Truth or Lies?

by A. Gomez

  We walked through the ER to the nurse’s station that was already abuzz with traumas and emergencies. David handed some papers to a nurse that was on the phone. She told him something about a patient that seemed to upset him. He released my hand to take the phone. I started to scan the floor for Ginger, hoping she didn’t see us. If she did, I was hoping she’d act with a little more decorum than usual… what with her off the wall opinions, brazen behavior… was it part of her DNA? I didn’t know what David ever saw in a deviant personality such as hers. It must have been just the sex. I decided since I was there, I was going to look in on Jill. I whispered in David’s free ear where I was going and to just meet me there.

  “Isabel, wait!” he called, covering the mouth piece on the phone.

  “It’s okay, just finish your call, I won’t leave, I promise,” I started heading to Jill’s room.

  “Isabel, don’t go! Ginger is still one of the nurses assigned to take care of Jill,” he said in a semi-loud voice.

  I whirled, looking at him with disdain. “Aren’t y’all afraid Ginger might kill her?”

  The nurse by David chuckled. He ended the phone call in a hurry, walking over to me to take me aside so no one else could hear us.

  “Love, I know you want to see your friend, but I rather you waited. I don’t want my beautiful girlfriend getting assaulted.” He sighed deeply, “You were right about Ginger. She’s very unpredictable… I don’t want anything to ruin us again and I’m fearful she may do just that.”

  Oh my. David seemed genuinely concerned.

  “David, what happened?” I took his face in between my hands. “Is everything all right? Are you all right?”

  He clasped my hands and kissed them both. “I’m fine, my sweet, everything is fine, nothing that my insurance can’t take care of.”

  “Wait, what?” I didn’t think I heard him correctly. “Did you just say your insurance?”

  “I’ll tell you about it over breakfast.”

  We headed to the cafeteria, leaving the noisy emergency room behind us. I could smell bacon and pastries coming from the general direction of the cafeteria. My stomach started grumbling.

  David laughed. “I can hear you’re hungry.”

  “Very,” I replied. “I’ll find us a table while you get our food. I want pancakes and bacon.”

  “I think I already knew that, love. That’s all you ate for breakfast when we were together.” His smile lit up his face.

  David truly was handsome. I saw so many women swoon at the sight of him and if he started a conversation with them, they all of a sudden reverted back to schoolgirl giggles. I never really understood that. He had so many wonderful qualities… if he only hadn’t betrayed my trust and broken my heart the way he did. Things might be different. I found myself wondering if Joshua Rockwall weren’t in the picture, would I honestly be giving David a second chance? Or was David only wanting a second chance because Josh was in the picture? I shook my head at my wayward thoughts. What I felt with Josh was nothing like I’d ever experienced before. I never had that with David.

  “Isabel, I brought you extra syrup, just the way you like it.” David was back with our food, interrupting me from my introspection.

  “Thank you!” I exclaimed. “I’m starving.”

  “Anything for you, love.” He leaned across the table to kiss me. I turned my head slightly so he would kiss my cheek instead. He lingered there longer than I expected, making me uncomfortable and causing me to flush. He saw how rosy my cheeks turned from his kiss, encouraging him to come in for more.

  “David,” I said gently pushing him down, “let’s eat first. There’ll be time for that later.”

  He sat down, his smile lighting up his eyes. “Isabel Langley, your reaction to my kissing you, whether it’s on your cheeks or what have you, has always surprised me.”

  I shook my head, saying, “Let’s not talk about me. You said you were going to tell me what your insurance is taking care of.” His demeanor quickly turned serious. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. My curiosity was instantly piqued.

  “That day you overdosed…” he took a sip of coffee, “after I left your house from paying you a visit, I went straight home only to find Ginger waiting for me in my bedroom.”

  I blanched and my reaction made him shift nervously. Was he about to tell me he had one last sexual hurrah with her? As a sort of good-bye?

