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

“Ben, I’m not worried about that.” I shut my eyes. “Now if I want to see Josh I’m going to have to sneak around and do a lot of lying.” I plopped down in my chair. “This is going to go over like a turd in a punchbowl, you know!”

He chuckled. “I’m going to miss your accent and all your expressions.”

“He’s the director. Why is he stepping in to do this kind of babysitting?” I was flustered. “Is it Pam? Is she making him do this?” I got up to peek around my door in the direction of Pam’s office. She wasn’t in there. Earlier I noticed the bullet holes were still there but everything else was cleaned up. Did she leave for the day?

“It’s not Pam, Isabel,” he offered. “It’s your father.”

I spun, glaring him. “My father?”

“Yes, your father,” he sighed. “Let me begin by saying I had no idea your parents knew so many prominent people.” He seemed impressed. “Your mom has been keeping your dad abreast of everything that’s been happening while on his hunting trip and now at MIT with your brothers. From what I understand and from what Conny has said, a couple of state senators and a congressman have called him, expressing their concern for your safety and wellbeing, if you know what I mean.” He peeked up at me through his eyelashes.

“Let me guess,” I said. “Senators Ken Peters and Trey Shaw and Congresswoman Honey Thorton.” I looked at Ben, feeling defeated. “Am I right?”

He nodded, stunned. “How does your father know them?”

I raised my hand. “I’m actually the guilty party. Actually, that’s not entirely true,” I amended. “My brothers and I are the guilty parties. My brothers and I made friends with their kids when we were in elementary school. They weren’t in any kind of politics at that time. My mother then became good friends with their mothers, Congresswoman Honey Thorton being one of them and we have remained friends ever since. Once they decided to go into politics, my parents made and continue to make sizable donations to their campaigns.” I paused, adding, “So, in other words, my parents are only friends with these people because their kids are friends with my brothers and me.”

Ben raised his eyebrows. He was at a loss for words. I had to admit, I did not see this one coming. Just then, Alex and her mother walked in with Stems. I got out of my chair to greet them, trying to shake off my disappointment. I looked at the time and it was almost noon. Did they really take that long to eat?

“We got caught up talking over just about everything,” Stems offered. “We were having such a good time getting to know each other we lost track of time.” She must have noticed me check the time.

“I think Agent Stems is a perfect fit for us,” Beth added. “She made me feel comfortable about what her role will be with Alex and more importantly, Alex feels safe and comfortable with Agent Stems taking care of her.”

“I’m so happy to hear that!” I said, sounding excited. “I think we need to have more female agents helping us in cases like this, since so far it’s been all girls in this situation.” I glanced at Ben, he looked like he was ready to start interviewing Alex. “I think Agent Davis would like to get started on his interview with Alex. Are y’all okay with getting started on that?” I asked. “Agent Stems will stay in the room with her, and Beth, you can stay as well.”

Mother and daughter looked at one another. Alex nodded, her mom smiling and nodding back in encouragement. “Okay,” Beth replied. “I think we’re okay to start.”

Everyone physically relaxed, glad to hear we could go forward with the interview.

“Fantastic!” I exclaimed. “I’ll take y’all to a therapy room where it will be more private and more comfortable for everyone.” I nudged Alex with my elbow, smirking. “And we have lots of candy in there too.”

She grinned, looking more relaxed and at ease than how she had been this morning. I walked them to the room that was more tween kid friendly than teen friendly. I had a feeling they both needed lots of bright, happy colors to help them with their psyche. Hopefully, a bright, cheerful room would help keep their spirits up and make answering difficult questions a little easier. We walked in; I turned on all the lights and the lava lamps. I picked a few pillows up off the floor and placed them on the large, cushiony sectional. The sectional was my favorite piece in the room. It was a soft, royal blue fabric with deep cushions. The accent pillows were two different shades of soft yellow. It was a very inviting couch and it seemed Beth agreed. Her eyes lit up as she headed straight for the sofa, letting herself fall on it and stroking the fabric. The walls were a soft white with fairy appliqués on one wall and lots of different sports cars on another wall. The toys and art supplies were neatly put away in the cabinets and toy boxes in the back of the room next to the art tables.

Alex made a beeline for one of the extra-large beanbags, grinning. There were two furry, over-sized beanbags in front of the sectional, one hot pink for the girls and one baby blue for the boys. They were so large, the majority of the kids ended up using them as mini beds and just laid down on them. The huge area rug was a collage of different prints and patchwork. Also, it was very inviting for the young kids to just roll around on or take their shoes off and walk barefoot.

“I know y’all just