by A. Gomez
“Oh, thank you, Isabel!” She kissed and hugged me. She took both purses and began to transfer the contents from her old purse to the purse I had just given her. She pulled out a tampon and an asthma inhaler first and gingerly laid them on the coffee table before she turned her purse upside down and dumped the rest of the contents on the couch between us.
Confused as to why she would be so careful with a tampon, I lean forward and picked it up. I turned it around and every which way – it was just a tampon, I concluded. I could understand her not wanting to damage her inhaler, but why the tampon? She could just buy more. And before I could ask her anything, she took it out of my hands.
“Isa, this is not a tampon,” she answered my unspoken question. “This is a special locating device my friend gave me when I arrived in Kosovo.” She opened the resealable wrapping and took it out. It was exactly the same shape as a tampon and just as compact. It was black in color and the texture of the tube was a much thicker plastic. It also had an on-off switch. She turned it on and a soft red light came on at the tip of the fake tampon. I took it out of her hands to inspect it more closely.
“A locating device?” I ask quizzically.
“Yes,” she answered. “It was a sort of safety net for everyone in my group when we were in Kosovo. If we ever got separated from each other or if any of us were kidnapped we would turn this on and it would emit a silent signal so we could be found. Our guide had the receiver to track this thing if we ever had to use it.”
“Can you… I mean are you supposed to put it inside of you like a tampon?” I asked, frowning at the thought.
“I suppose you can if it came down to it,” she said laughing.
“But what about the men? They can’t carry tampons. That would be too obvious and weird, to say the least.”
She giggled, “Yes that would be weird. No, they gave the men this inhaler.” She reached for the asthma inhaler on the table. “It works the same way, only the power switch is when you depress the inhaler. In other words, the person would pretend to take a puff of the inhaler and that would activate it.” She handed it to me, grinning. “Pretty cool, eh?”
“Yeah, that is super cool,” I replied. “Can I keep the tampon?”
She let out a squeaky laugh. “Of course, I only need one.”
“Thank you!” I said, grinning like a kindergartner that just got a new toy. I stared at it like it was some sort of alien, turning the switch on and off several times. Belín smirked at me, shaking her head. I placed it in my jeans pocket. Yup, it fit just like a tampon, too.
Ben made his way to us and sat in one of the chairs closest to Belín. She offered him her coffee without saying a word; he took it out of her hand and began to sip. My eyes flickered to the other agent, wondering if he noticed. He was in front of my computer with his back to us, preoccupied with whatever assignment was entrusted to him, so it seemed he didn’t notice a thing. Belín got up in search of the latté my mother bought for Ben and oh so tenderly grazed Ben’s cheek with the back of her hand as she passed him. He didn’t react. Amazing, I told myself. Her movements and behavior were so slight and fluid that unless one was looking for it, it was unnoticeable. Ben looked up from his phone and gazed at Belín. Their eyes held each other’s gaze for just a second as Ben gave her a loving smile. It was so romantic and private I almost felt like I was a voyeur hiding in a closet, watching them. I blushed and looked down at my coffee, feeling like an intruder on such a private moment.
“Isabel,” Ben began, “we have your dog in the car downstairs but we can’t very well leave him there for too long. What would you like us to do with him?”
“Bring him up the back way. He can stay in my office with me until it’s time for therapy. I think the kids would like to meet my furry baby.”
“I’ll do that now since Pam and Conny have stepped out.” He took a big sip of his coffee and mouthed something to Belín before he walked out. She wiggled her eyebrows in response. I sunk into the loveseat, thinking about my beautiful Adonis and missing him, feeling jealous of Belín and Ben. In a few hours they would be alone together without prying eyes and Conny would be none the wiser about their secret relationship or their feelings for one another. Why, oh why couldn’t that be Josh and I?
“Honey, what’s that matter?” My mother startled me from my introspection.
