Truth or Lies?

by A. Gomez

  “Isabel, you know this is just temporary.”

  “Yes, I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” I replied. “You should be able to understand a little, given your reaction when that Triad member mistook Belín for me,” I added. “The thought of her being taken from you was nothing short of unbearable, I’m sure.”

  He stiffened, remembering the man and Belín. He began to get agitated and started pushing the elevator button as if that was going to make it go faster. I stared at him quizzically. What did I say? What’s got him so worked up? Isn’t she with another agent?

  “Hey, relax, she’s in good hands. You called that other agent, remember?”

  “That other agent was only able to get her and your mother to your office and leave them there. He had to get back and stay with Jill.” He sounded like he was about to bite my head off.

  The doors opened and he flew out. He got on his phone, probably trying to call her. He was walking at a pace I had to jog every now and then just to keep up. We got to my office and Belín was on her phone, pacing the floor, talking with someone in Spain. My mother was sitting on the loveseat waiting for us, sipping her coffee and looking at something on her phone. Ben saw the calm and casual scene—Belín was safe—the tension in his shoulders visibly relaxed.

  “Sweetheart, why are y’all out of breath? Did y’all race up here on our account?”

  “No, Ben just wanted to see if he could beat me at speed walking.” I snickered.

  Belín smiled at us and waved. She held up one finger indicating to give her a minute. Ben’s shoulders seemed to relax some more.

  “Honey.” She was patting the seat next to her. She wanted me to join her on the loveseat. “I just ran into Uncle Fitz and he gave me the most horrible news. A parent’s worst nightmare,” she exclaimed. “Their oldest daughter is missing. She’s been missing for a year now and they think her boyfriend may have had something to do with it.”

  “Oh, dear lord!” A chill ran through me. “Caroline is missing?” I blinked at my mother. “Mom, I hate to say this but Caroline was always a little too wild, so I’m not that shocked to hear this.”

  “Honey, her parents and the FBI have already considered this but they suspect she initially went willingly, however some evidence indicates she is being held against her will somewhere.”

  “Wait a second…the FBI is involved?” I looked around the room for Ben. He was standing at the doorway, scanning the floor. He was making his way to the windows when he noticed me staring at him. He froze, looking at me in blank confusion.

  “Ben, do you know anything about a case involving Caroline Fitzsimmons?”

  “I don’t know any of the specifics on it,” he said. “I just know that’s one of the cases Josh is supposed to be handling once he’s healthy.” He paused, looking surprised. “Is Caroline Fitzsimmons related to Dr. Patrick Fitzsimmons? The new president of Cook County Hospital?”

  “He’s her father, dear,” my mother answered. “So, you do know?”

  “No, Dr. Langley, I’m sorry. I just know the name for reasons I can’t say,” he said regretfully. “Josh wouldn’t be able to give you any information either.”

  My mother and I looked at one another thinking the same thing… the FBI, yet again, doesn’t like to share information. Even though I’m working on the same case.

  “Ben, I think you should fill everyone in on your theory.” I got up to leave.

  “Wait a minute, where are you going? You can’t leave without me, Isabel.”

  “I am going to get my gun back,” I said. “And yes, I can leave without you because I’ll be with another FBI agent. Also, you need to be here when Stems comes up with Alex and Beth.”

  “Isabel, it’s not a good idea for you to see Josh. He needs to recover and not come unglued. Seeing you may…”

  “Seeing me may help him more than you think,” I snapped.

  “I can’t let you do that, Isabel. What if Conny finds out? You’ll just be hurting Josh,” he said, his voice deliberate.

  “Then you better not tell,” I said pointedly. “Call my cell when you need me,” I hollered as I walked out.

