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

more likely to hurt David than do something like this. Also, she doesn’t fit the profile of someone who would have ties to the Triads.”

“Profile, shmofile! She’s a volatile person and has sociopathic tendencies. I wouldn’t say never when it comes to her.” I looked at them, desperate for some hint of concession.

“What would she have to gain from doing this?” Ben wondered. “What would be her motive? I just don’t see it, Isabel.”

“Perhaps you’re right and I’m just being paranoid,” I said, looking out one of my windows to the receptionist’s desk. I noticed Pam walking, looking like she was dressed for work. I thought she had a concussion? Should she be here? Huh. Was there something pressing that Pam has to be here? It didn’t add up. She could always work from home.

“Yes, which brings us to our next point,” Conny sighed. “We’ve arranged for you and your family to leave for Dallas as soon as possible. We’ve spoken with your father and his pilot said they have cleared them to land the company jet at Midway airport within the next three hours.”

“Belín and your mother are finishing their breakfast and will be up shortly so we can all leave for your house to pack,” Ben added. “Conny has spoken with Pam and she’s agreed to let Patti be in charge of the group therapy tonight. We need to get you somewhere safe, Isabel.”

I looked at them impassively, nodded my head and got up to look out into the reception area. “I’m not going anyway,” I muttered to myself.

“I didn’t quite get that, Isabel. Can you please repeat it?” Conny asked.

I turned and faced them. “Is that an ultimatum? Because it sounds like the FBI is trying to strong arm me into doing something I don’t want to do,” I said, irritation in my voice.

“Not at all, Isabel,” Conny’s voice was reassuring. “I’m merely thinking of your safety and the safety of my agents.”

“I said I would go, but not now. I’m doing the therapy tonight. If you want another psychologist there that’s fine, but I will also be there,” I said flatly, looking out into the reception area. “I’m not worried about my safety and as far as your agents, they can stay and babysit me or they can leave. So far they’ve done just fine so I don’t see a problem.”

“Isabel, I have to insist you go. It really is safer and better this way. Perhaps it would be better if you speak with your father about the matter. Why don’t we call him and see what he has to say?” The tone of his voice surprised me. Were we in high school again? Was he my teacher, threatening to call my parents because I misbehaved?

I spun and eyed him, accusing, “Did you really just threaten me with my father?” Indignation in my voice. My eyes darted between Ben and Conny. Ben was rubbing his forehead, wrinkling his face. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. All right, I could play his game.

“How’s Pam doing, Mr. Conny?” I asked. “I just saw her walk in… she looks good… dressed like she’s going to stay and work,” I tried to keep my voice as even as possible. “I’m curious,” I began, looking down the hall to Pam’s office. “Were you the one taking care of her this week or was her husband doing that for you?” I turned around to gauge his body language. “Did Pam’s husband know she was… working this past Saturday?” I raised both eyebrows, eyeing Conny.

He shifted uncomfortably, “What are you implying, Doctor Langley?”

Oh, so it’s Doctor Langley now is it, I thought, my irritation peaking. “Pam is married,” I exclaimed, “to a drunk,” I added, “that usually doesn’t know what day of the week it is and turns up missing a lot. But your marriage seems fine, by all accounts and appearances, it seems fine to the public. As far as I can see and as far as the public can see, you’re happily married, but there’s probably a reason why you want that picture to be painted. Wouldn’t it be awful if the media were to find out why you two were really here on that Saturday during the shooting? I think Pam would survive the scandal. No one would blame her, given her husband, but you…” I said, not completing my thought.

He eyed me, expressionless, straightening his back. “You would hurt Pam that way?” he asked, his voice monotone.

“No sir, I wouldn’t be the one hurting Pam. You would. You just have to agree that I will be at tonight’s therapy and no one needs to know,” spoken with a ring of threat in my voice. “It’s all in your hands, Mr. Conny.” We glared at each other. “And let me just add that this isn’t costing the FBI anything. You’re not buying me a plane ticket or one for the agent that has to accompany me to Dallas. We’re flying on my father’s company jet. Yes, it’s the company plane but it still comes out of my father’s pocket. I’m actually making your life easier and less expensive.”

I glanced at Ben; he was awfully quiet. Was that a hint of a grin flirting on his face? I couldn’t tell since he was still stroking his chin, probably to cover it up. I sat at my desk, eyeing Conny, waiting for a response.

“You win, Langley.” His tone was abrasive and his body language seemed contentious. “We stay with the original plan and you can leave tonight. Like you said, this is on your father’s dime, not ours.” He stormed out of my office flinging the door open.

“Crap! He was madder than an old wet hen! I sure hope I didn’t make a big mistake here.” I propped my elbow on the arm of my chair and laid my head in