Truth or Lies?

by A. Gomez

  Several of the girls were crying as they recalled their fear, while others were angry and exhibited some rage and self-loathing for being so stupid. But they all agreed on one thing… they wanted to help us help the rest of the girls they left behind get out.

  “Ladies, why did Tori and Mr. Hong say to ask for me? And why is he saying not trust any of the Chicago ERs?” I wondered aloud.

  “All the ERs have bad people in them,” Rose explained. “They help Miss Debbie with medicines for us if we’re sick or if her boss beats us, they also help her with our cuts and broken arms or whatever.”

  My mind flashed to the image of Ginger hugging Debbie in the ER and David saying they’re friends.

  Alex stood up. “Because she said you actually cared about her and Elizabeth and aren’t as scary as the other doctors they had to see, and Mr. Hong told us to find you because he said you’re very smart and could be trusted.”

  I gasped softly. Elizabeth! I completely forgot about my victim! I scanned the room for her, but she wasn’t there. I spun in my seat and eyed Ben. He was at my side at once, whispering in my ear, telling me she and her mother were fine and in protective custody. They didn’t want them coming tonight due to all the attempts made on my life. They were fearful the same might happen to her. I exhaled, not realizing I was holding my breath. Relief set in and I tried to compose myself. I didn’t want the girls to see me jarred.

  “Ladies.” Pam stepped in. She was standing so the girls could see her better. “I know you all are scared and worried about what may happen to you and the other girls that are still in that awful situation. And since no one has gone to the police or seen a doctor we’re going to help you with that here.” She motioned for Tim Conny to come forward. “This is FBI director Tim Conny. He’s not a police officer but he is in law enforcement,” she said. “He’s been here observing this evening due to the severity of the situation. Mr. Conny and his agents will be the only ones that will be helping you and your families for the time being.”

  Ben cleared his throat and waved his hand so the girls would give him their attention. “As far as you ladies getting medical attention, the FBI will help you with that as well. The doctors here and I will talk with your parents and set that up,” he offered.

  “What if we don’t have parents?” a shy voice asked. We scanned the room, searching for who asked the question.

  “Identify yourself, sweet girl,” I said. “We’re here to help you.”

  A tall, lanky looking thing stood up from the middle of the mass of girls. She looked to be about sixteen, maybe seventeen years old. She had short, spiky red hair and a beautiful face. She looked too slender, unhealthy almost. I saw she had a pile of snacks in front of her at her feet. Poor thing must be starving.

  “Angel, you don’t have parents, or you don’t have parents here with you tonight?” I asked.

  “My parents are in California. I ran away with my boyfriend… er… I thought he was my boyfriend… and I just don’t know if I can call them. They probably hate me for running away with that boy.” Her voice grew quiet as if she was ashamed of the whole ordeal or just lost, unsure of what to do.

  “Sweet girl, tell me your name.”

  “It’s Melody, like the melody in music.”

  “Melody,” I repeated. “That’s a lovely name.” She smiles. “Melody, your parents will never hate you. If you know how to get in touch with them we can call them together. Does that sound good to you?”

  She nodded, giving me a shy smile.

  “Where are you staying, Melody?” Ben asked.

  “Anywhere that I can find. They won’t let me stay at any of the kid shelters since I’m nineteen. They said I’m too old.”

  Nineteen? Son of a gun! She looked so young. It must be the malnourishment. We had to get some food for this girl and a safe place to sleep.

  “Don’t leave after the group therapy is over,” Ben said. “Let us help you find a safe place to stay while we get in touch with your parents.” Ben paused, looking at the sea of girls. “Is there anyone else here that’s in the same situation as Melody?” At least ten hands went up. Patti muttered something under her breath and Pam covered her mouth, her eyes wide. “Ladies, please stay after so we can help all of you with shelter and food,” Ben said warmly.

  I heard footsteps and glanced in the direction of the elevators. I could somewhat make out a human figure walking our way. I whispered to Ben that someone was coming and he quickly got up to leave. Out of nowhere, another agent materialized and accompanied Ben. It was Adam. Jee whiz, that was quick!

  I tried to listen to what Patti was saying to the group and the questions that were being asked but I was too concerned for Ben. My gaze turned toward my office to see if my mother, Belín and Samson were all fine. My mother was on the phone yet again, probably talking with Josh and Belín was furiously typing on her laptop. All seemed well.

  I saw Ben with Adam, heading our way with David. Oh, it was just David. I supposed I would still have to deal with him. Damn! I whispered to Patti that I’d be right back and went to meet them closer to the elevators. Ben saw me coming so they stopped where they were. Adam left them both there and returned to wherever he came from. Ben’s face was impassive as always so I couldn’t read or assess his mood and David’s expression wasn’t any better.

  “I’ll be with the group,” Ben said and stalked back to group therapy.

  “I’ll be there as quick as I can,” I replied. I waited until Ben was out of earshot before I started talking. “David, we’re in the middle of group therapy,” I chided. “I told you I would talk to you later. That means later when I’m finished with my day.” My brow was furrowed.

