by A. Gomez
Jake looked stunned. “How do you know all this?”
“My cousin is a journalist and has been trying to find these girls since she left Kosovo.”
“Are you saying these girls are from Kosovo?” He looked at the picture again. “How do these girls tie into this current case with Alexandra Copen?”
“Alex said this woman and Asian man were holding her and several other girls captive. Elsa and Inara were in the same house Alex escaped from.” I paused, adding, “These people left before we had a chance to talk to Alex, otherwise maybe we could have called you and you could have held them for questioning.”
“And the other picture? The Asian man staring straight into the camera?” he asked.
“Wow, I didn’t realize she got such a good shot of him,” I added. “That guy is a Chinese Triad member. See his tattoo.” I pointed to his arm. “That is the symbol the Chinese Triads use and proudly display,” I offered. “This guy is bad news. He too was here but only to pick up the people from the first photo I showed you.”
He was typing on his phone that looked more like a mini tablet than a phone. “Let me run a check on all this and I can email you or text you what I find.”
Ben walked in and stood next to Jake, giving me a look to hurry up with this guy. I looked at him confused but nodded. Jake noticed Ben and politely extended his hand. Ben nodded and shook his hand.
“I’m sorry, where are my manners,” I said. “Jake this is Special Agent Ben Davis with the FBI, Ben this is my good friend, Detective Jake Sheldon.” I stood up to walk Jake to the door. “Please let me know what you find as soon as you can.”
“Give me a few hours… I’ll have something for you,” he said.
I hugged him and kissed him on the cheek, with a “Thank ya much, I appreciate ya.”
He laughed. “I see you haven’t lost your charming Texas accent.”
“Yes, that’s what I’m told, but it’s hardly charming. I’m still working on keeping it at bay.”
“Isabel, don’t change a thing. You’re perfect just like that.”
I gave Jake a warm smile and walked him to the door, closing it behind him.
I turned to Ben, confused and irritated. What could be so important that I had to rush Jake? He might have had information on Alex that I could use.
“Ben! What the heck?” I asked, annoyed.
“Stems is on her way up here with Alex and Beth. It sounds like they had a good talk and both the girl and mom feel comfortable with Stems being with them.”
“Oh. Thanks. Sorry I snapped at you,” I said shyly.
“Don’t thank me yet,” he said, looking worried.
“Oh?”
“Your mother and Belín are at your house. Your mother is packing up her things and she’s also packing a few bags for you.”
“Okay, so?” I eyed him, perplexed. His body language was off. I couldn’t put my finger on what his issue may be.
“So, Belín isn’t going to Dallas with you. She refuses now that her story is here with those girls you two saw,” he said, rubbing his chin. “She spoke with her boss in Madrid to update him on the situation, sending him pictures, and now he’s willing to send her money to keep her here so she can finish the story,” he finished, seeming nervous.
“That’s actually great news for her,” I replied. “So, what’s the problem? You’re rubbing your chin and moving around like you’re agitated.”
“I’m staying here with Belín and you’ll be getting a new agent.”
“Is that all?” I rolled my eyes. “I swear, Ben, sometimes I think you have the worst news to tell me because of your body language.” I started moving some files on my desk when I noticed Ben was still looking at me. “That’s not all, is it, Ben?” My stomach clenched.
He exhaled, “Conny is stepping in to take my place.”
I blanched at him. “Conny…Conny? FBI director Conny?” I gave him an incredulous smile. “You’re joking, right? Say you’re joking Ben.”
He shook his head, saying, “I’m sorry, Isabel. I have a feeling he offered because this is such a high-profile case.” He paused. “I know you two just had a disagreement but Conny isn’t one to hold a grudge.”
“Ben, I’m not worried about that.” I shut my eyes. “Now if I want to see Josh I’m going to have to sneak around and do a lot of lying.” I plopped down in my chair. “This is going to go over like a turd in a punchbowl, you know!”
He chuckled. “I’m going to miss your accent and all your expressions.”
