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

“Are any of you willing to tell me who Debbie’s boss is?” No one spoke up, reaffirming their fear.

One after the other they told us how they were photographed and solicited through some obscure app. How they were rented out for sex with older men. They told us how they were raped, given drugs and some of them were addicted to drugs now as a result. How they were beaten and psychologically abused to keep them scared and from acting out or running away. A few of them said they were bought and sold by other sex traffickers before they ended up here. Some of them also explained they thought their online boyfriend loved them and wanted to be with them, but in fact, he was just the bait so they would run away with him only to find out he was part of a sex trafficking operation. The Romeo Belín described, I thought. They also explained how none of them, not a single one, had gone to the police or seen a doctor since they got away. They said Mr. Hong told them not to go to any ER or trust anyone, but to only trust me. But why me? And why was he saying every ER was not to be trusted? Was it possible the Triads had members at every hospital’s ER in the Chicago area?

Several of the girls were crying as they recalled their fear, while others were angry and exhibited some rage and self-loathing for being so stupid. But they all agreed on one thing… they wanted to help us help the rest of the girls they left behind get out.

“Ladies, why did Tori and Mr. Hong say to ask for me? And why is he saying not trust any of the Chicago ERs?” I wondered aloud.

“All the ERs have bad people in them,” Rose explained. “They help Miss Debbie with medicines for us if we’re sick or if her boss beats us, they also help her with our cuts and broken arms or whatever.”

My mind flashed to the image of Ginger hugging Debbie in the ER and David saying they’re friends.

Alex stood up. “Because she said you actually cared about her and Elizabeth and aren’t as scary as the other doctors they had to see, and Mr. Hong told us to find you because he said you’re very smart and could be trusted.”

I gasped softly. Elizabeth! I completely forgot about my victim! I scanned the room for her, but she wasn’t there. I spun in my seat and eyed Ben. He was at my side at once, whispering in my ear, telling me she and her mother were fine and in protective custody. They didn’t want them coming tonight due to all the attempts made on my life. They were fearful the same might happen to her. I exhaled, not realizing I was holding my breath. Relief set in and I tried to compose myself. I didn’t want the girls to see me jarred.

“Ladies.” Pam stepped in. She was standing so the girls could see her better. “I know you all are scared and worried about what may happen to you and the other girls that are still in that awful situation. And since no one has gone to the police or seen a doctor we’re going to help you with that here.” She motioned for Tim Conny to come forward. “This is FBI director Tim Conny. He’s not a police officer but he is in law enforcement,” she said. “He’s been here observing this evening due to the severity of the situation. Mr. Conny and his agents will be the only ones that will be helping you and your families for the time being.”

Ben cleared his throat and waved his hand so the girls would give him their attention. “As far as you ladies getting medical attention, the FBI will help you with that as well. The doctors here and I will talk with your parents and set that up,” he offered.

“What if we don’t have parents?” a shy voice asked. We scanned the room, searching for who asked the question.

“Identify yourself, sweet girl,” I said. “We’re here to help you.”

A tall, lanky looking thing stood up from the middle of the mass of girls. She looked to be about sixteen, maybe seventeen years old. She had short, spiky red hair and a beautiful face. She looked too slender, unhealthy almost. I saw she had a pile of snacks in front of her at her feet. Poor thing must be starving.

“Angel, you don’t have parents, or you don’t have parents here with you tonight?” I asked.

“My parents are in California. I ran away with my boyfriend… er… I thought he was my boyfriend… and I just don’t know if I can call them. They probably hate me for running away with that boy.” Her voice grew quiet as if she was ashamed of the whole ordeal or just lost, unsure of what to do.

“Sweet girl, tell me your name.”

“It’s Melody, like the melody in music.”

“Melody,” I repeated. “That’s a lovely name.” She smiles. “Melody, your parents will never hate you. If you know how to get in touch with them we can call them together. Does that sound good to you?”

She nodded, giving me a shy smile.

“Where are you staying, Melody?” Ben asked.

“Anywhere that I can find. They won’t let me stay at any of the kid shelters since I’m nineteen. They said I’m too old.”

Nineteen? Son of a gun! She looked so young. It must be the malnourishment. We had to get some food for this girl and a safe place to sleep.

“Don’t leave after the group therapy is over,” Ben said. “Let us help you find a safe place to stay while we get in touch with your parents.” Ben paused, looking at the sea of girls. “Is there anyone