Goodbye Natalie

Chapter Fifteen: Reach For The Stars

     ”O.K. everybody, that’s a wrap!” It was the call the whole crew of ”Neighbors” had been looking forward to all week. Retakes of the final scene had run production into overtime and everyone was getting restless. There are only so many hours in a weekend to fit in all the drugs, sex and debauchery that Hollywood film crews are notorious for, and nobody wanted their partying cut short. Melanie Morningstar waved to the studio audience as she rushed off the set, a brilliant smile and exaggerated hip movement elicited admiring applause. She loved the crowds and attention and didn’t even mind the photographers that had recently begun following her everywhere. She was popular with fans and won over producers, directors and crews with her looks and personality. She loved almost every single thing that went along with being an up and coming starlet. The career choice did have its drawbacks and downfalls that emphasized Melanie’s shortcomings however. She hated long work hours, had difficulty memorizing dialogue, and couldn’t act her way out of a soggy paper bag.

     They had cut her share of the script down to only a couple of lines each show and focused on her strong points – hair, face, boobs, butt and legs. The worse the script that week, the shorter the skirt and skimpier the top. When the ratings began to tank three shows into the premier season, the set director unveiled a sundeck set that had Melanie’s character sunbathing in barely-there bikinis nearly every episode. The ratings picked up and the show was allowed to run the initial thirteen weeks with an option for another thirteen, dependent on ratings. For the moment, everyone was satisfied with the results and all was well. From the studio heads, producers and advertisers, down to the make-up girl and best boy, life was good. A hit show is money and money lubricates the machine. Without the grease, the whole mechanism gets clogged and gears start grinding like an over-heated diesel on a steep downhill grade. Nobody wants to upset the apple cart, if you find yourself working on a successful show, you hang on like a rookie jockey in the home stretch of the Kentucky Derby. You don’t know when your next shot at a run for the roses will come, if ever, you better make the most of it.

     The pressure to feed the studio beast with new talent, or whatever will pass for it to attract an ever increasingly fickle and critical public, is constant. Everyone on the set knows they’re one bad show or unexpected scandal away from the unemployment line, and there are two-hundred other saps waiting in line right behind you, breathing down your neck and sharpening their claws, ready to stab you in the back to take your spot. Each person involved in a production relieves the pressure in their own way.

     For some, it’s fancy cars or extravagant homes, reinforcing their fragile egos with ostentatious displays of wealth. Others turn to serial shopping, gambling, alcohol or drugs. Over-indulgence to a point of gross saturation, trying to fill a void inside with anything that’ll give a moment of relief. Still others have their more fleshly peccadilloes with which to satiate the cravings that nag like a persistent itch that can’t be relieved no matter how determinedly they scratch. If the curtains were ever completely drawn open on the bedrooms and backrooms and offices of Hollywood, the demented perversions being performed would shock even the most seasoned sex professional. Men and women and boys and girls and men and boys and women and girls and goats and pigs and lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Power and excess lead to corruption and exploitation. So many are willing to do whatever it takes to get a chance at even a little fame, and so many are willing to let them prove it. Ethics and morality and restraint give way to desire and lust and weak resistance.

     The lowest paid schmo on the lot knows the highest earners; the execs, producers, pampered stars, use the underlings as fodder to feed their carnal urges, tossing the remains to the side of the road in the name of the cause.

     If you make a good enough TV show or movie, then all’s fair and forgiven. If you’re at the helm of the ship when it crosses the finish line in front, you earn the privilege to become one of the anointed ones, the all-powerful. Even the most talented and beautiful must pay the fee to gain entrance to that holy club, bowing at the feet of the mighty; and while they’re down there, how about licking on this or fondling that, or barking like a dog. It’s all been seen and done a million times over. Handcuffs and whips and three-ways aren’t even foreplay anymore for the most callous players. They’re always on
the hunt for fresh talent to pull into their wicked games.

     When Melanie Morningstar stepped onto the lot, you could almost hear the mounting chorus of rattling zippers, climaxing in a crescendo of exploding desire from behind the window blinds of the executive offices. Tinted limo windows fogged over in heated anticipation at the sight of the refreshing, unspoiled beauty of the unblemished face, and luscious curves of the maiden starlet...in resplendent full flower and ripe for the sadistic harvesting of the overly erotic imaginings of the Hollywood dream brokers.

     Just as the Statue of Liberty once beckoned the tired and weak huddled
masses yearning to live free, so now the siren call of the klieg lights and sound stages lure the naive and ambitious into a bottomless pit of sin and misfortune. Capturing souls with a sweet traitor’s kiss and the promise of romance and love and glory; magic beans for the family cow, ruby slippers for a piece of cherry pie, a trail of gingerbread crumbs leading to a fiery grave. The warm glow in the heart and simmering heat in the loins, only a warning of the everlasting reward to come once the decision is made to pursue a dream of glory and fame. Once one steps onto the path to stardom the doorway back is barred and locked. There is no going back, there will be no salvation. Yet, they come...they always come, full of hope and knocking persistently at the gate, demanding entry. Standing brave and compliantly, the gates swing open wide to those with stars in their eyes, the giant jaws of the insatiable beast welcomes them all.