  21

  I took the stairs to Josh’s room, making sure no one saw me. Remarkably, the halls on his floor were fairly empty. I quickly walked to his room, my pulse racing once again. At his door I took one last look around to make sure I was not recognized. I walked in, praying he’d be alone and Ben wasn’t right about us getting caught. I locked the door behind me and quickly made my way to his bedside. He was sitting in the chair wearing his boyish grin, watching me walk in. My heart skipped a beat and it felt like I hadn’t seen him in ages. The blinds were open, letting the sun in and brightening up the room. The sun was hitting his hair just so, giving his wavy gold locks the illusion of highlights. He still hadn’t shaved. His hair looked considerably blonder compared to his short beard and it was starting to grow on me. He was still in the hospital gown, only this time he was wearing PJ bottoms with it.

  “Hey there handsome,” I greeted him smiling. “You’re awake and look a great deal better.”

  “I feel better. Look,” he held his hands up. “No more IV. And your wannabe boyfriend said I can go home today.”

  I stared at him, gaping, not knowing what to say.

  He laughed softly. “Don’t worry, baby. Your mom called and prepared me. She told me I better keep it together or else you may not be able to come back. And that was not an option for me,” he paused, looking bemused. “As a matter of fact, David looked dejected somehow. What happened?”

  “I don’t want to talk about David right now,” I said, exasperated. “I just want to be here with you.”

  “Fair enough.” He opened his arms, inviting me to sit on his lap. I obeyed willingly, trying not to hurt his wound. I gazed at him, tracing his face and lips. “Josh, not only do you look better from earlier this morning, I think you look like a different man. What happened?”

  “You know, that’s what the nurse said, too. I think I just needed you,” he said in a low voice, kissing me.

  “Mmm, your lips are cold,” I complained.

  “I just had a lot of cold water. You can warm them up for me,” he said with his boyish grin. So, I did. His lips parted and I gently placed my lips on his top lip, kissing and tugging it. I kept my tongue out of his mouth.

  “Now, do the same to my bottom lip,” he whispered.

  I obeyed, this time lightly biting his lower lip. I paused to gaze at him. He was having none of that, so he grabbed the back of my hair and pulled me to his lips, filling my mouth with his tongue. I took it eagerly, giving him mine in return, making him moan and pull me closer. He devoured me and I greedily devoured him. My blood rushing through my veins. He broke away to breathe. I placed my hands on his rough face, tracing his lips.

  “Baby.” He looked at me, amused. “You have a little sweat on your nose. You weren’t kidding when you said I get you hot and bothered.” He laughed. “And you took your hair down.”

  I touched my nose and then wiped it with my sleeve. “I think I’m just extra nervous,” I said, running my fingers through my hair.

  “Because you’re here with me? Is it Summers?” His tone got dark when he asked about David.

  “No, I’m not worried about him!” I closed my eyes and buried my face in his neck. “Ben knows I’m here with you and he warned me not to come. He said it would be bad for you if Conny found out. I believe him.”

  “I knew you would end up telling Davis about us,” he said and kissed the back of my hand. “You’re just not the lying type.” He took my chin and moved my face so I was looking at him. “Baby, don’t worry about Conny and me.” He kissed my nose. “I’ll take my medicine like a big boy if need be. As long as I know you’re mine, nothing can bother me.”

  I wasn’t convinced but I didn’t press the topic. I laid my head on his shoulder lightly, grazing my nose and lips on his neck. I was quiet, thinking about that morning with Josh on my
sofa. He took my hand, kissed the palm and then spread my fingers so his fingers were in between mine. I wished we could stay like that forever. I wished we could go home together. I jerked my head up, realizing something.

  “Josh, did you say you could go home today?” I was both concerned and excited. “Where will you go? Who’s going to pick you up? Who’s going to take care of you? You have no family here.”

  He laughed a deep throaty laugh and said, “Baby, did all that hit you just now?”

  “Yes, I suppose it did,” I declared.

  “Well…” He thought about his answer. “I’ll go home to my apartment, of course, one of the other agents can probably take me home, and I’ll be the one taking care of myself.”

  “Josh! I have a better idea! Let me take care of you. Let me and Samson go home with you. This way I won’t have to go to Dallas. They just want me in a safer place because of everything that’s happened. No one will ever think to look for me at your place. Please say yes,” I pleaded. “I couldn’t bear it if I had to leave you again.” I placed my forehead on his, stroking the back of his hair. He held me tight, his fingers gripping my back.

