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

We walked back to the same dining room and she left us once she delivered me. There were flowers on the table this time, a beautiful arrangement of red roses. It set the mood for something but what? My stomach was in knots from nerves. I fought the urge to wring my hands. I didn’t want to let him see me nervous or scared. Overhead, I heard music playing. The melody was very familiar. It was a classical piece. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“You look confused, Dr. Langley. Do you recognize what’s playing right now?”

“As a matter of fact, it is very familiar.” I paused to listen some more. “It couldn’t possibly be ‘The Isle of the Dead,’ could it? If it is, I don’t remember it sounding so… scary.” Did it sound scary to me because of the present circumstances I was in or did I just not remember the eeriness to it? My nerves were not letting me think clearly and my stomach was doing flip-flops. Keep it together, Isabel Grace. This is just dinner and everyone is fine.

“As I recall, one of the words you used to describe this musical piece was ominous.”

“So it was.” He handed me a glass of red wine, clinking my glass once as I took it from his hand. He was smiling from ear to ear. I forced somewhat of a grin and then took a long sip of my wine, trying to calm my nerves. I tried not to think about poisoned foods or drinks.

“Dr. Langley, you look absolutely stunning. I’m so glad the clothes and shoes fit. I picked them out myself. Debbie just went to pick them up.” It sounded like he wanted credit for his fashion sense.

“Thank you, Mr. Chang. You have very good taste,” I took my necklace in between my fingers, wishing it were Josh and I having dinner together, instead of Mr. Crazy and me. “So, not only do you have an eye for art and decorating, but you also have an eye for fashion. I’m impressed,” I said, trying to sound impressed. He smiled a ridiculous face, cracking a smile.

We sat down to eat. The music was still playing overhead. He took out his phone and lowered the volume just enough. He was chatting away non-stop. His tone was excited and light and he was being very animated. It was all too weird considering I knew what he was. He had hired wait staff and a chef for our dinner. He felt the need to tell me that the girls were not eating their dinner in the big kitchen that we had breakfast in, but in the smaller kitchen at the other end of the house. He had answered my unspoken question. Did he arrange it this way so the hired help wouldn’t get suspicious or did he consider this a date and wanted privacy? I wasn’t sure and I wasn’t about to ask. Debbie’s cover, after all, was that she was running a nonprofit and Chang was just a part of that. What surprised me, however, was that he actually trusted that I wouldn’t blurt out “help me, I’ve been kidnapped” to one of them. Perhaps these people worked for him as well?

I shook my head, trying to shake the confusion out. Chang was still talking about the music. I was trying to keep up, trying not to think about anything else except keeping him interested in me and happy.

“I hope you like Beef Wellington, Dr. Langley. It is one of my favorites and paired with this wine is even better.” Jeez! How could this guy be in such a good mood? He took a long sip of his wine and then smacked his lips. “This is my favorite red wine. I hope you like it.”

“So far, Mr. Chang, you have hit the nail right on the head on every count. I am thoroughly enjoying everything,” I said, clenching my jaw. I hadn’t lied this much since I was a teenager. This was ridiculous.

“I’m looking into locating the original painting of The Isle of the Dead,” Chang said, before taking another sip of his wine. “Once I locate it, I’d like you to come with me so we can bring it back to my home.”

I nearly choked on my food. I put my fork down and took a drink of water. Was he actually starting to trust me? “I’m sorry, what?” I croaked.

“Don’t worry, Dr. Langley, Betty Lou will be safe here with the other girls. You have my word that she will have no appointments and she will be well taken care of. And as for the other girls, I promise you that no one else will ever abuse, hit, attack or take advantage of them again. You were right about Frank. He was indeed costing me money.”

I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, but you’re already abusing them by selling them for sex, you delusional, fucking human sex trafficker!

I quickly composed myself and took a deep breath. “Thank you, Mr. Chang, you just don’t know what that means to me. And now knowing that, I look forward to that day with anticipation.” I forced a small smile, thinking about what he just proposed. “But how are you so sure I won’t try to get away or get help?”

“Because, Dr. Langley, I have Betty Lou and your friend Caroline.”

And there was the Victor Chang we all know and hate.

He seemed to enjoy my gratitude and it also seemed to fuel his enjoyment of our evening together. It was disturbing.

We talked about his mansion this time and what inspired him to decorate the way he did. He explained it was a living canvas and things were constantly coming and going. I was hoping to get a