     Melanie’s eyes sparkled with excitement and her thighs quivered slightly from anticipation and the chill of the powerful air-conditioning of the studio limousine.

     This was the hippest Hollywood party she’d ever been invited to and she was giddy with delight. The executive producer, and star, of the biggest show on the lot had personally invited her to his stylish gala and she knew the most famous people in town, in the world for that matter, would be present. This meant that all her dreams were finally becoming reality and she was prepared. She had on her tightest, most figure-enhancing designer party dress that tugged suggestively at every move, dangerously promising to rip or fall off at any moment. Her hair was done to perfection, her face was flawless and serene, her breasts, high and defiant, her body, taut and toned splendidly by hours of Pilates and dieting. She checked her lips and teeth in her purse compact mirror, perfect and ready to perform. She knew exactly how many throbbing mogul serpents she’d have to massage or wrestle or swallow into submission tonight, as many as it took to achieve her dreams of becoming a star. And, she’d do it with energy, style, class, and a smile on her pretty face. Nothing was going to stand in the way of her goal, least of all a few wrinkled phalluses.

     The limo glided smoothly down the Pacific Coast Highway along the ocean. The moon bathed the water with a glimmering luminance. The stars shone brilliant on a deep blue background and Melanie smiled in remembrance of her mother telling her many years ago that someday she was going to shine brighter than any of the stars in the night time sky. Back then, in the shadow of the freeway, standing in the tiny dirt lot of the one-room trailer that didn’t have heat and leaked rainwater into pots and pans, Melanie had promised her mother and herself that her dreams would come true and she’d be right up there among the brightest stars. Tears threatened to taint the carefully applied make-up and she fought off the rush of emotion. If only her mama could see her now. Years of hard living, poor nutrition and lack of healthcare had exacted their toll, her mother died young. Melanie looked toward the heavens and renewed her solemn vow. ”I’m gonna make it mama, nothing gonna never stop me. I’m goin’ all the way to the top!”

     The party was being held at the multi-million dollar home of one of the
partners of the law firm that represented the studio. Patterson, Taggert & Wick, had successfully litigated numerous cases for Fox Studios over the years, none more potentially hazardous than the recent near scandal involving the death of one of their biggest stars. Suspicion had surrounded the husband, himself a major player on the lot with his own successful TV show. P.T. & W. had managed to squelch the rumors of his alleged sinister involvement and the death had been ruled a tragic boating accident. Without being said, the party was to thank the firm for their deft handling of the sensitive matter. Lawyers
love to show off their lavish lifestyle and rub elbows with celebrities. This particular party house belonged to the firm’s newest partner, Judge Reggie Wick, who also recently had been given a judgeship in L.A.’s Superior Court. The opulent home sat atop a cliff in Palos Verdes, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a hundred feet above. One good earthquake meant annihilation for not only the house, but on this night, half of Tinsel town’s most elite society. The view and admiring adoration from guests and jealous competitors was worth the risk of the extreme location, and the price.

     By the time Melanie arrived, the party was in full swing and she circulated like a pro from one small group to the next, spreading charm and good cheer like a bee pollinating a field of wild flowers. Her buddy and costume designer, Richard’, approached animatedly.

     ”Oh girl, you’re the belle of the ball, you look fabulous! Said Richard’. ”That dress is divine!”

     ”This old thing? I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.” Vamped Melanie, quoting a famous old Hollywood movie line.

     ”Girlfriend, you’re gonna get you some tonight! These horndogs are licking their young, filthy jowls to get at you!” Teased Richard’. ”I’m so jealous!”

     ”Oh, you’re bad. But it’s not the young ones I’m after Ricky.” Said Melanie. ”I’m hunting big game tonight.”

     Richard’ raised an eyebrow suggestively. ”Oh honey, you best be careful. The big ones got the biggest guns! I’m not so sure a pretty little thing like you can handle all that. Better leave the big ones to lady Richard’! Or at least let me sample your leftovers darlin’.” Richard’ hungrily eyed the young talent all around the room.