  He didn’t speak for a long while, then, “Baby, that’s not a bad idea. It’s very tempting to have you with me day and night.” I was elated and began to kiss him all over his face. “Isabel, wait, I’m not finished,” he said, clasping my face. “It’s not a good idea either. The feeling of security wouldn’t last. Someone would eventually figure it out and come find you. I’m not up to par yet and wouldn’t be able to take care of you.”

  “What’s the difference? They know where I work, they know what I do,” I said, irritated. “And now I have another strange man watching me and every move I make!” I instantly regretted blurting that out, covering my mouth.

  “What did you just say?” His voice was low and even, almost chilling.

  I didn’t answer him. I scrambled out of his lap and onto my feet, not really knowing where to go. “Isabel, explain,” he demanded, his eyes glaring at me.

  “So,” I began, wringing my hands, “I did a consult with Ben in the ER but it was more of an investigation, for reasons I won’t go into right now, and the girl I was doing the consult on told me about a man that helped her escape. She thinks his name is Hong and it seems as though Hong has been watching me. He told her to ask for me when they got to this hospital, saying something to the effect that he trusts me and I can help them?”

  His jaw clenched and he shut his eyes tight, balling his hands into fists. He was quiet for far too long, making me nervous. Was he angry with me?

  “Josh?” My voice was a whisper.

  “Son of…” he muttered in a low, menacing voice, almost a snarl. “I should be with you, Isabel. I should be taking care of you.” He stood up in front of me, taking me in his arms. “I promise I will get stronger for you, baby.”

  “Josh, it actually didn’t sound bad. He helped the girl we talked to and a few others that were with her.” I peeked up at him as I continued, “It was a little unsettling to hear at first but if you think about it, it’s nothing ominous.”

  He shook his head. “Baby, you have to go to Dallas. Staying with me is not going to help either of us. I need you safe.”

  “Josh, no,” I begged. “Don’t you want me with you?”

  “More than anything, baby. This will just be temporary,” he encouraged. “Next time we see each other, I’ll be my old self and I’ll be able to take care of you.” He was trying to reason with me. I knew he wanted me safe. I would want the same for him.

  “I can take care of myself,” I retorted. “But I understand,” I said sourly.

  “Good girl.” He grinned and kissed me on the lips.

  “I have to get back,” I said, feeling rejected. “Can I have my gun?”

  He eyed me, not sure if he should comply, but he made his way to a piece of furniture that looked like a mini closet and opened the doors. Inside were his clothes, shoes and holster. He took my gun from his holster and handed it to me. He then walked to the nightstand next to the bed and opened the top drawer. He grabbed the magazine and handed that to me as well. I shoved the magazine in the front pocket of my jeans and tucked the gun under the waistband of my jeans on the small of my back. Probably not the best way to carry my firearm but it was the best I could do.

  “So, you did have it with you this whole time,” I said.

  He nodded, looking sheepish. “It was the only thing I had of you until you gave me this watch.” He twirled his wrist in the air, displaying his watch. “Now I can check to see how much time has passed since we last saw each other and think of you at the same time.”

  I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck and taking his mouth with mine.

  “I love you, Isabel Langley,” he whispered into my mouth.

  “Babe,” I whispered. “How can I see you again before you go home?”

  “Mmm, let me think about that one,” he answered, still kissing me.

  There was a knock on the door. “Mr. Rockwall? Your door is locked, Mr. Rockwall? Is everything all right? Can you come to the door, sir?” It was the nurse, coming to either check on him or with his discharge papers.

  I felt guilty leaving him alone, without anyone there to help him. I didn’t know the situation with his father other than they didn’t talk, but what about his mother? She should be here with him. Did he not call her? And he mentioned a sister; he could at least reach out to her if he felt he couldn’t call his mother.