  “Yes, I know, I’m sorry, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss you before you left for the tarmac. My shift is over and I thought I could just wait up here until you’re done.”

  I didn’t have time to debate this so I just nodded and told him he could wait in my office with my mother and cousin until we were finished. He smiled, grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed my cheek. Ouch! I guess my wound still hurt.

  I hurried back. Our hour was almost up and I needed to help Ben with the shelters these girls could go into and hot meals for them. They were wrapping it up as I walked in. A few of the parents were walking out to find their daughter and taking snacks for the ride home. I announced that we still had lots of snacks and drinks and anyone was welcome to take as much as they wanted. I also reminded them not to leave until we talked to their parents or parent. Melody grabbed a few more snacks and shoved them into her pockets.

  Patti, Ben and Pam were already deep in conversation with a few parents. Conny was talking with a group of girls and parents as well. I walked over to Melody and took her aside.

  “So, Melody, how about we try and call your parents tonight?” I asked. “I know for certain they are missing you and wishing you were home and I suspect you wouldn’t mind hearing their voices either. You’re just ashamed of what you did? Ran away with someone you thought loved you? Am I right?”

  She nodded, her expression serious. “I’m nervous. It’s been two years since I’ve seen them. Before I left I told them I hated them and they didn’t understand how much my uh… my boyfriend and I loved each other,” she trailed off.

  “It’s okay, really. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my teen years it’s that parents who love their children also forgive their children,” I said warmly. “If you can remember their number I’ll call and get the ball rolling if that will help you.”

  “Yes! Please!” She looked relieved.

  “Awesome!” I replied. “Let’s call from the receptionist’s desk so we’re not so close to everyone.”

  Melody sat down in Vanessa’s chair as she told me what number to dial. It was well after seven in the evening on a Monday so they should be home… at least that’s what I was praying for. The phone rang and rang and rang. It rang at least five times before a woman’s voice said hello. I said hello
back and introduced myself, adding where I was calling from. Melody got visibly tense. She began to rock back and forth in the chair. I wrapped my arm around her. I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she had a daughter and if so what her daughter’s name was. She answered both questions correctly, so I proceeded to explain that Melody was with me and we had just finished group therapy. The mother began to sob and could not stop thanking me. Still holding Melody, I let her know that I was passing the phone to her daughter now and that once they were finished talking, I would like to talk about making arrangements to get her home and I could answer any questions she may have. As soon as Melody said hello, she too began to sob. I told her to come find me before she hung up with her mother. She nodded.

  I left her alone to talk in private and went to where Pam was talking with a group of parents. She was having everyone that was present, including the parents, sign in with all of their contact information. She would then introduce them to Tim Conny who was to be involved on the law enforcement side. The atmosphere after therapy seemed light, almost like relief had set in. No more wondering what tonight was going to bring. No more fighting with the FBI if I was going to stay or leave. And so far, everything had gone smoothly. No unpleasant surprises or “weird Chinese men” trying to kill me. Josh would be glad to hear tonight went well. I couldn’t wait to tell him.

  “Isabel, how many cafeteria vouchers do you have so we can hand them out to these girls?” Pam asked. “Conny and Davis are taking care of where to house the girls and I told them we could help with feeding them.”

  “I have twenty? Roughly?” I answered. “Each one is good for two meals a day at the cafeteria closest to the ER.”

  “That should be sufficient. Patti has twenty as well. If we need more, I’ll purchase more with our petty cash.”

  I nodded. “Pam, as you know, I’m leaving for Dallas tonight with Conny…”

  “Yes dear, I know that.”

  “Yes, well, I was wondering…” I paused, glancing at Tim Conny. “I was hoping you could speak with him about letting me come for next week’s group therapy? I can’t imagine not being here for the kids, especially since someone out there is telling them I’m the only one they can trust.”

  “The thought did cross my mind.” She looked over at Conny. “Clearly, there’s someone watching you. The thought is unsettling.” She shook her head, incredulous. “But it seems that we need you here because of that. I’ll speak with Tim and touch base with you some time before next Monday.”

  “Thank you, Pam,” I said, smiling, feeling satisfied.

  Ben approached us with two girls from the group flanking him. His expression unreadable. “Isabel, Pam, this is Special Agent Sabrina Swan.” The brunette with blue eyes extended her hand for us to shake. We politely took it, trying not to gawk. “And this is Special Agent Dawn Fletch.” The long-haired blonde politely extended her hand as well; again, we tried not to gawk. Whoa! These women looked like teenagers! They were here as part of one of the teens during therapy the whole time? They weren’t kidding when they told me I wouldn’t see them. “These agents will be with the girls who need shelter. We have arranged for them to stay at an all girls’ school,” Ben said. “The school has graciously agreed to help us with room and board and a few classes to help get them back in school or what have you. They are also helping us with hot meals so no need for the cafeteria vouchers.”