     Melanie sipped her champagne cocktail and surveyed the large ballroom. Dance music with a heavy techno beat blasted from ceiling speakers, the lights were flashing in rhythm and the noise from the raucous crowd was a mix of laughter, conversation, and squeals of delight. A massive crystal chandelier hung from high overhead and the party area had been decorated with eight-foot tall golden Oscars. Circular tables with expensive linen cloths and set with the finest China and flatware ringed the dance floor, each overflowing with delicacies and enough roasted carrion to feed several small villages. Trays of champagne circulated steadily and alcohol flowed freely. The beautiful people ate voraciously and drank in the milk and honey greedily. An aroma filled the air and drifted through the throng of humanity reminiscent of a Roman orgy; fried meats and sweet icings, succulent fruit juices and expensive perfume mixed with cheap cologne and sweat, creating a thick, musky, sexually charged scent. Melanie breathed it all in with both lungs. This was the where she wanted to be, this was her fantasy come true.

     Richard spoke excitedly. ”Mellie! Look who’s coming this way!” He nearly choked on a large piece of greasy venison. ”It’s the wife killer himself!” From across the room the party sponsor and the studio’s most prestigious player approached.

     ”RW? He didn’t really do that Ricky, that’s just a retarded rumor.” Melanie defended the star who had invited her to the party.

     ”Okay, if you say so.” Richard’ said. ”I’m just saying...the guy’s got a reputation for being a real lady killer, where there’s smoke there’s fire honey, you never know.”

     ”Hush Ricky! He’ll hear you!” Melanie whispered loudly.

     ”Judge Wick, this is the lovely Melanie Norningstar. Melanie, Judge Wick.” Melanie shook hands with the distinguished older man and pressed her breasts suggestively against his arm. This was no time to play coy, she was being introduced to the party host by none other than studio royalty, and she instantly knew the role she’d be playing tonight. From his leering stare at her precariously perched breasts and the constricting grip he had on her hand, she knew it was showtime.

     ”Well my dear, you’re more lovely than I had heard.” Said Judge Wick.

     ”Thank you Judge, it’s a wonderful party.” Melanie offered back.

     ”I hope you’re enjoying yourself, the sharks haven’t been too rough on you I hope. The young men can be very aggressive I’m afraid.” Remarked Wick.

     ”Oh, I can handle them alright Judge, it’s not a problem.” Assured Melanie.

     The judge leaned in close and spoke pointedly. ”How about me Melanie? You think you can handle me?”

     Melanie’s eyes locked firmly on the older man. ”Judge Wick, I can handle you with both my hands tied behind my back.” She then smiled coyly and ran the tip of her tongue across her perfect teeth. She felt a surge of adrenaline pass through the judge’s body as he continued to hold her hand and press in harder on her firm points. She read the hunger in his eyes and for the briefest moment, wondered if she’d been too brash in her choice of words. A couple of lines of expensive cocaine and a few champagne cocktails later, she realized her words had been prophetic. She found herself stripped naked and in the pool, handcuffed behind her back with the panting Judge Wick working on her from every angle. Surprisingly, the old man was an unusually randy stud and certainly didn’t lack for enthusiasm or technique.

     Melanie was gasping for air and trying to keep up, finding it difficult to gain leverage or footing with her hands restrained and her legs stretched up to her shoulders, while bobbing in and out of the water. At one point her face was crushed against the pavement side wall as the Judge was giving it to her doggy style while he repeatedly slapped her behind with increasingly harsh blows.

     ”Baby...baby...baby...Judge! I...don’t...like...it...so...rough...” Melanie managed to get out between thrusts.

     ”You love it you nasty slut! Shut up and take it like the whore you are!" Panted the Judge. Melanie had dealt in rough trade before, but this was quickly getting out of control.

     ”Judge...Wick...can...you...please...stop...for...a...minute!” .Melanie begged.

     ”Shut the fuck up you skunk bitch!” Judge Wick slapped Melanie’s ass even harder. He grabbed her hair and held her face underwater as he increased the intensity of his thrusts.

     Melanie was panicking and gasping and trying to yell out each time she came up for air, gulping for oxygen and trying to holler out at the same time. This only seemed to excite the frenzied judge further and he continued his assault with added vigor. He was ramming the defenseless Melanie furiously, squeezing her breasts painfully and groping at her every orifice. Harshly and rhythmically he released pent up aggression and hostility until at last he convulsed in a cataclysmic ejaculation. Panting and spent, he un-cuffed Melanie and rolled her over, kissing her sweetly and softly. She didn’t kiss back.

     ”Don’t be mad sweetheart, you were fantastic!” Melanie didn’t answer.

     ”What, you going to sulk? Don’t be a spoiled brat kid, it’s all in good fun.” The Judge waited. ”Melanie’?”

     A panic stricken Judge Wick quickly dressed and located RW. The two men rushed poolside, careful that no one followed. ”What the hell have you done?” RW spoke excitedly.

     ”It was an accident.” Replied Judge Wick.

     RW tried to pull Melanie from the water, he couldn’t. ”You sick freak! I can’t be involved in this!”