  I watched him walk to the door to let the nurse in, noticing it was a struggle for him, holding his side, not being able to stand up straight. I was instantly worried. I was about to leave my Greek god, knowing no one would be with him to help him. He opened the door and even that small task seemed difficult for him.

  “Oh, my goodness, Mr. Rockwall! You are getting around like nobody’s business,” she said approvingly. “I’m so happy to see that you’re finally making an effort.” She placed a clipboard with papers on his bed and motioned for him to come sit or lay down. Her eyes flickered to me. “You must be the reason why he’s trying so hard now.” She was grinning at me as she asked, “Are you Isabel?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I am,” I answered, a little surprised. “Has Josh been talking about me?”

  “Oh, my dear girl,” she exclaimed, taking his hand, patting the back of it. “This poor boy didn’t need an IV with fluids and medicine, he just needed you.” She started taking his vitals. “All I keep hearing is how beautiful you are and how he needs to get stronger for you and on and on…” She redirected her attention to taking his vitals.

  I went to his side and whispered in his ear, “Even your nurse agrees you need me with you. Please reconsider and take me home with you.” I kissed his temple and squeezed his hand, saying good-bye.

  He wouldn’t let me go, pulling me to his lips for one last good-bye kiss. “I love you, baby.”

  I walked into my office and saw that it was empty. It wasn’t like Ben to not communicate with me. My mother and Belín were gone too. I didn’t put too much thought into it. I welcomed the alone time. As I sat at my desk to begin my work, the uncomfortable bulge on my backside reminded me I had my gun hidden on my person. I took it out and fished out the magazine as well. I sat and looked at it, thinking about Josh. How he kept this silly gun only so he could have something of mine. I ran my fingers down the handle, stopping at the bottom, rubbing my fingertips over my initials. I’d only had the gun for a year and had only held it a couple times. Not enough to cause my initials to become smooth and almost flush with the handle. Josh must have traced these initials so much that they looked worn and used. I smiled. His beautiful face was imbedded in my mind.

  “Don’t shoot!” a loud voice boomed from my doorway.

  “Gah!” I jolted out of my reverie.

  It was Jake, an old friend from local law enforcement, his arms up in a playful defeat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He made his way to one of
the chairs in front of my desk.

  I got up to hug him hello. “It’s okay. I need to get busy and stop daydreaming.” I placed my gun in the top drawer of my desk and the magazine next to it.

  “Daydreaming?” He sounded excited. “Is it about me?”

  “You wish,” I replied sarcastically. “It’s about my gun. I haven’t handled this gun or fired it for a year and I think I need to practice.”

  “Well, then, let me take you to our firing range. It’ll be like old times.”

  “I would love that, Jake, but I’m supposed to leave for Dallas tonight.” I pouted. “I wish I didn’t have to go,” I confessed. “We used to have so much fun at your shooting range.”

  “Yes, we did. I miss all that with you.” He wore a big grin. “I haven’t met a girl yet that’s as much fun as you.”

  “What? No way!” I leaned back in my chair. “What with your stubbornness and unwillingness to be flexible… you’re a real catch, Jake.” I winked at him.

  “Ha-ha. Make fun of me all you want, Isabel, but from what I remember, you’re just as stubborn.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, I have noticed that more lately.” I quickly changed the subject before it got awkward. “Jake, let’s compare notes on this case we both happen to have.”

  He agreed and got his giant phone out. Presumably that’s where he kept his notes on Alexandra. “Okay, what do you want to know?”

  “Give me a second, I just printed out two pictures for you.” I got up to retrieve the photos from the printer. “Take a look at these pictures,” I said, handing him the pictures Belín took of Elsa and Inara with the woman and the Asian man. “These two girls were just at the ER, one of them getting treated by David Summers.” I pointed to Elsa and told him her name. “The other girl is Inara, her friend, and the woman is named Debbie. David said Ginger is friends with Debbie. I’m sorry I don’t have a last name for you. I don’t know who the Asian man is but I suspect he’s there to make sure the girls don’t run away. I’m ninety-nine percent sure that man is carrying a gun and is helping Debbie hold those girls captive.”