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

“Yes, we did. I miss all that with you.” He wore a big grin. “I haven’t met a girl yet that’s as much fun as you.”

“What? No way!” I leaned back in my chair. “What with your stubbornness and unwillingness to be flexible… you’re a real catch, Jake.” I winked at him.

“Ha-ha. Make fun of me all you want, Isabel, but from what I remember, you’re just as stubborn.”

I laughed. “Yeah, I have noticed that more lately.” I quickly changed the subject before it got awkward. “Jake, let’s compare notes on this case we both happen to have.”

He agreed and got his giant phone out. Presumably that’s where he kept his notes on Alexandra. “Okay, what do you want to know?”

“Give me a second, I just printed out two pictures for you.” I got up to retrieve the photos from the printer. “Take a look at these pictures,” I said, handing him the pictures Belín took of Elsa and Inara with the woman and the Asian man. “These two girls were just at the ER, one of them getting treated by David Summers.” I pointed to Elsa and told him her name. “The other girl is Inara, her friend, and the woman is named Debbie. David said Ginger is friends with Debbie. I’m sorry I don’t have a last name for you. I don’t know who the Asian man is but I suspect he’s there to make sure the girls don’t run away. I’m ninety-nine percent sure that man is carrying a gun and is helping Debbie hold those girls captive.”

Jake looked stunned. “How do you know all this?”

“My cousin is a journalist and has been trying to find these girls since she left Kosovo.”

“Are you saying these girls are from Kosovo?” He looked at the picture again. “How do these girls tie into this current case with Alexandra Copen?”

“Alex said this woman and Asian man were holding her and several other girls captive. Elsa and Inara were in the same house Alex escaped from.” I paused, adding, “These people left before we had a chance to talk to Alex, otherwise maybe we could have called you and you could have held them for questioning.”

“And the other picture? The Asian man staring straight into the camera?” he asked.

“Wow, I didn’t realize she got such a good shot of him,” I added. “That guy is a Chinese Triad member. See his tattoo.” I pointed to his arm. “That is the symbol the Chinese Triads use and proudly display,” I offered. “This guy is bad news. He too was here but only to pick up the people from the first photo I showed you.”

He was typing on his phone that looked more like a mini tablet than a phone. “Let me run a check on all this and I can email you or text you what I find.”

Ben walked in and stood next to Jake, giving me a look to hurry up with this guy. I looked at him confused but nodded. Jake noticed Ben and politely extended his hand. Ben nodded and shook his hand.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners,” I said. “Jake this is Special Agent Ben Davis with the FBI, Ben this is my good friend, Detective Jake Sheldon.” I stood up to walk Jake to the door. “Please let me know what you find as soon as you can.”

“Give me a few hours… I’ll have something for you,” he said.

I hugged him and kissed him on the cheek, with a “Thank ya much, I appreciate ya.”

He laughed. “I see you haven’t lost your charming Texas accent.”

“Yes, that’s what I’m told, but it’s hardly charming. I’m still working on keeping it at bay.”

“Isabel, don’t change a thing. You’re perfect just like that.”

I gave Jake a warm smile and walked him to the door, closing it behind him.

I turned to Ben, confused and irritated. What could be so important that I had to rush Jake? He might have had information on Alex that I could use.

“Ben! What the heck?” I asked, annoyed.

“Stems is on her way up here with Alex and Beth. It sounds like they had a good talk and both the girl and mom feel comfortable with Stems being with them.”

“Oh. Thanks. Sorry I snapped at you,” I said shyly.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he said, looking worried.

“Oh?”

“Your mother and Belín are at your house. Your mother is packing up her things and she’s also packing a few bags for you.”

“Okay, so?” I eyed him, perplexed. His body language was off. I couldn’t put my finger on what his issue may be.

“So, Belín isn’t going to Dallas with you. She refuses now that her story is here with those girls you two saw,” he said, rubbing his chin. “She spoke with her boss in Madrid to update him on the situation, sending him pictures, and now he’s willing to send her money to keep her here so she can finish the story,” he finished, seeming nervous.

“That’s actually great news for her,” I replied. “So, what’s the problem? You’re rubbing your chin and moving around like you’re agitated.”

“I’m staying here with Belín and you’ll be getting a new agent.”

“Is that all?” I rolled my eyes. “I swear, Ben, sometimes I think you have the worst news to tell me because of your body language.” I started moving some files on my desk when I noticed Ben was still looking at me. “That’s not all, is it, Ben?” My stomach clenched.

He exhaled, “Conny is stepping in to take my place.”

I blanched at him. “Conny…Conny? FBI director Conny?” I gave him an incredulous smile. “You’re joking, right? Say you’re joking Ben.”

He shook his head, saying, “I’m sorry, Isabel. I have a feeling he offered because this is such a high-profile case.” He paused. “I know you two