“Mom! I didn’t see you come in. Any new gossip from Vanessa?” I sipped my latté. “Nothing’s the matter, why do you ask?”
“Vanessa has just bought a house with her husband and they are looking to start a family.” She joined me on the couch. “And you look like you just lost your best friend.”
I sighed. “I suppose I do feel like I have,” I confessed. “I’m leaving Josh here alone and I don’t want to leave him in the state he’s in, Mom. He needs help with everyday things. Just opening the door seems to be a chore for him.” I gave her a warm smile. “Vanessa told us about the house but I didn’t know they wanted to start trying so soon.”
“Honey, speaking of that dear boy, I’m supposed to give you something.” She went to my desk to fetch something out of her tote and whispered something in Spanish to Belín. Belín nodded and stalked over to the agent on my computer, telling him she needed to use the restroom. He stopped what he was doing and escorted her to the ladies’ room. I snickered at the thought of him waiting for her outside the ladies’ room. Ben must want eyes on her 24/7. I was so glad it hadn’t gotten to that point with me. I didn’t think I could go if I knew someone was outside listening and waiting for me.
My mother rejoined me on the couch with a card and a little box in hand. My heart constricted. It was the same box and card I found not too long ago in Josh’s bag. She handed them to me, eager to see what his gift was. I opened the card first and read it again. It was as if I was reading it for the first time. Tears pooled in my eyes, blurring my vision and then spilling down my cheeks when I blinked. Why did I care so much for this man? It was too soon for me to say it was love. Wasn’t it? I opened the little box and there was the beautiful heart necklace. I held it up to the light and watched the diamond sparkle. It was so delicate, so perfect, so beautiful. My mother helped me put it on. She told me to fix my hair and handed me a lip gloss.
“Fix your face just a little, honey. I want to take your picture. This is such a lovely gift, I want to send this picture to your father and one to Joshua as well.” She hurried to her purse searching for her cell phone. “Did Josh mention the story behind this necklace in his card?”
“No,” I answered, surprised that he told her and not me. “He didn’t mention anything about a story.”
“Oh, honey, it’s such an endearing story, I’m sure he wants to tell you in person.” She aimed the phone camera at me, telling me to smile just enough to where my dimple showed. Pleased with the picture, she sent it to my father and Josh.
“Mom, it seems as though he’s using you as his own personal therapist,” I said, sounding concerned. “Do you know the reason why he didn’t call his mother?”
“Yes, honey, I do.” She looked into my eyes, moving a stray hair out of my face. “Don’t worry about Josh, honey, he’s fine. He and I talked through his thoughts and feelings regarding that and yes, I think he did need me as a therapist for a bit, but who doesn’t need a little help every now and again?” She gave me a reassuring smile and took my hand in hers. “Angel, Josh is so completely in love with you he can’t see straight and I believe what he’s feeling for you is indeed genuine. Also, because his feelings for you are so strong, he will do whatever it takes to get himself up and running so he can be there for you, so he can be your white knight that saves you once again. He’s a strong young man both mentally and emotionally, honey. And this is me talking as your mother and not as his therapist.”
I closed my eyes and laid my head on her shoulder. “Thanks, Mom, you always know the right thing to say.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that, honey. As a teenager you always thought I didn
’t know what I was talking about and you would always say that I didn’t understand you. Better late than never, I always say.” She grabbed my chin, lifting my head up so I could look at her, giving me an “I told you so” look.
I giggled softly. Feeling wide-awake now, I returned to my desk and finished what I was working on. I glanced at my mother lovingly, admiring her patience. She was scrolling through her phone, answering emails no doubt. I hoped I was able to be as patient and understanding as her if I ever had children.
