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

ate but there’s water, juices and sodas in the mini fridge,” I offered. “We also have candy and a few healthy snacks in the cabinets next to the fridge.”

“This room is amazing!” Alex chimed. “I want my bedroom to look like this… minus the cars.”

“This is a pretty great room,” Beth added.

“I’m glad you like it,” I said. “Maybe it will help to not feel so stressed answering questions.”

Agent Stems was enjoying one of the beanbags and Ben took a seat on the sofa with Beth.

“I’ll leave y’all to it then. I have to go prepare for tonight’s therapy.” I turned to look at Beth. “I’ll see you and Alex there tonight?”

“We’ll be there,” she answered, smiling.

22

I got to my desk and began to tackle all the paperwork that was on it. But first I made a file on Alexandra Copen, with extensive notes and the pictures Belín sent me. I was able to get a lot of the paperwork out of the way, thanks to no interruptions. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Patti walking back in from court. She didn’t bother to go to her office but came directly to mine instead.

“Hey, you’re back early,” I commented.

“Thankfully, they got to me early on in the trial and once I was done with my testimony, the prosecutor said I was free to leave.” She looked spent. “I’m ready to eat and take these heels off!”

“Go, do what you need to do,” I said. “I have everything ready for group therapy tonight, so don’t worry about anything.”

“Oh, bless you, Isabel!” She smiled at me, grateful she didn’t have to prepare. She hurried down the hall toward her office, waving at Pam as she walked past.

Pam was back? Crap! I wondered if Conny told her about our… conversation? I wondered if Conny was with her? I’d been alone in my office with no Ben or any other agent for at least an hour now. He did say Conny was stepping in to babysit me; he just never said when. I got up to look but couldn’t really see who was in her office. I saw movement and I heard some muffled talking but couldn’t make out who it could be. My gut was in knots. If he did tell Pam, would she absolutely hate me?

Ben and Stems were finally out. Ben was heading toward my office and Stems was exiting through the back with Alex and her mother. I waved at them. Alex was yelling across the room, saying she would see me tonight. I gave her two thumbs up, glad to see her spirits were picking up. I noticed Conny emerging from Pam’s office, stopping Ben before he got to my room. They said a few words and then both men stalked in my direction.

I quickly ran back to my desk and busied myself, trying not to look guilty of spying. Ben knocked although my door was already open. They walked in without waiting for me to invite them in, shutting the door behind them. The two men sat in the chairs in front of my desk. Neither man looked tense or angry. That was a good sign—so far so good.

“Isabel,” Ben said, his voice taut. “I think you’re going to have a full house tonight with group therapy and an even fuller house next week.”

My eyebrows shot up. “I knew about tonight’s full house but what did Alex say that makes you conclude next week will be more so?”

“Remember those other girls she mentioned? The ones that also escaped with her?”

I nodded.

“Well, they’re in hiding because the man they call ‘the boss’ or ‘Debbie’s boss’ threatened to kill anyone that ran away,” he declared. “Alex doesn’t know where they’re hiding but she did give us their names. The man that helped them get out… the man named Hong… he specifically told them to look for you and you only.” He paused, glancing at Conny. “He said to trust no one that works in the ERs and to immediately ask for Dr. Isabel Langley.”

I remembered the uneasy feeling I got when Alex told me this strange man knew me and had been watching me. “Yes, I remember her mentioning Hong. But why did he say ‘ERs?’ Plural. I only work at this hospital. Did he mean to say ER? As in Cook County ER? Or do you think that’s how it came out because of his accent?”

“We’re not sure,” Ben answered. “Alex and the other girls assumed all the ERs since he made finding you and only you very clear to them. So, for now, we’re going to assume all the ERs and start investigating that.”

I stared blankly at both men, not knowing what to feel or think. We or I had an ally out there somewhere, a faceless ally. “And next week? Why do you think next week’s group therapy will be fuller?” I asked.

“Because if this Hong guy is helping those girls and telling them to ask for only you, then we’re almost certain they will show up to therapy and not to any ER,” Ben replied.

“Isabel, this just reaffirms that there is someone in this ER that is helping the Triads,” Conny said. “You being here and working in such close proximity to this person is madness. We’ve already moved Jill to a secure location with a doctor we know and trust,” he added. “I don’t want to be doing that with you.”

He was right. I was putting myself at risk as well as his agents. But I just couldn’t bring myself to worry about my safety right now… especially now that there were more girls that needed me.

“Yes.” I paused. “I am sorry for my outburst earlier. I can understand your position, especially given the phone calls you received from D.C.” I sighed heavily. “Please,