  “You don’t need to know the details but essentially she was trying her best to win me back.” He was fidgeting with the sleeve on his coffee cup and some strange emotion I couldn’t quite place came over me. “I promise, I didn’t do anything, Isabel! You’re the one I’m in love with, you’re my future. In fact, I told her she was dead to me and threw her out of my house,” he said nervously, pausing to look at me. “She didn’t leave right away. I saw her sitting in her car on the phone. Fifteen minutes later these hooded men pull up behind her and set my car on fire.”

  I gasped, covering my mouth, “David!” I stopped eating and moved closer to him, taking his hand in both of mine. “Are you all right? This is awful! I hope you called the police.”

  “I’m fine, love, and yes, I did call. But like I said, my insurance will take care of it.” He gently kissed my knuckles. “I love how you’re concerned for me. It shows me that you do care about me.”

  “Of course I care!” I chided. “I would care even if we didn’t know each other, David. This is not to be taken lightly. Ginger has major issues and she has just shown you what she is capable of doing.” I grabbed his coffee cup from him to take a sip and noticed Ginger in the corner, sitting by herself, watching us, sipping her drink. Had she been there the entire time? Had she been watching how affectionate David had been with me? David turned his head in the direction of my gaze. He muttered something under his breath too low for me to hear. Her glare looked menacing and evil, making us both uncomfortable.

  “David?” I let go of his hand, reaching for my purse. “Are you finished here?” I asked.

  “Yes, Isabel, I think I am. I’ll walk you to your office.”

  We headed to the elevators in silence. He held my hand the length of the walk, not worrying if Ginger saw us or not. I was getting concerned for his safety and mine. I always knew she was trouble but I never fathomed it would be this extreme. He pushed the button for the elevator and started to rub his forehead,. frowning. I could see his anxiety; it was palpable. I placed my hands on his face and turned his head so he could look at me.

  “Hey, it’s going to be fine. I don’t think she’ll hurt you physically. Worst case, you may have to move, that’s all.” I hugged him, hoping it would help calm him. He held me closer, kissing my neck.

  “You’re right, love, she won’t harm me directly, she’ll just hurt you,” he said. “That’s her way of hurting me.”

  I was stunned. I pushed him away, eyeing him, “Me?” I yelled. “You’re saying she’s going to do that shit to me?!” The elevator doors opened, he held them, waiting for me to walk in. I didn’t move, demanding, “Did she say she was going to do something to me?”

  “She did,” he sighed, concerned. “She told me to stay away from you or else…”

  “Or else what, David?” I was seething with anger.

  “I don’t know,” he answered, his voice strained. “She never said... but the implication was there.”

  If evil had a name it would be Ginger. I rubbed my temples, hating David for being such a selfish man. He had been thinking with the wrong head for a very long time and now it had gotten him into trouble and I was caught in the crosshairs. He didn’t think twice about starting this relationship with me again even after Ginger’s threat. He wanted what he wanted and it didn’t matter the consequence. Not once did he stop to think of me or how this may hurt me or affect my life.

  “David, go do your rounds,” I snapped. “Let me be for today. I can’t be around you right now.”

  “Isabel, please, I can fix this,” he pleaded.

  �
��You can’t fix this, David, and don’t even try,” I hissed in a low voice. I was fuming. “You need to leave this to the authorities.” I stalked off, throwing my purse behind my shoulder, “And don’t bother me for the rest of today! I’ll call you if I want to talk to you.”

  He jumped in front of me. “Honey, don’t do that to me, please. I just got you back. I’m sorry I put us in this situation. Please let me fix it.”

  “You know what, David,” I said annoyed, “You’re a selfish, egocentric man! I want nothing to do with you,” I exclaimed. “I’m leaving for Dallas after the therapy session.” I pushed him out of my way.

  He stopped me again, pleading, “You’re leaving? Why are you leaving? And why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He sounded wounded and surprised.

  “I guess it slipped my mind with all the crap that’s been happening to me lately.” I swallowed my anger, trying to calm down, “David, I don’t want more crap happening to me and I certainly don’t want problems from Ginger,” I said harshly. “Why the hell is she still working here, David?” I asked a little too loudly.