Ben strode back in with Samson, Belin and the other agent right behind him. Samson pulled on his leash, excited when he saw me. Ben took his leash off and let him run to me. I took him to the couch, broadly smiling at his excitement. Samson jumped on the couch and I plopped down next to him as I pet him and scratched behind his ears. I rubbed his belly, stopping only to rub his head. He rolled over, giving me his paw trying to tell me more. I laughed at his cuteness and rubbed his belly some more. My mother scooted off the couch to give Samson more room. He kept bumping her and wanting her attention as well. I thought she was getting annoyed. She sat down on one of the other chairs to resume her perusing through the phone. I wondered if she was talking to Josh via text right now or my father. My expression changed as I began to miss Josh, knowing I wouldn’t be able see him for heaven knew how long. I decided to shake it off and get busy. I had work to finish and needed to stay focused for later this evening.
I strode back to my desk and politely asked the new agent if he was finished with whatever he was doing.
“I’m actually surprised you can use my computer to do your work,” I told him. “I thought being FBI you would need something more secure.”
“Oh, we do, but what I’m looking for is public information. Anyone can find this information,” he answered.
“What is it exactly that you’re researching, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Not at all,” he replied. “Davis asked what information we had on the Hongmen versus the Triads, present day, of course the information he needs regarding this case, I have to look up at the office, but what I’m searching for right now, since I have some time to spare with Davis being here, is some of the history. I think if I can better understand their history then I, or we, may be able to get one step ahead of the Triads with the help of the Hongmen.”
“That is actually a very bright idea, my friend,” I said.
“Thank you. And by the way, you and your cousin could pass for twins.” He glanced up at me, staring. What? Was he staring at my eyes or was he staring at my face? I shifted on my feet uncomfortably. “Except…” he trailed off.
“Except what?” I snapped.
“Except, I think your eyes are a more intense green than your cousin’s.” He stood up to get a closer look, invading my personal space. “They seem brighter, hypnotic, almost as if they are inviting you in.” He took a step closer to me and I could feel his body heat engulfing me. I felt a little uncomfortable. I blinked rapidly and judiciously took a step back.
“Er… I think we should be on a first name basis before we’re this intimate. I almost feel like you’re going to swallow me whole.”
Belín and Ben laughed, startling the agent. He quickly looked down at the floor and took a few steps back. I felt my cheeks get hot, embarrassed for both him and me. I shouldn’t have been such a smart mouth.
“Sorry about that.” He moved out of my way and let me have the chair. “My name is Bless, by the way. Special Agent Adam Bless.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Adam or do you prefer I call you Agent Bless?” I sat down and closed the window he was just on.
“Adam is fine, ma’am.”
“Great! Then I’ll call you Adam but you have to call me Isabel. None of that Dr. Langley nonsense.” I gave him a warm smile.
“Yes, ma’am.” He managed a slight grin and slowly started to make his way to a chair but something stopped him and he turned to face me.
My eyes flickered up to him without moving my head. “Is there something the matter, Adam?”
“Isabel, I just want to say I’m sorry again for invading your space and staring at you the way I did.” He put his hands in his slacks, his expression serious. I stopped what I was doing to listen to what he had to say. “Davis told me before coming here, I was probably going to feel the urge to stare and I didn’t believe him. So, I just want you to know that the stares you get, and I bet you get plenty, it’s only because of your amazing green eyes. They are indeed beautiful…” He paused for a long minute as if he wanted to say something more but was unsure. He sighed softly. “And I gotta say, you’re a knockout, too.”
I smiled, flushing at his words. “Thank you for that, Adam. That is very sweet of you to say.” I glanced over to where Ben was sitting and he was covering his eyes with one hand, shaking his head. I was guessing Adam wasn’t supposed to let that slip.
24
We got through the rest of the day without any problems. I was finally caught up on all the paperwork that had been sitting on my desk for the past two weeks. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders now that it was finished. I sighed, closing my eyes and rubbing my neck. I looked around my office—my mother, Belín and Adam were all missing. Ben was reclined on the couch reading a magazine with Samson next to him on the floor. I gazed out into the reception area and saw Patti with Vanessa, laying out all the snacks and drinks for our therapy that night. I saw a few other people coming and going and wondered if those were some of the agents Conny was talking about. My cell phone rang and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was Josh, I told myself, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. I looked at the caller ID. It was David. Shit! I did tell him I would talk to him later. Was it really already later? I let out a loud, whiny moan and sent the call to voicemail. Ben sat up abruptly and eyed me. Samson reacted to his body language and jumped up.
