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

on his way to Canada this time, with one of his huntin’ buddies and Thomas Henry, to hunt elk. Dad called me last week and asked if I wanted to go. He was so fired up he sounded like a little kid on Christmas morning. But Mom’s furious with him ‘cause he chose to go huntin’ instead of coming here and celebrating your birthday with you. Although he will see you when he gets back, but only because he has to bring the company jet here to pick up Mom,” Charlie chuckled. I smiled—it was kind of funny. My father was always doing something that upset my mother and he never understood what she was getting upset at.

“So why didn’t you go, Charles Andrew?” I wondered.

“There’s no way I’m going huntin’ in Canada this time of year. Besides, I’d rather be here eating mom’s cooking where it’s warm,” he said, smiling at our mother. She winked back.

“You know, Mom, it was Josh’s birthday just a few days ago. He and I have the same birthday month except he never got to celebrate his birthday and I dare say he probably won’t get to see his parents either because of his work. I think we should do something special for him as well. What do you think?” This would be a nice little project for her to do. This way I could get a few things done.

“Absolutely! I think that’s a fantastic idea. I’m going with your brother to buy him a suit and after that I’ll take care of everything. You two go do what you need to do and we’ll meet back here tonight at seven. Sound good?”

“That’s perfect, Mom. Can’t wait!”

“Poor boy. Did you at least get to talk to your mama on your special day?” She patted and rubbed the back of Josh’s hand.

“Yes, ma’am, I did. My parents called me on my birthday but I was at the courthouse and couldn’t talk long, so it was very brief.”

“My, my, such a hard worker. Well, at least I know my angel is in good, hardworking, honest hands. Don’t disappoint me now.” Her last sentence had a ring of foreboding. She gave him a motherly look and patted his back as she was getting up to get more coffee.

Josh almost choked on his juice. “No, ma’am. Never.”

“Where do your folks live, Josh?” My mother was starting to pry. She could have done this while they were having their talk earlier this morning. What was she up to? My mother could be stealthy at times.

“They’re in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.”

“Is that where you’re from?”

“Yes, ma’am. Born and raised. My parents and sister too.”

“Sister?” My mother looked surprised. “Tell me about them.”

“Well, my sister is younger than me. Her name is Erica. She’s a chemical engineer for a big oil company. My father is also a chemical engineer but he has his own company. We really don’t speak since I decided to go into the FBI and not into the family business with him, although he does call me on my birthday. My sister worked with him for a while but then couldn’t do it anymore. It’s a long story.” His voice grew quiet as he said this, as if he was perplexed by it or just drained by it all. “And my mother is a first-grade teacher.” His expression looked uneasy. I took his hand in both of mine and gave it a tight squeeze. A smile spread across his face when he looked at me and I knew he was okay. My mother regarded us for a moment and then began to pick up the kitchen with Charlie.

“Honey, I noticed that Josh has the spare bedroom. Does that mean I get to share your bedroom with you?”

“Dr. Langley,” Josh interjected through a mouthful of food, “please take the room. I’m not going to sleep much and if I do sleep, I can just rest in a chair in Isabel’s room. I do need to stay close to her.”

My mother didn’t react or even act surprised. She knew about my virginity and she knew everything that happened with David Summers. She just looked at me with concern. I was sure she was thinking or hoping this wouldn’t turn into another Dr. David Summers situation. Especially since Josh has to be here…with me…indefinitely.

We finished doing the dishes and picking up. My mother and Charlie headed out to do their shopping and I headed for my office to look over some notes and my victim’s file. I still couldn’t put my finger on why I had this feeling that I was missing something. I read through every file I brought home and all my notes. I looked up a few things on the Chinese Triads and the Hongmen. I got into my old documents to see if perhaps I could find a clue there. Nothing, nothing jumped out at me.

Josh walked in, looking enticing in his sweat pants and fitted, long-sleeved t-shirt. I rested my head in my hands, tired of racking my brain, looking for I didn’t know what in all my notes, files and documents. I exhaled loudly and started rubbing my head with my fingertips. Josh was at my side, moving my hair off my shoulder and away from my neck. He leaned over and kissed me on my neck and under my earlobe. My breath caught in my chest and I looked up at him. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I parted my lips, waiting for him. He kissed me passionately, making my head swim. He swiveled my chair so that I was facing him and knelt down in front of me. He spread my legs and positioned himself in between my thighs. I ran my fingers though his hair and he let out a soft groan. He stopped kissing me and pulled away to look