She was near bubbling over with excitement, and anxious to share her good news with Josh.

Josh opened the door in response to her ring and was nearly knocked off his feet when Marli lunged at him and hugged him.

You’ll never believe it! she squealed.

Returning the firmness of her hug, he asked, Never believe what?

I’m going to New York! I’ll be in acting school! I’m going to be a star!

Whoa! What the hell are you talking about? he asked as he held her away from him.

She told him of the meeting with Jeff and that she had decided to accept his offer and go to New York. She was talking at such a rapid pace that Josh never tried to get in a word. When she finally paused for a breath, he held up his hand in a signal to stop.

She looked at him with a broad smile on her face; What?

Why do you want to go to New York?’ Aren’t you happy here? With me?

Oh, come on, Josh. After all, we’re just lovers who linked up in high school. You didn’t expect that we would end up here like most of our friends, did you? Do I look like the kind who would settle down and have kids at the age of eighteen?

I never thought that far ahead, Josh said, but we’ve got something pretty good here. We snitch the old man’s Scotch, have sex and who knows? We might get married someday.

Let’s get real. You like sex with me, but you still have the hots for Margie. And she told me how you’d like to get into her pants, you lover boy.

Hey, we never agreed there would be no one else.

Then what do you care if I go?

It’s just an unexpected change, that’s all.

Change is good and I’m doing it.

When?

As soon as I get all my shit together, but soon.

He pulled her close. There’s no one home. Let’s have a sip of Scotch and do it. We have a couple of hours.

Beast, she said as she placed a passionate kiss on his lips.

They went to Josh’s room where he had hidden a bottle of his father’s Scotch whisky. They sipped lightly from the bottle as they undressed. Marli’s level of excitement brought a level of intensity to their sex that was new to Josh. Afterward, they laid together, enjoying a variety of sexual pleasures.

Damn, I’m gonna miss this, Josh said.

Me, too. But you’ll be able to pursue Margie now. I think she’ll be hot enough for you.

What makes you so sure?

How could she not? Marli asked as she aroused him again.

Marli was gone long before Josh’s parents returned home. They wondered what had affected Josh’s mood. He acted lethargic and mopey. They had no idea that he and Marli had just engaged in a few sips of Scotch and farewell sex.

After finishing dinner that night, Marli sat with her parents and younger brother, Ted, at the dinner table.

Marli’s mother said, Ted, help your sister to clear the table, please.

Not yet, Marli said as she held up a hand to signal everyone to wait. I have an announcement to make.

Getting’ married? Ted asked with a smirk.

No, I’m not getting married, smarty-pants. I’m leaving for New York soon. I’m going to be an actress.

A stunned silence followed.

Cool, Ted said. When?

Maybe next week. I have a ton of arrangements to make.

Damned fool idea, her father muttered.

Quiet, Horace, Marli’s mother interjected. How are you going to manage that? she asked Marli.

I’m working on that. I’ll need to get all my money together, including those savings bonds you bought for me on my birthdays, Marli said with assurance.

No way. Those bonds are staying right in that safety deposit box where they belong.

Daddy, that’s my money, Marli said. I’m eighteen now and can do what I want with them.

Darlin’, have you thought this out? Where will you live?

It’s all laid out for me. A talent scout I met will get me into an acting agency in New York. Acting school, too, if I need it.

Talent scout? Where the hell did you meet a talent scout? Horace asked.

At the store, Marli said.

Hear that Alice? Horace responded. She met her talent scout at the store!

Yes, I did, Marli said. and look at all the details he gave me to follow up on when I get to New York.

Marli retrieved some papers she had been sitting on and spread them in front of her parents, saying, Look at how detailed a plan he suggested. I’m going to refine a few things, but it’s a good plan and one I think I can afford. You know I’ve always dreamed of being a star, and this could be my chance.

Marli was too excited to be deflated by disparaging remarks. Her father seemed to have adopted the role of devil’s advocate.

One high school play and you think you can be a star? Horace asked her.

I know that’s no experience for a resume, Marli returned. but it gave me the urge to go for this. It’s what I really, really want.

But, dear, Alice began, it’s such a hard life. And there’s so much immorality in that business. You’re a good girl and you don’t belong in that atmosphere.

I think it would be neat to have a star for a sister, Ted said.

Until she gets knocked up by some producer.

Daddy!

Now Horace, you behave. You always have to assume the worse, don’t you?

I’ve read enough of the things that go on in show business, and that’s nothing I want for my daughter. She’ll end up getting eaten alive by sharks!

Where will the sharks come from? She ain’t gonna do sea pictures, is she? Ted asked.

You keep out of this, darling, Alice said. Start clearing the table while we discuss this with your sister.

"We can discuss my plan,