“I’m sorry for my outburst, Ben, I just don’t want to deal with David right now.” I wiggled the phone in the air indicating he was calling. “In fact, I don’t want to deal with David ever,” I complained, shoving the phone back in my purse. I’d had enough shit happen to me, I didn’t want his ex-girlfriend shit coming my way. “Any luck finding out who could be involved with the Triads down at the ER?”
“Not yet. I’m sorry. I know this is frustrating, Isabel, but please, try to have a little patience. These things usually take time.”
I didn’t react; I just sat there slouched over my desk. I glanced at the clock: five-thirty. My thoughts started drifting to Josh and I absentmindedly started tracing the letters on the messages Vanessa gave me earlier. It was Monday night football tonight and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy that with my Greek god. I pictured his beautiful face, remembering how he fell asleep on my sofa. Sigh. I wished we were there now.
“Cheer up, Isabel,” Ben chimed, jolting me out of my reverie. “This will all be over soon enough.”
“What? Do I look depressed?”
“Yes, actually you do.” He was petting Samson. Every time he stopped, Samson would give him his paw, whining for more. It was such a cute sight. I loved that dog.
“Oh.”
“So, tell me what to expect this evening. I want to make sure the kids and the parents feel comfortable with me. I don’t want to overstep to where the kids don’t talk.” He was changing the subject for my benefit. He was such a considerate person but had a horrible bedside manner. He was always so serious and I could never tell if he was angry or just deep in thought. And he saw patients at one time? Was he like this when he was a doctor or did the FBI make him this way?
“Well, first of all, you have to make sure you don’t look so serious,” I admonished. “You’re a good-looking guy, Ben, but your expressions always leave me guessing. We have to work on your bedside manner.”
“You think I’m good looking?” He was surprised.
“Yes, Ben,” I said, rolling my eyes. “But you’re no Greek god. That title is reserved for Joshua Rockwall,” I sm
irked.
Ben was grinning from ear to ear, and completely disregarded what I said about Josh. “Isabel, I had no idea you found me so attractive.”
I gazed at him with one eyebrow raised. “Seriously? That’s what you got out of this whole conversation? Did you not hear what I just said?”
He was still smiling a big, goofy unapologetic smile at me. I rolled my eyes again and shook my head.
“Where is everyone?” I asked, changing topics.
“Your mother and cousin are in one of the therapy rooms taking a quick nap. Agent Bless is sitting close by making sure no one goes in.”
I nodded, gazing at Samson. “So, I’d like to give Sammy some water and take him out to relieve himself. Is that possible?”
“Better not,” he answered, rubbing Samson’s belly. “I’ll be glad to do that for you.” Then he started talking baby talk to my dog.
I giggled. No one can resist Samson’s cuteness, I thought to myself. I got up to give Sammy some water and handed Ben his leash. They were both loving on each other, Ben rubbing him all over and talking baby talk to him and Samson giving Ben his paw and doing a deep, playful growl. I had a broad grin on my face as I watched them.
“Don’t take too long with him,” I told him. “Sometimes kids and parents start to show up early just so they can have a few minutes alone with me or another therapist before everyone else arrives.” I glanced at my watch and the time was ten minutes to six. Six-thirty was the actual time we started but we would usually get a few early birds arriving for the snacks and not just to speak with one of us.
“Got it,” he said, grinning like a fool at Samson.
“I’m going to wake my mother and Belín. I promise I won’t go anywhere else.”
“Got it,” he answered, still grinning as they walked off.
“And remember to smile like you’re doing when the kids get here,” I shouted.
