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

blankly. David’s demeanor was cool and collected. He was giving nothing away.

“She looks better, doctor,” Chang exclaimed.

“Her blood pressure dropped slightly, causing her to get lightheaded, nothing serious. She just needs more fluids and some rest and she’ll be fine,” said David, sounding very convincing. I didn’t remember him taking my blood pressure. “She’ll be ready for whatever you need her to do.”

“Excellent news!” Chang handed David a very thick envelope. “Thank you, doctor. Tony will see you out.” Chang motioned to the man standing by the doorway. David nodded without cracking a smile or so much as glancing at me. I watched him as he walked out, not knowing what to think or feel. This was all very surreal.

My eyes flashed back to Chang. Had he accepted the bid from Josh? I needed to know.

“Mr. Chang, did you accept the offer? Am I leaving… um, you?” I tried to sound as if it was going to be a struggle for me to leave him. That should stroke his ego.

“Yes, Dr. Langley, I have. But I decided to go with another man who put in his bid at the last minute. He not only matched the amount of the original offer but also added his yacht and crew with it. I couldn’t pass on that,” he said, sounding almost giddy. “The money is being wired now. He wants delivery tonight. Debbie will meet you in your room in thirty minutes to help with your luggage. Please pack everything I bought you, he is expecting you to look as you do on the website.”

I stood up in a hurry. “Mr. Chang! Tonight? You want to get rid of me so soon?” This buyer couldn’t be Josh. David never mentioned a yacht. My stomach was doing flips and I was wringing my hands. What could I say to make him change his mind? “Mr. Chang, what about us? What about you and me?”

He froze, staring at me in disbelief. “Dr. Langley, you actually think of you and me as an us?”

“Yes,” I prompted, sounding desperate.

“I don’t know what to say. I always thought we could be good together. We have so many things in common; we both appreciate the finer things in life, and we have such stimulating conversations. Your knowledge of art is very impressive.” He sighed, “Yes, we could be an us. I hate to see you go but business is business.”

CRAP! Think of something, Dr. Langley. “Mr. Chang,” my voice cracked in my throat. “Please, at least have one last drink with me before you deliver me. Let me pack and change and then let’s have one last cognac together.”

He smiled broadly. “All right… let’s. You’re right. We need a proper goodbye. We’ve spent so much time together, it’s only fitting I should say goodbye to you properly.”

I smiled weakly, nodding. I hurried back to my room, practically knocking the door off its hinges, running in. I shut the door behind me and locked it, not bothering to be quiet about it. Everyone jumped to their feet, startled.

“Good grief, Isabel Grace, what the hell is wrong with you?” Caroline exclaimed.

I started to strip off my clothes and put on a pair of jeans and a cotton, long-sleeve t-shirt. “Caroline!” My voice had an edge to it. “Get Betty out of bed and dressed. Then I need you and Lilly to get dressed.” They stared at me, shocked but did as I said. I outlined for them what I had planned. I told them to fill the rest of the girls in on the plan.

Caroline placed her hand on my forearm. “I’m going with you, Isabel Grace.” She gazed into my eyes, her eyes blazing and determined. “I would rather die than keep living like this, so there ain’t no way you’re going without me,” she exclaimed.

I just nodded. Lilly and Betty Lou left to prepare the other girls. Caroline found some clothes in Lilly’s closet and pulled her hair back. I ran to the bathroom to retrieve my gun. I sat on the cold tile and counted how many bullets I had left. Twelve. I only had twelve left. Shit. I shoved the magazine back into the gun and loaded the chamber. My hands were shaking. At least there’s a skeleton crew of bodyguards and watchdogs at night. Just don’t miss, Isabel Grace. I stood up and placed the gun in the waistband of my jeans, covering it with my shirt. It was too bulky and very visible. I got a ski vest Chang had bought me for our trip to fetch the Isle of the Dead painting and put that on. A quick glance in the mirror and all looked better. I got my shoes on and shoved a bunch of clothes and shoes in two Gucci bags, just enough for them to feel heavy and Debbie not question me.

There was a knock at the door and then the doorknob started to turn. It was Debbie; she couldn’t get in. I started for the door when Caroline grabbed my arm.

“Here,” she said handing me a few of the special chocolates, neatly placed in a small plastic bag. “Place one of these in his drink. It’ll dissolve pretty fast and he’ll be easier to handle.”

“Caroline…” my eyes flashed up to meet hers. Why did she have these with her? Was she one of the girls who was addicted to the drug? My heart sank.

“Don’t worry, I’m not hooked on these things and no, I haven’t tried one… yet. I’ve been carrying them around with me for some time now. I was going to take enough to put me to sleep and never wake up, but now that you’re here and we’re about to…” she trailed off.

Debbie was knocking harder. Caroline disappeared into the closet. I shoved the chocolates into my pocket, smoothed my hair, turned out all