  “Very nice to meet y’all,” I said. “And by the way, whatever kind of moisturizer or beauty regimen y’all are using, I want in on that.” I stared at them both. “Y’all look like babies.”

  Everyone laughed. Pam actually agreed with me and asked what their secret was. The women didn’t answer, they just continued to laugh. Pam and I eyed each other. Had they found the fountain of youth and didn’t want to share?

  “Isabel,” Ben began, his professional tone and serious demeanor back, “I don’t want you to worry about any of these girls while you’re out of town. Agents Swan and Fletch may look like teens but I assure you they are highly trained agents with the bureau.”

  “Thank you, Ben, I appreciate that. And just to be clear,” I asked, “none of the girls or other patients know I’m leaving for Dallas, right?”

  “That’s right, Swan and Fletch know not to mention anything to the girls.” Ben nodded to the agents, letting them know they were free to rejoin the group. I eyed Ben, wondering if he would tell me if anything happened to any one of the girls while I was in Dallas.

  “And don’t worry, Isabel, I’ll make sure to keep you abreast of everything that happens with these girls while you’re away,” he answered my unspoken question as he strode off in Conny’s direction. I hoped he really did.

  Melody was waving at me from across the room. “Isabel, is that the girl that ran away with her boyfriend?” Pam asked.

  “Yes, ma’am, Melody. She’s talking with her mother right now. I told her to get me before they hang up so we can arrange for her to get home safely.”

  “Let me take this case,” Pam said, looking concerned, “if you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all,” I answered, looking at her quizzically. Pam rarely took cases, if at all.

  “Conny has asked me to step in on several of these cases and this is one of them.”

  “Be my guest. I’m sure you’ll do a better job than me,” I declared, glad to see that Pam wasn’t too affected from that awful bump on the head. She made her way toward Melody. I waved at Melody and just pointed to Pam, smiling. I didn’t want to give her a chance to say no to Pam helping her so I chose not to accompany Pam.

  26

  I looked at my watch. It was getting late. I was finally finished talking with my last set of parents and kids and answering questions. Patti was still busy with a crying mother and her daughter. It could be a longer night for poor Patti if she couldn’t help the mother calm down. I was going to make my way in that direction when I noticed Pam striding that way to help. I looked around for Ben and saw Conny was down to his last two sets of parents and girls. Did he really interview them all personally? Surely, he must have only done a brief interview and perhaps has set up appointments with all of them for a later time. Ben was already in my office making ready to leave. My mother and Belín looked tired and ready to get home.

  David was still there waiting. I couldn’t believe he actually waited. He must have sat in my office for a good two hours post therapy session. Oof! Was he finally becoming a patient man? Hm, you’re a day late and a dollar short, Summers! I headed to my office. David saw me coming and met me halfway.

  “Hey, love,” he said, kissing my forehead. “You must be exhausted. I didn’t realize just how big and busy your group therapy could be.” He grabbed my hand and we walked back to my office. I just smiled warmly at him.

  I was feeling tired and a little hungry but really just wanted to get on the plane, relax and call Josh. I started to gather my things. My mother and Belín had Samson on his leash and were standing, ready to go. I looked around for Conny, thinking he was going to ride with us or I with him but he had already disappeared… and so had Pam. Huh. They must be saying their goodbyes.

  As I was shutting down my computer, Ben came and whispered in my ear that I needed to let David know I was leaving for Dallas.

  I nodded. “I already told him earlier today I was going.” I finished what I was doing and stood up straight to look at him. “Just out of curiosity, why do I need to let him know anything?”

  His eyes flickered to David. “We want to see if he tells anyone where you’re at.”

  “I see,” I replied. “You want to see if any Triad members show up in my home town and if so, either David told them where to find me or someone close to him. Right?”

  “Yes, you could say that,” he said in a low voice. “My only concern is we didn’t prepare for your departure as well as I would have liked.” He let out a soft sigh. “We don’t have any other agents accompanying us to the tarmac, but I don’t foresee a problem
with you walking from the car to the plane. Conny and I should be able to handle it if anything arises.”

  I held up one finger, as if to say give me a minute. I took my gun and magazine out from my desk drawer, loaded it and placed it in my cross-body purse. “Will this help? I almost forgot Josh returned it.”

  His eyes were wide as he stared at me. “Um, uh… yeah… okay. That could help… I guess.”

  “What is it with you and Josh?” I hissed under my breath. “Your female agents carry guns! What’s so wrong with me carrying one too?”

  “It’s not about a female/male thing, Isabel. It’s just that I know our women agents have been trained on their firearms so I know there won’t be any accidents. I don’t know how well you’ve been trained or if at all and, so, I’m a little nervous about that.”

  “Okay, that’s fair.” I took my gun out. “Here, you can put the safety on and you can put it in my purse so you feel more comfortable.”

  He let out another sigh and did just that. Placing it very gingerly back in my purse.

  “By the way, what am I supposed to tell David since he’ll see us all leaving together?” I asked.