Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (books to get back into reading TXT) 📕

“I like how you talk,” Betty Lou said sweetly. I gave her a warm smile and kissed the back of her hand.

28

We walked into a lovely, spacious bedroom with an en suite bathroom. A soft nightlight illuminated the room just enough for us to see. There was a girl fast asleep at the far end of the bedroom in a full-size, maybe queen bed. She didn’t stir at all. She looked blissful in her slumber. Debbie whispered so as not to wake the girl. She showed us where our bed was and informing us that all the windows were screwed shut and the shutters as well. I remembered what Alex said about not being able to see out the windows because everything was nailed closed. No wonder she couldn’t tell us where she was being held. I couldn’t see out of the car windows and once inside this fortress, a wall, trees and shrubs surrounded us. And on top of all that, all the windows were permanently shut. She took some clothes from the closet that were more appropriate for the Chicago fall weather and handed them to Betty Lou. She also gave her and me a pair of satin PJs. I looked at the tag on the clothes Betty was holding—size 10/12. I looked at her PJs and they too were a 10/12. My stomach clenched and my mouth went dry. Did they have other girls the same age as Betty Lou here? That would be the only explanation for Debbie having any clothes her size.

“Girls,” Debbie began, “if you want to shower you can. There are clean towels in the linen closet, and there are new toothbrushes in the far right-hand drawer next to one of the sinks. I know it’s late but I’ll bring up some milk and cookies for yous both just in case you’re hungry.” With that she left us. She came across as being very hospitable and kind. I wondered if this was an act and perhaps she’d be a different person in the morning. Only time would tell. I sighed, closing my eyes. How much time did I have here? What were they planning on doing with me? I knew what they were planning for Betty Lou. The thought sent chills throughout my body. I couldn’t let that happen. So many questions were running through my mind and at the same time the thought of Josh involuntarily popped in there. He must be out of his mind with worry. I knew he was going to do everything he could to get me. I just had to somehow help him and buy him some time.

Betty tugged on my hand. I opened my eyes and looked down at her. “Isabel Grace, that lady seems really nice. Maybe it’s not so bad here.”

“Oh, angel…” I knelt in front of her, stroking her hair. “This is just the calm before the storm. I’m glad she’s being nice and she’s giving us a nice snack but if she’s helping those bad men that kidnapped us she’s just as bad as they are.” I looked into her eyes, so innocent and trusting. “Let’s try and stay together, okay?”

She nodded. We walked into the bathroom together so she could get ready for bed. As she was changing clothes, I looked through the drawers, snooping. I found the toothbrushes Debbie mentioned and toothpaste. I went to another drawer and found scissors and a mini sewing kit. There were also a few hair ties and some condoms. I froze, bile coming up in my throat. I was immediately disgusted by these pedophiles that bought young girls or boys for sex and with the Triads for running this duplicitous and depraved organization. I couldn’t imagine the horrific abuse the sleeping girl must be enduring. I shook my head, trying not to think about that right now.

Betty Lou handed me her clothes. “Isabel Grace, these jammies feel so soft and warm.” She was smiling and rubbing her arms, feeling the fabric. “They’re silky on the outside but fuzzy on the inside. I love them.”

I tried my best to look happy for her, knowing I wouldn’t be able to protect her. I knelt down and hugged her. “They look very smart on you, sweet girl. You’ll have a cozy sleep tonight.”

“Do you really think so?” she asked, her eyes searching mine. “I’m afraid someone will come in and take me again.”

My heart sank to my stomach, the threat of tears pricking my eyes. I pushed it all aside, willing myself to be strong. What could I say to that? It could happen and if it did how would I stop it?

“How about this,” I began. “I won’t go to sleep and I’ll keep watch for both of us tonight. That way, if anyone comes in, I’ll fight them off.” I paused, swallowing hard. “Does that work?”

She nodded, trying to smile. I didn’t think she was convinced I could fight anyone off but she didn’t want to say anything to the contrary.

“Remember,” I added, “I need your help too… keep praying. Your prayers will help me… will help us.”

I handed her a toothbrush and the toothpaste so she could brush her teeth. As she turned on the water, I heard some noises coming from the bedroom. It must be Debbie leaving us the milk and cookies. I had forgotten about that. I shut the water off to ask Betty if she wanted the snack Debbie promised. She beamed with excitement and nodded an enthusiastic yes. I chuckled softly as we headed to the door.

We walked out of the bathroom and saw Gator Leg standing next to an empty bed. The light from the bathroom hit his face, exhibiting the most lascivious glare at us. His eyes flickered from me to Betty Lou. And in that instant, I knew what he was here for and it was not for me.