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

I strode back to my desk and politely asked the new agent if he was finished with whatever he was doing.

“I’m actually surprised you can use my computer to do your work,” I told him. “I thought being FBI you would need something more secure.”

“Oh, we do, but what I’m looking for is public information. Anyone can find this information,” he answered.

“What is it exactly that you’re researching, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Not at all,” he replied. “Davis asked what information we had on the Hongmen versus the Triads, present day, of course the information he needs regarding this case, I have to look up at the office, but what I’m searching for right now, since I have some time to spare with Davis being here, is some of the history. I think if I can better understand their history then I, or we, may be able to get one step ahead of the Triads with the help of the Hongmen.”

“That is actually a very bright idea, my friend,” I said.

“Thank you. And by the way, you and your cousin could pass for twins.” He glanced up at me, staring. What? Was he staring at my eyes or was he staring at my face? I shifted on my feet uncomfortably. “Except…” he trailed off.

“Except what?” I snapped.

“Except, I think your eyes are a more intense green than your cousin’s.” He stood up to get a closer look, invading my personal space. “They seem brighter, hypnotic, almost as if they are inviting you in.” He took a step closer to me and I could feel his body heat engulfing me. I felt a little uncomfortable. I blinked rapidly and judiciously took a step back.

“Er… I think we should be on a first name basis before we’re this intimate. I almost feel like you’re going to swallow me whole.”

Belín and Ben laughed, startling the agent. He quickly looked down at the floor and took a few steps back. I felt my cheeks get hot, embarrassed for both him and me. I shouldn’t have been such a smart mouth.

“Sorry about that.” He moved out of my way and let me have the chair. “My name is Bless, by the way. Special Agent Adam Bless.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Adam or do you prefer I call you Agent Bless?” I sat down and closed the window he was just on.

“Adam is fine, ma’am.”

“Great! Then I’ll call you Adam but you have to call me Isabel. None of that Dr. Langley nonsense.” I gave him a warm smile.

“Yes, ma’am.” He managed a slight grin and slowly started to make his way to a chair but something stopped him and he turned to face me.

My eyes flickered up to him without moving my head. “Is there something the matter, Adam?”

“Isabel, I just want to say I’m sorry again for invading your space and staring at you the way I did.” He put his hands in his slacks, his expression serious. I stopped what I was doing to listen to what he had to say. “Davis told me before coming here, I was probably going to feel the urge to stare and I didn’t believe him. So, I just want you to know that the stares you get, and I bet you get plenty, it’s only because of your amazing green eyes. They are indeed beautiful…” He paused for a long minute as if he wanted to say something more but was unsure. He sighed softly. “And I gotta say, you’re a knockout, too.”

I smiled, flushing at his words. “Thank you for that, Adam. That is very sweet of you to say.” I glanced over to where Ben was sitting and he was covering his eyes with one hand, shaking his head. I was guessing Adam wasn’t supposed to let that slip.

24

We got through the rest of the day without any problems. I was finally caught up on all the paperwork that had been sitting on my desk for the past two weeks. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders now that it was finished. I sighed, closing my eyes and rubbing my neck. I looked around my office—my mother, Belín and Adam were all missing. Ben was reclined on the couch reading a magazine with Samson next to him on the floor. I gazed out into the reception area and saw Patti with Vanessa, laying out all the snacks and drinks for our therapy that night. I saw a few other people coming and going and wondered if those were some of the agents Conny was talking about. My cell phone rang and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was Josh, I told myself, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. I looked at the caller ID. It was David. Shit! I did tell him I would talk to him later. Was it really already later? I let out a loud, whiny moan and sent the call to voicemail. Ben sat up abruptly and eyed me. Samson reacted to his body language and jumped up.

“I’m sorry for my outburst, Ben, I just don’t want to deal with David right now.” I wiggled the phone in the air indicating he was calling. “In fact, I don’t want to deal with David ever,” I complained, shoving the phone back in my purse. I’d had enough shit happen to me, I didn’t want his ex-girlfriend shit coming my way. “Any luck finding out who could be involved with the Triads down at the ER?”

“Not yet. I’m sorry. I know this is frustrating, Isabel, but please, try to have a little patience. These things usually take time.”

I didn’t react; I just sat there slouched over my desk. I glanced at the clock: five-thirty. My thoughts started