Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

eyes. He was instantly delighted and began to tell me about the sculptures. He said talking about them didn’t do them justice: I must see them to appreciate their true beauty. So, he took me on a tour of his mansion. We stopped in every room with the exception of the bedrooms. The mansion, the artwork, the furniture, it was all so breathtaking. The epitome of opulence. After a few minutes of walking around and looking around, I began to get my bearings. He casually mentioned there weren’t any originals in the bedrooms, only very good reproductions. The sculptures were incredible. I recognized a few and he educated me on a few. I got the impression he enjoyed educating me on the ones I knew nothing about. The ones I was familiar with, we discussed at length and also discussed the artist and what he or she must have felt. There were a few times we got into a debate over modern art versus abstract art. I tried not to upset him but kept it light and interesting. I think I succeeded since I observed he wore a smile the entire time.

He noticed I was yawning and apologized for keeping me up so late. What? Why would he care how late it was and if I was tired? I was just a thing to him. A thug with manners… how about that. I arched an eyebrow at him.

“Dr. Langley, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed myself tonight. I haven’t had such stimulating conversation since… I can’t remember when.” He paused, gazing into my eyes. “It’s very late and I can see you are tired. I could go on and on talking about art.” He walked me to my room and clasped my hand in between both of his. “I will see you in the morning. Rest well. Perhaps next time we can discuss music… another one of my favorites.” And with that, he turned and stalked off.

I walked in quietly and went to where Betty Lou was fast asleep. She didn’t stir when I sat on the bed. What the hell had just happened? The sociopath, sex trafficker that had kidnapped me and bought a twelve-year-old girl had behaved as if we were friends, or at the very least friendly acquaintances, and enjoyed his evening with me? I didn’t know what to make of tonight. My heart steadied and I could feel my body relax just a bit. I glanced in Lilly’s direction and she too, was dead to the world. I decided this was the perfect time to get the tampon out. If anyone heard noises it’d be bathroom noises and no one would think twice.

I shut the door behind me and looked under the sink where I left everything. The gun and tampon were still there. I decided to hide the gun a little better than under here so no one would accidentally find it. I closed the cabinet doors and sat on the edge of the enormous tub to inspect the tampon. I took it out of its wrapping and turned the switch to the on position. Hm, the small, red light was going to be a problem. I didn’t know how to hide it unless I actually put it inside me. But if I did that, would they still be able to find the signal? I had to do something, anything. I pulled my pajama bottoms and panties down and was about to insert the tampon when I saw the little red light go out. I inhaled sharply. No! I inspected it carefully, turning the power switch on and off several times and the light didn’t come back on. FUUUUCK!! The battery was dead. I let my head hang and squeezed my eyes shut, feeling defeated. Get it together, Isabel Grace. You’re smarter and braver than this, I told myself.

I pulled my bottoms up and put the tampon back in its hiding place, but not before checking what kind of battery it needed. Somehow, I had to get a AAA battery. I sat on the edge of the tub for a moment, contemplating what to do. Chang never brought up the fact I killed one of his men or that I shot another. He was down two men and he didn’t say or do anything to me. I think that frightened me more. What could be going on in his head that he felt human life was so insignificant?

The door opened, making me jump.

Betty Lou peeked her head in, “Isabel Grace?”

“Betty,” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Did I wake you?”

“No, I had a nightmare.”

My heart swelled for her. “Sweet angel, I’m here now. Let’s get back to bed. I’ll lay down with you.” I turned off the bathroom light and we climbed into bed together. I tucked Betty in and then cuddled beside her.

“Isabel?”

“Yes, sweet girl?”

“You were right about praying.”

“Oh?”

“I prayed for you to kill that man that wanted to hurt me and you did. And then I prayed that Mr. Chang would let you come back up here and be with me and he did. So, you were right.”

I kissed the top of her head and exhaled softly. “Don’t stop, okay? Somehow, I’ll get us out of here.” I paused, then finished, “If not us, then you, for sure,” I whispered, answering myself more than anything.

Betty was sleeping comfortably next to me. She was curled up in a little ball lying against my abdomen. I was spooning her, holding her like she was my teddy bear. Her body heat reminded me of Josh. I absentmindedly started fidgeting with the necklace he had given me. This couldn’t be it… we hadn’t had any time together. I knew he was coming but I had to help him and the FBI somehow. But how?

I woke with a jolt and for a split second I didn’t remember