  “HR says they can’t fire her since I had a relationship with her…it could look like sexual harassment and they don’t want that lawsuit.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was something out of a movie… Work Relationship Gone Bad, Murder at the Hospital.

  I blanched at him. “My father is picking us up after I’m finished with everything here. You need to leave me alone, David, and sort this out by yourself. I can’t and won’t help you.” I heard the elevators ping and decided to run and catch them. A nice man held the door open for me, letting them go just in time for David not to be able to get in.

  19

  I was almost to my office when I noticed the lights were already on. Ben was there with FBI SAC Conny. Oh good lord, what now?! I walked in apprehensively, trying to assess the mood of the two men. I looked around, wondering where my mother and Belín were. No one else had made it into the office yet, so I didn’t bother closing the door.

  I greeted both men. “Gentlemen, you both look as if you just lost your best friend.”

  They eyed one another surprised at my comment.

  “Isabel.” Ben was frowning. “I think you should have a seat…” he glanced over at Conny, “I think we should all have a seat before beginning.”

  Conny nodded and closed the door before he sat down. I was both bewildered and nervous at what they’d have to say. My eyes were wide and my heart was pounding. We were all sitting down, just staring at one another. Were they going speak? Were they at a loss for words? What the hell?

  Conny leaned forward in his chair. “Isabel, there’s no easy way to say this so I’m just gonna say it… Special Agent Stevens is dead.” He briefly paused before continuing, “And Jill is not doing very well. She’s back in ICU and they had to intubate her again.”

  His words hit me like a ton of bricks. “What happened?” My voice was almost a whisper.

  “Someone poisoned them,” Conny answered. “By the time Stevens realized what was happening to him, it was too late, but he managed to let another agent know his suspicions and the doctors were able to help Jill… we’re pretty confident she’ll pull through.”

  “How do you know it was poison?” I asked, my voice shaking.

  “We’re not one hundred percent certain but there were some telltale signs. Another agent thought he was choking on food… it wasn’t food… the autopsy will confirm all that,” Conny stated.

  “How confident are you Jill will be fine?” My voice was filled with fear.

  Ben peeked up at me. “It’s about a fifty-fifty chance.”

  “We believe the poison was placed in her breakfast tray this morning,” Conny offered. “Stevens must have eaten some of her meal.” Conny got up and stood behind the chair, gripping it with both hands. “Isabel, do have any idea or suspicions who may have done this?”

  I blinked a few times; shook my head as if I were shaking away the thoughts. The only person that came to mind was Ginger, but she couldn’t possibly be the one. Could she? She hates me but only me.

  “Ginger,” I said impassively.

  “I’m sorry Isabel, did you say Ginger?” Conny asked.

  “Yes, Ginger. I was just down in the ER with David, eating breakfast and Ginger was there,” I said. “David said she’s one of the nurses taking care of Jill. I even asked him how no one is worried that Ginger may kill her.”

  “Are you talking about the nurse Doctor David Summers was involved with?” Conny asked.

  “Yes! David also told me she had some hooded men set his car on fire,” I exclaimed emphatically.

  The two men looked surprised, yet they didn’t seem convinced.

  “Isabel, that sounds more like a woman scorned,” replied Conny. “She’s more likely to hurt David than do something like this. Also, she doesn’t fit the profile of someone who would have ties to the Triads.”

  “Profile, shmofile! She’s a volatile person and has sociopathic tendencies. I wouldn’t say never when it comes to her.” I looked at them, desperate for some hint of concession.

  “What would she have to gain from doing this?” Ben wondered. “What would be her motive? I just don’t see it, Isabel.”

  “Perhaps you’re right and I’m just being paranoid,” I said, looking out one of my windows to the receptionist’s desk. I noticed Pam walking, looking like she was dressed for work. I thought she had a concussion? Should she be here? Huh. Was there something pressing that Pam has to be here? It didn’t add up. She could always work from home.