“He’s the director. Why is he stepping in to do this kind of babysitting?” I was flustered. “Is it Pam? Is she making him do this?” I got up to peek around my door in the direction of Pam’s office. She wasn’t in there. Earlier I noticed the bullet holes were still there but everything else was cleaned up. Did she leave for the day?
“It’s not Pam, Isabel,” he offered. “It’s your father.”
I spun, glaring him. “My father?”
“Yes, your father,” he sighed. “Let me begin by saying I had no idea your parents knew so many prominent people.” He seemed impressed. “Your mom has been keeping your dad abreast of everything that’s been happening while on his hunting trip and now at MIT with your brothers. From what I understand and from what Conny has said, a couple of state senators and a congressman have called him, expressing their concern for your safety and wellbeing, if you know what I mean.” He peeked up at me through his eyelashes.
“Let me guess,” I said. “Senators Ken Peters and Trey Shaw and Congresswoman Honey Thorton.” I looked at Ben, feeling defeated. “Am I right?”
He nodded, stunned. “How does your father know them?”
I raised my hand. “I’m actually the guilty party. Actually, that’s not entirely true,” I amended. “My brothers and I are the guilty parties. My brothers and I made friends with their kids when we were in elementary school. They weren’t in any kind of politics at that time. My mother then became good friends with their mothers, Congresswoman Honey Thorton being one of them and we have remained friends ever since. Once they decided to go into politics, my parents made and continue to make sizable donations to their campaigns.” I paused, adding, “So, in other words, my parents are only friends with these people because their kids are friends with my brothers and me.”
Ben raised his eyebrows. He was at a loss for words. I had to admit, I did not see this one coming. Just then, Alex and her mother walked in with Stems. I got out of my chair to greet them, trying to shake off my disappointment. I looked at the time and it was almost noon. Did they really take that long to eat?
“We got caught up talking over just about everything,” Stems offered. “We were having such a good time getting to know each other we lost track of time.” She must have noticed me check the time.
“I think Agent Stems is a perfect fit for us,” Beth added. “She made me feel comfortable about what her role will be with Alex and more importantly, Alex feels safe and comfortable with Agent Stems taking care of her.”
“I’m so happy to hear that!” I said, sounding excited. “I think we need to have more female agents helping us in cases like this, since so far it’s been all girls in this situation.” I glanced at Ben, he looked like he was ready to start interviewing Alex. “I think Agent Davis would like to get started on his interview with Alex. Are y’all okay with getting started on that?” I asked. “Agent Stems will stay in the room with her, and Beth, you can stay as well.”
Mother and daughter looked at one another. Alex nodded, her mom smiling and nodding back in encouragement. “Okay,” Beth replied. “I think we’re okay to start.”
Everyone physically relaxed, glad to hear we could go forward with the interview.
“Fantastic!” I exclaimed. “I’ll take y’all to a therapy room where it will be more private and more comfortable for everyone.” I nudged Alex with my elbow, smirking. “And we have lots of candy in there too.”
She grinned, looking more relaxe
d and at ease than how she had been this morning. I walked them to the room that was more tween kid friendly than teen friendly. I had a feeling they both needed lots of bright, happy colors to help them with their psyche. Hopefully, a bright, cheerful room would help keep their spirits up and make answering difficult questions a little easier. We walked in; I turned on all the lights and the lava lamps. I picked a few pillows up off the floor and placed them on the large, cushiony sectional. The sectional was my favorite piece in the room. It was a soft, royal blue fabric with deep cushions. The accent pillows were two different shades of soft yellow. It was a very inviting couch and it seemed Beth agreed. Her eyes lit up as she headed straight for the sofa, letting herself fall on it and stroking the fabric. The walls were a soft white with fairy appliqués on one wall and lots of different sports cars on another wall. The toys and art supplies were neatly put away in the cabinets and toy boxes in the back of the room next to the art tables.