     Judge Wick spoke desperately. ”I got you off for killing your wife, you owe me!”

     ”You pompous bastard.” RW fired back. ”That was an accident!”

     ”Alright, alright...let’s keep our heads here. This is an accident as well. The police will understand.” Wick offered.

     ”Police?” RW said. ”Are you frickin’ crazy? There can’t be any police, not so soon after...well, there can’t be police.”

     ”So what do we do?” Asked Wick nervously.

     RW thought. ”I got a guy. Wait here, make sure nobody comes down from the house...don’t touch anything I’ll be right back.” He rushed to the phone in the pool house and dialed. On the other end, a gruff voice answered.

     ”Yeah.”

     ”Jimmy, it’s me. We got a problem.” RW said.

     ”So.”

     ”I need you here, immediately.”

     ”I’m already on an assignment. The girl’s settled in for the night but I think she’s making a move tomorrow, she might lead me right to him.”

     ”You can pick up her trail tomorrow. This is urgent.” RW implored.

     ”It always is.”

     ”Jimmy, I need you at Judge Wick’s place...NOW!”

     A heavy sigh from the phone. ”Alright, I’ll be there in a few. That’s the rich guy on the point, right?”

     ”That’s right. I’ll wait for you by the back gate. And Jimmy, bring your tools.”

     ”I always do.” The phone went dead.

     RW joined Wick back at the pool. The conspirators stood in silent vigil over the grizzly scene, both lost in their own selfish thoughts. Neither one acknowledged the tragic, sad ending of the hopeful life that lay before them. Power, greed, personal benefit took precedence over humanity, compassion and empathy. Crickets chirped and time stood still, the magnificent ocean view with majestic waves crashing violently onto the rocks below served as silent witness to the treachery being played out beneath the stars.

     ”How are we going to explain this’?” A panicking Judge Wick queried.

     RW thought briefly. ”Monday morning, a story is leaked to the press that a minor starlet entered rehab for drug addiction. Within a couple of weeks, she checks out and is never heard from again. Might even get a look-alike or two to check into one of the thousands of rehab clinics around L.A. Issue some vague statement about the tragedy of drugs in the culture, the over-abundance of dangerous narcotics and so forth...replace her with another up-and-comer, before you know it, it’s ancient history.”

     ”Just like that?” Wick asked.

     ”Just like that judge, life goes on.” RW answered flatly.

     ”I didn’t realize until now, life really is fleeting. One minute you’re having fun and living it up, the next, it’s over or irrevocably changed.” Wick reflected.

     RW looked at the judge and the wheels in his head began turning. He quickly calculated the retainer for Patterson, Taggert & Wick paid by the studio for a year’s services and realized it must be upwards of a million dollars easy. It suddenly dawned on him, the significance of having a high-priced law firm and a Superior Court Judge in his pocket. Perhaps he could turn tragedy into advantage. ”You know judge, negotiations for your firm’s retainer agreement will be coming around soon...”

     ”Retainer? Yes, well...” Wick eyed RW and understood immediately the implication. ”I’m absolutely certain something can be worked out, you can count on it.” He had to admit, RN was one cold-hearted cocksucker. He respected that, the way a hyena respects a rattlesnake.

     RW smiled inwardly. He’d easily be able to set himself up as executor of the studios legal negotiations, based on his relationship with the firm’s partner. In doing so, he’d pocket half the retainer, under the table. Not bad. He was going to have to keep a closer eye on Wick however. He hadn’t realized the degree of sexual perversion the old man had in him. He couldn’t allow any more annoyances like the one lying before him. It really was a shame, Melanie truly was on her way to something noteworthy, he thought the studio would be able to replace her fairly easily though, in time to save the Neighbor’s sitcom, at least for this season.

     ”So...” Judge Wick began. ”Do you think...I mean, is there any other young lady you might introduce me to this evening?”

     RW looked at the judge incredulously. This was one sick, demented, cold bastard. He’d just killed one of the studio’s most promising actresses, her body wasn’t even cold...and he’s looking for another set-up? For shear audacity, that would be hard to match. In that instant, RW saw who Judge Wick truly was, a dangerous psychotic who'd inexplicably risen to a position of power, perhaps furthering his delusions by and through his success. ”Sure judge, I think we can find you someone.”

     The two men stood over the motionless figure of the beautiful Melanie Morningstar, once hopeful starlet. They were both preoccupied with their own concerns, desires, wants and needs. Inside, the party continued its vibrant celebration, laughter and revelry filled the night air and no one mourned the tragic scene only a few yards from the joyous gaiety.

     As Melanie’s spirit slipped the confines of her once supple, and now quickly stiffening body, freeing itself of the shackles of an Earthly existence... it floated gracefully upward in silence and joined the stars in the night sky. Melanie Norningstar had finally reached the stars.

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