  “Yes, which brings us to our next point,” Conny sighed. “We’ve arranged for you and your family to leave for Dallas as soon as possible. We’ve spoken with your father and his pilot said they have cleared them to land the company jet at Midway airport within the next three hours.”

  “Belín and your mother are finishing their breakfast and will be up shortly so we can all leave for your house to pack,” Ben added. “Conny has spoken with Pam and she’s agreed to let Patti be in charge of the group therapy tonight. We need to get you somewhere safe, Isabel.”

  I looked at them impassively, nodded my head and got up to look out into the reception area. “I’m not going anyway,” I muttered to myself.

  “I didn’t quite get that, Isabel. Can you please repeat it?” Conny asked.

  I turned and faced them. “Is that an ultimatum? Because it sounds like the FBI is trying to strong arm me into doing something I don’t want to do,” I said, irritation in my voice.

  “Not at all, Isabel,” Conny’s voice was reassuring. “I’m merely thinking of your safety and the safety of my agents.”

  “I said I would go, but not now. I’m doing the therapy tonight. If you want another psychologist there that’s fine, but I will also be there,” I said flatly, looking out into the reception area. “I’m not worried about my safety and as far as your agents, they can stay and babysit me or they can leave. So far they’ve done just fine so I don’t see a problem.”

  “Isabel, I have to insist you go. It really is safer and better this way. Perhaps it would be better if you speak with your father about the matter. Why don’t we call him and see what he has to say?” The tone of his voice surprised me. Were we in high school again? Was he my teacher, threatening to call my parents because I misbehaved?

  I spun and eyed him, accusing, “Did you really just threaten me with my father?” Indignation in my voice. My eyes darted between Ben and Conny. Ben was rubbing his forehead, wrinkling his face. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. All right, I could play his game.

  “How’s Pam doing, Mr. Conny?” I asked. “I just saw her walk in… she looks good… dressed like she’s going to stay and work,” I tried to keep my voice as even as possible. “I’m curious,” I began, looking down the hall to Pam’s office. “Were you the one taking care of her this week or was her husband doing that for you?” I turned around to gauge his body language. “Did Pam’
s husband know she was… working this past Saturday?” I raised both eyebrows, eyeing Conny.

  He shifted uncomfortably, “What are you implying, Doctor Langley?”

  Oh, so it’s Doctor Langley now is it, I thought, my irritation peaking. “Pam is married,” I exclaimed, “to a drunk,” I added, “that usually doesn’t know what day of the week it is and turns up missing a lot. But your marriage seems fine, by all accounts and appearances, it seems fine to the public. As far as I can see and as far as the public can see, you’re happily married, but there’s probably a reason why you want that picture to be painted. Wouldn’t it be awful if the media were to find out why you two were really here on that Saturday during the shooting? I think Pam would survive the scandal. No one would blame her, given her husband, but you…” I said, not completing my thought.

  He eyed me, expressionless, straightening his back. “You would hurt Pam that way?” he asked, his voice monotone.

  “No sir, I wouldn’t be the one hurting Pam. You would. You just have to agree that I will be at tonight’s therapy and no one needs to know,” spoken with a ring of threat in my voice. “It’s all in your hands, Mr. Conny.” We glared at each other. “And let me just add that this isn’t costing the FBI anything. You’re not buying me a plane ticket or one for the agent that has to accompany me to Dallas. We’re flying on my father’s company jet. Yes, it’s the company plane but it still comes out of my father’s pocket. I’m actually making your life easier and less expensive.”

  I glanced at Ben; he was awfully quiet. Was that a hint of a grin flirting on his face? I couldn’t tell since he was still stroking his chin, probably to cover it up. I sat at my desk, eyeing Conny, waiting for a response.

  “You win, Langley.” His tone was abrasive and his body language seemed contentious. “We stay with the original plan and you can leave tonight. Like you said, this is on your father’s dime, not ours.” He stormed out of my office flinging the door open.