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

head to look at the girl talking. Chang moved his head infinitesimally toward Debbie, looking at her out of the corner of his eye, menacing authority emanating from his person.

“I didn’t want to bother you, Boss, with such petty things so I took care of it,” Debbie said.

I exhaled, thankful for a little backup.

Chang yelled something in Mandarin. Tony came to his side, answering whatever question was asked and then got on his cell phone. Debbie already has another set of PJs for Betty and some undergarments as well. She called Betty to her but she shook her head no at Debbie.

“Let me calm her down for you. Please. I can dress her,” my voice was pleading. I could feel Betty trembling with fear behind me, holding on for dear life to my hips. Fear, apprehension, confusion, terror were all radiating off her poor, small, delicate body. She shouldn’t have to go through this or even witness it. No child should.

“Sure, that’s fine,” Debbie said. “Does she want to bathe? She looks like her hair is covered in blood. And you look like you need to clean up too.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” I replied.

“Let me get another bathroom ready for yous both.” She paused, turning to Chang. “Is that all right, Boss?”

He nodded, his eyes still on me. Tony came back in with Debbie’s Asian, male companion from the hospital to remove the body. Betty and I made sure to stay out of their way. I stood in front of Betty, trying to shield her eyes from the horror of a murdered body. She buried her face on the small of my back.

“Dr. Langley,” Victor Chang finally spoke. He had a slight Chinese accent and a very husky voice. “Once you and your young friend are finished cleaning yourselves up, please join me in the dining room for a drink. This isn’t a request,” he added. His expression was still unreadable.

“Yes, sir,” I answered. He turned on his heel and stalked out.

“Come on, girls.” Debbie was motioning for us to follow her. “Let me show you to another bathroom. You can use this other one until we get this one cleaned up.” Her tone was very nonchalant, almost a shit-happens-life-goes-on kind of attitude. It was very unsettling to witness. There was no concern or inquiry as to how Betty was. What happened to her shocked demeanor a moment ago? Was she just shocked that Gator Leg was dead or that I killed him? Obviously, there was no love lost there since she didn’t blink twice once Tony and the other Asian man removed him. “Lilly, you can use the same bathroom as our new guests until this mess is cleaned up,” she said casually to the girl that had been asleep but was now awake, no doubt due to all the screaming and killing that had been going on.

I wrapped Betty in a towel since she was bottomless and headed out. Lilly watched us, gaping, as we walked out.

While Betty was showering, and I sat in the bathroom waiting for her to finish. She asked me to stay in there with her and not leave her. She was frightened out of her mind. I was rubbing my temples, tension building in every fiber of my being. I looked at myself in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. I was covered in blood and I looked ashen, sick almost. A nice strawberry was forming on the cheek where Gator Leg had backhanded me. That was going to hurt. I heard the water shut off and saw Betty Lou drying herself off. I brought her new undies and pajamas. She quickly dressed.

“Isabel Grace, do you want me to stay with you while you shower?” she asked, her voice angelic. I knew she was not asking for my benefit but for hers.

“Sure.” I smiled. “And while I’m showering, look for a brush so you can brush your hair.” I showered quickly. Too quickly, in fact, not letting myself enjoy the hot water or the fragrant bath gels that were in the shower. I didn’t want to get another unpleasant surprise and be caught nude trying to defend Betty or myself. I got out in a rush and dried off. I put on the same panties and bra I came in wearing, but opted for the clean pajamas Debbie handed me. I looked around for a bag I could put my bloody clothes in. This bathroom seemed larger than the one we were just in and had too many doors and cabinets to deal with. Ugh! I didn’t find any bags, just more condoms and makeup this time.

I decided to fold our clothes and laid them in a neat pile. As I was picking my jeans up the tampon fell out. THE TAMPON! Belín’s high-tech tampon! I had completely forgotten I had it. I picked it up and took it out of its packaging so I could turn it on when I decided I’d better do that in the toilet when I was alone. Since I had no pockets, I decided to place it where I had hidden the gun.

“Hi,” a soft voice said. “You can just leave your clothes on the floor. Someone will get them tomorrow and clean them.”

I whirled to see who was talking, my eyes widened. Betty Lou was at my side at once, clasping my hand, half hiding behind me.

“My name is Lilly. I saw what you did,” she said. “I always hoped someone would get rid of that asshole Frank.”

Lilly looked young, but not as young as Betty Lou. More late teens or very early twenties. She had a pretty face and a petite body. Her hair was dark and cut to her shoulders. She was wearing the same satin PJs Betty and I had on.

“Hi Lilly,” I answered. “My name is Isabel Grace and