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

I had introduced Betty and Caroline to one another before Caroline had to leave and explained to Betty that she would be taking care of her while I was at lunch. Caroline had told us that some girls had appointments during lunchtime and those that didn’t would eat lunch together in the kitchen like this morning. Also, the same girls that cooked breakfast would make lunch. I wondered if they were also going to make lunch for Chang and I.

We were nearly finished washing and folding all the clothes, towels and sheets when Debbie came looking for me.

“Isabel, follow me, please.” Her tone was curt.

“Of course, Debbie.” I extended my hand for Betty to take as we headed out.

“Oh. No. Just you. Betty needs to stay here.”

“I understand that, but I’m taking Betty to Caroline Fitzsimmons and leaving her with Caroline before I do anything else,” I stated, eyeing her emotionless.

She narrowed her eyes at me, contemplating what I just said. “I’ll take her.” She was reaching for Betty as she said the words.

I positioned myself between her and Betty. “No, you won’t.”

“I’m not going to hurt the child or kidnap her, for god’s sake.”

“You and your sociopath boss have already done that, thank you very much, but like I said, I’m taking her,” I said icily, squaring my shoulders. I was trying to make myself seem taller and more intimidating than I actually was. There was no An or anyone else to come save her, if push came to shove, and I knew I had the upper hand since I’d done kickboxing for the past four years. I wasn’t afraid to take hits or hit. My body language said “bring it.”

She eyed me for a hot minute—her lips pressed into a thin line—contempt splattered across her face. Finally nodding, she took us to Caroline’s room where I entrusted Betty Lou to her. I knelt down to give Betty a few words of confidence.

“Isabel, you’re very scary when you get mad,” Betty whispered. “I don’t want to ever cross you.” I softly chuckled. Well, at least someone thinks I’m intimidating.

I followed Debbie back downstairs. She led me to the dining room where Chang was waiting with a glass of white wine in his hand, standing next to a painting. The table was set for two and the food was already prepared and waiting for us.

“Dr. Langley!” Chang exclaimed. “Why are you still in your pajamas?”

“These are the only clothes I have. The clothes I was wearing when I first arrived were bloo... er… dirty. Debbie was kind enough to give me these lovely PJs,” I answered, giving Debbie a wry smile.

He eyed me from head to toe. “We will have to remedy that. Give Debbie your size, and shoe size as well and she will take care of it.” He looked at Debbie, inclining his head toward me. She let out a loud sigh and turned to me, not asking me anything at all but waiting from me to give her my size. Her demeanor radiated irritation and she was stony-face with her lips still pressed in a thin line. I was enjoying watching her fume. I gave her my dress size, shoe size and lingerie size. She rolled her eyes at me, so I thanked her very sweetly, yet with a bit of irony in my voice. She stormed out in a huff.

“I don’t think Debbie likes me at all,” I mused. “That would make another female that probably wishes I were gone.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I had forgotten about Ginger. She does indeed want you gone or dead.” He continued, “Never mind about Debbie, Dr. Langley, she’s just not used to your personality. Please, have a seat.”

And you are? Seriously, was he implying that he knew me and knew what kind of person I was? I sat down, laying my napkin in my lap. I watched him while he poured me a glass of white wine. He was smirking at some unspoken thought. I could feel my heart beginning to race and my adrenaline spike. I wished I could read his mind so I’d know what he had planned. I didn’t drink or even pick up the glass of wine thinking, yet again, it may be poisoned. It wasn’t until he refilled his glass and took a long sip from it that I picked mine up and tasted the wine. It was actually delicious, very crisp and light.

“Mm, it tastes like summer in a glass. Not at all what I was expecting for fall weather.”

“What a very interesting description, Dr. Langley,” Chang said chuckling. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard it put that way. But, yes, I would agree, this wine is very light and fruity.” He took my plate and began to serve me before preparing a plate for himself. Everything looked and smelled enticing. My stomach grumbled.

“Please, Dr. Langley, don’t be shy. Dig in. It’s from one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants in the city. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.”

I took an inconspicuous deep breath, not knowing for certain if this man still wanted to kill me, and began to eat. The fish melted in my mouth and the vegetables were just the right amount of doneness. We were eating in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the food. I began to look around the room, trying to see if I could spot a cell phone jammer or two. In the far corner, just outside the dining room, next to one of the sofas in the great room, on one of the end tables, it looked like there might be one but I would have to get closer to see if it actually was. From where I was, it just looked like a black, rectangular object.

“What are you looking for, Dr. Langley? What is so interesting