Alex made a beeline for one of the extra-large beanbags, grinning. There were two furry, over-sized beanbags in front of the sectional, one hot pink for the girls and one baby blue for the boys. They were so large, the majority of the kids ended up using them as mini beds and just laid down on them. The huge area rug was a collage of different prints and patchwork. Also, it was very inviting for the young kids to just roll around on or take their shoes off and walk barefoot.
“I know y’all just ate but there’s water, juices and sodas in the mini fridge,” I offered. “We also have candy and a few healthy snacks in the cabinets next to the fridge.”
“This room is amazing!” Alex chimed. “I want my bedroom to look like this… minus the cars.”
“This is a pretty great room,” Beth added.
“I’m glad you like it,” I said. “Maybe it will help to not feel so stressed answering questions.”
Agent Stems was enjoying one of the beanbags and Ben took a seat on the sofa with Beth.
“I’ll leave y’all to it then. I have to go prepare for tonight’s therapy.” I turned to look at Beth. “I’ll see you and Alex there tonight?”
“We’ll be there,” she answered, smiling.
22
I got to my desk and began to tackle all the paperwork that was on it. But first I made a file on Alexandra Copen, with extensive notes and the pictures Belín sent me. I was able to get a lot of the paperwork out of the way, thanks to no interruptions. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Patti walking back in from court. She didn’t bother to go to her office but came directly to mine instead.
“Hey, you’re back early,” I commented.
“Thankfully, they got to me early on in the trial and once I was done with my testimony, the prosecutor said I was free to leave.” She looked spent. “I’m ready to eat and take these heels off!”
“Go, do what you need to do,” I said. “I have everything ready for group therapy tonight, so don’t worry about anything.”
“Oh, bless you, Isabel!” She smiled at me, grateful she didn’t have to prepare. She hurried down the hall toward her office, waving at Pam as she walked past.
Pam was back? Crap! I wondered if Conny told her about our… conversation? I wondered if Conny was with her? I’d been alone in my office with no Ben or any other agent for at least an hour now. He did say Conny was stepping in to babysit me; he just never said when. I got up to look but couldn’t really see who was in her office. I saw movement and I heard some muffled talking but couldn’t make out who it could be. My gut was in knots. If he did tell Pam, would she absolutely hate me?
Ben and Stems were finally out. Ben was heading toward my office and Stems was exiting through the back with Alex and her mother. I waved at them. Alex was yelling across the room, saying she would see me tonight. I gave her two thumbs up, glad to see her spirits were picking up. I noticed Conny emerging from Pam’s office, stopping Ben before he got to my room. They said a few words and then both men stalked in my direction.
I quickly ran back to my desk and busied myself, trying not to look guilty of spying. Ben knocked although my door was already open. They walked in without waiting for me to invite them in, shutting the door behind them. The two men sat in the chairs in front of my desk. Neither man looked tense or angry. That was a good sign—so far so good.
“Isabel,” Ben said, his voice taut. “I think you’re going to have a full house tonight with group therapy and an even fuller house next week.”
My eyebrows shot up. “I knew about tonight’s full house but what did Alex say that makes you conclude next week will be more so?”
“Remember those other girls she mentioned? The ones that also escaped with her?”
I nodded.
“Well, they’re in hiding because the man they call ‘the boss’ or ‘Debbie’s boss’ threatened to kill anyone that ran away,” he declared. “Alex doesn’t know where they’re hiding but she did give us their names. The man that helped them get out… the man named Hong… he specifically told them to look for you and you only.” He paused, glancing at Conny. “He said to trust no one that works in the ERs and to immediately ask for Dr. Isabel Langley.”
I remembered the uneasy feeling I got when Alex told me this strange man knew me and had been watching me. “Yes, I remember her mentioning Hong. But why did he say ‘ERs?’ Plural. I only work at this hospital. Did he mean to say ER? As in Cook County ER? Or do you think that’s how it came out because of his accent?”
“We’re not sure,” Ben answered. “Alex and the other girls assumed all the ERs since he made finding you and only you very clear to them. So, for now, we’re going to assume all the ERs and start investigating that.”
