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

don’t understand. How was this man able to get a weapon past the metal detectors?”

Josh sat in the chair next to me and grabbed my hand. “Because it wasn’t metal. The weapon he took in was a stake hidden inside of an EpiPen case. That’s all security saw on the scanner so they didn’t question it. Thankfully, it wasn’t long enough to hit Jill’s heart. It barely missed it.”

“Then how did Stevens get injured if this all happened in the ladies’ room?” I wondered aloud.

“When Stevens heard the screaming from the other women he ran in and surprised the assailant. Jill was already on the floor bleeding. Thinking she was dead, the assailant threw the stake at Stevens and stabbed him in the shoulder. Stevens got one shot in and hit him in his right hand. When the assailant yelled in pain, that’s when Stevens knew he was a male. Several bailiffs ran in and apprehended the man. He’s in FBI custody now,” Josh finished, squeezing my hand.

“That doesn’t mean the danger is over for you, Isabel,” Pam added. “That’s why Special Agent Allison Stems is here.”

“Is she taking Josh’s place?” I didn’t like the thought of that, surprising myself.

“No, dear, Josh has adamantly requested to stay on this case with you. Agent Stems is here to accompany you to places Josh cannot.”

I chuckled at the thought, “Pam, this is silly. I can take care of myself. I don’t need two babysitters.”

“After today’s incident at the courthouse and knowing how deceptive these people can be, it’s best we take every precaution. Also, it was Tim Conny’s, the SAC, decision. He called me moments before you arrived to inform me of everything that transpired.” Pam wasn’t giving me a choice.

I thought for a minute. This was ridiculous; I could take care of myself. How could I make everyone understand I don’t need two babysitters? How could I make them see this wasn’t a good idea?

“I think this is a terrible idea,” I stated. “Agent Stems’ presence will just attract more attention to me, hence compelling the Triads to be more creative in their thinking and possibly injuring civilians. This morning at the courthouse was a good case in point, don’t you agree? I think the façade I have going with Josh is the best solution. Everyone thinks he’s my boyfriend, that’s why he’s always around, because we can’t get enough of each other. If the Triads try to get to me, I’m sure they’ll think it’ll be very easy to get through a clueless boyfriend. Moreover, Josh and everyone else could probably see them coming, especially now that everyone knows what to look for.” I looked around the room, hoping that was convincing enough. Pam looked at everyone. Davis was nodding in agreement with me; Josh and Agent Stems were stone-faced. I couldn’t begin to speculate what they were thinking.

“Very well,” Pam said, standing up. “Let me call the director and if he agrees then we’ll do it your way, Isabel.”

I exhaled, not knowing I had been holding my breath. I remembered the figure that I saw last night when I was in my basement. Whoever that was—could they be connected to this? It was a little odd to see someone out that late and just standing there, staring at me. Stems made her way toward the windows to look at everything outside. My stomach was in knots; I didn’t think I could keep anything down if I ate. I plopped down at my desk, feeling drained. I drank almost all of my root beer and felt a little better.

Josh pulled up a chair next to mine. “Hey, why don’t we share your food? I haven’t eaten all day either.” I think he noticed I wasn’t doing so well and was trying to get me to eat. I smiled and said okay. I ate only half the burger and a few fries. Josh inhaled the rest.

“How did I get everyone into this mess?” My voice was a whisper.

“Hey, don’t do that. This isn’t your fault. There are just some bad people out there and you’re just good at your job,” Josh answered, holding both my hands in my lap. “Isabel, you’re the only one that figured out this was the Chinese Triads and a sex trafficking operation. The FBI didn’t have a clue until this morning when you asked Jill to send her investigator. And yes, sadly, he was murdered but he knew the risks in his line of work.” I looked up into his compassion-filled eyes and placed my hand on his warm cheek. He held it there with his hand and turned slightly to kiss my palm.

“I know it’s not my fault, Josh, but it sure feels like it is. I should’ve come to you with my suspicions and you could’ve informed Stevens and the FBI Director and maybe there would be a different outcome right now for Jill, Stevens and the investigator. This is the consequence of my stupid, preventable mistakes and I am so sorry for that.”

Pam came back in, frowning. Was she concerned or irritated? I couldn’t tell.

“It’s all settled,” she said. “Conny agrees with the idea. We will leave things as is. Isabel and Agent Rockwall will continue with their pseudo relationship and Conny will inform you all of your role in this.” Pam turned on her heels and uttered an oath beneath her breath as she headed back to her office.

 

7

I didn’t know how to feel or react. I suspected Pam’s conversation with Conny didn’t go as she planned and she was clearly bothered by it. I decided to look out the windows and try to clear my mind. I stood there admiring the soaring vista that was Chicago’s skyline, thinking about Jill and contemplating if the surgery went well. It was only early afternoon and so much had happened. Life this