I stared blankly at both men, not knowing what to feel or think. We or I had an ally out there somewhere, a faceless ally. “And next week? Why do you think next week’s group therapy will be fuller?” I asked.
“Because if this Hong guy is helping those girls and telling them to ask for only you, then we’re almost certain they will show up to therapy and not to any ER,” Ben replied.
“Isabel, this just reaffirms that there is someone in this ER that is helping the Triads,” Conny said. “You being here and working in such close proximity to this person is madness. We’ve already moved Jill to a secure location with a doctor we know and trust,” he added. “I don’t want to be doing that with you.”
He was right. I was putting myself at risk as well as his agents. But I just couldn’t bring myself to worry about my safety right now… especially now that there were more girls that needed me.
“Yes.” I paused. “I am sorry for my outburst earlier. I can understand your position, especially given the phone calls you received from D.C.” I sighed heavily. “Please, just let me get through tonight’s therapy and I promise I’ll be as obedient as you need me to be. You have my word.”
Conny eyed me, probably warring with himself if he should tie me up and carry me to the plane himself. “Isabel, you’re putting me in a very precarious position, but okay, we’ll do it your way,” he said, resigned. “As I’m sure you know, I’ll be with you starting now and since we’re waiting until later this evening to leave, I’ll have more agents around. However, you won’t notice them… it’s better that way.”
“Thank you, Mr. Conny, I appreciate it,” I said with a crooked smile.
“Good grief,” he muttered under his breath. “I hope I don’t regret it.”
“Er…question,” I said hesitantly. “What’s going to happen with my cousin, sir?”
“That’s right, your cousin that looks like your twin.” He exhaled loudly. “Well, to be honest, we are equally concerned for her. She’s a journalist and has told us she’s been investigating this story for six weeks and is not about to stop now.” He shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Davis has volunteered to stay behind with her and I’m leaving it in his hands. We’re going to try our best to help her look less like you, with a haircut, makeup, new hair color, etc.”
“Don’t worry, Isabel, I w
on’t let anything happen to your cousin,” Ben added.
“I’d like to see her and say goodbye before I leave tonight. Will that be possible?” I asked.
“That’s not a problem,” Conny answered. “Both your mother and your cousin are coming back here with your dog and from here we will all leave for the airport where your father and his plane will be waiting for us. Davis and your cousin will then go to an undisclosed location after dropping us off.”
“It sounds like y’all already have a plan in place. I just need to get through the rest of today and the group therapy without getting killed or any agents killed. I pray I don’t regret pushing y’all to do this for me,” I muttered shyly.
“It’ll be fine, Isabel,” Ben offered. “Don’t worry about that now. You’re right in wanting to help these girls. I doubt we would have this much information if you had left when we wanted you to.”
I smiled, grateful for his patience and understanding.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Conny began, “I have to meet with Pam.” He casually made his way back to Pam’s office, rubbing his forehead. I sensed he was still extremely stressed about having agreed to my request, or rather pushiness.
“Ben, what’s going to happen next week? You said we will probably have more kiddos next week due to what Hong has been telling these girls.”
“And you’re asking if you’re going to be able to come back for the group therapy, is that correct?”
“Allowed is the word I would use but yes, that is correct,” I said.
“Why don’t we just take it one day at a time for now,” he suggested. “Perhaps we’ll know more after tonight.”
I nodded, agreeing with his assessment, feeling helpless, achy and drained. My arm was hurting less; I was at least thankful for that. I leaned my elbows on my desk, running my hands through my hair and pulling it to one side. I let out a soft sigh, resting my forehead in the palm of one of my hands. I closed my eyes, wishing this mess would just go away. I started to roll my neck, breathing deeply, thinking of all those girls trapped in some big house with Debbie and a large, scary Asian man, knowing that their “appointments” were really dirty old men buying them for sex. How was I supposed to help them? Why did this Hong man keep telling them I was the only one that could help them? I was just a psychologist. All I could do was prepare them for court or teach them how to handle all this shit they’ve endured. Who was this Hong man? And then it hit me. I whipped my head up, epiphany etched on my face.
