Page 9 of Diluted Truths
“Really? That sucks. I was hoping to see if there were more connections. I have a feeling…”
“Jackie,” Fai interrupted, “We don’t work on feelings here.”
I sighed. He was right. We never based our articles or research on feelings. We always were required to stay within the bounds of facts and well-documented research. I always followed those rules he set for us, butthis case felt different. “I know, Fai. But I really think we need to follow this lead.”
I turned to see him looking at me, almost… disappointed?
“Jackie, this woman came to us to publish an article explaining the facts and just that. Don’t bring a cult into it. That will just make their lives harder.”
“I get that, I really do. But shouldn’t we look into any avenue to make sure we are publishing the whole truth?” I argued.
“Drop it, Ophelia. I don’t pull the boss card often, but I’m pulling it now. This case is not involved in some weird cult. Write about his disappearance, explain it had nothing to do with Satanists and that he is a perfectly normal kid. That’s what Janice asked us to do, that’s what we will do. Understand?” Fai stated firmly, leaving no room for further arguing.
“Yeah, I understand,” I responded dejectedly.
Fai looked at me for a moment, confirming I truly did understand. He must have seen what he wanted because shortly after, he left Oliver and I in the office alone.
“I’m sorry, Jackie,” Oliver stated as he leaned against the desk next to me and took my hand reassuringly. “If it helps, I agree with you. I think there’s more to this than we realize.”
I shrugged in response. Ihateddisappointing Fai. I had spent years trying to show him that I was good at this job and could be taken seriously.
I often wondered if he still only saw me as the young girl who needed help all those years ago when he looked at me now. I wanted to do good at this job and show Fai that the sacrifice he made for me all those years ago by taking me in was worth it. That I was worth it.
Maybe I needed to convince myself of that too.
That is the funny thing about people like me. From the outside we seem so full of joy, of life. We are the people who make you laugh, who make you feel loved and cared for. We hype everyone around us up and support them with everything we have. People look at us and think we are so happy, so content.
In actuality, we are often more broken deep down than anyone could realize.
Chapter 3Paint the Town Red by. Doja Cat
Jackie
“Sarah, I really believe there is something here. I know these cases are connected to the Cult of Creation,” I exclaimed as I laid on the couch in Sarah’s office. “But the only evidence is a single drawing. That’s it. One drawing. Fai likes facts. Fai needs facts. I don’t have facts right now, just my intuition and one stupid drawing.”
“You know I love you, Ophelia, but I have a patient in fifteen minutes and I really wanted a break from being a therapist for a hot minute,” Sarah said as she sat behind her desk eating her lunch that was provided by yours truly. She still needed a break from her work despite the act of kindness I had provided.
Rude.
I rolled my eyes hearing my first name. “Think of it as less ‘therapisting’ me and more giving a friend slash kind of daughter who is way too old to be your daughter some friendly work advice.”
I turned to the woman who had long ago become my family. Sarah was the only person on this planet I knew I could share anything with and Sarah would never tell a soul said things unless explicitly asked. Or if I was in serious danger.
I also knew that if I gave my friend the right look, she would give into any of my desires.
So, obviously I did just that.
Immediately Sarah’s facade softened.
She sighed in surrender. “Therapisting isn’t a word, but I may have an idea for you. Do you remember hearing about my friend William?”
“What is with you and your aversion to nicknames? Doesn’t Fai call him Will?” I chuckled, thinking of her strange habits.
She just shrugged. “I like full names. They tend to be more interesting. Is that a yes to my question?”
“Yes, I remember hearing aboutWilliam.”
“Excellent!” Sarah clasped her hands together. “While I can’t answer your questions about this whole cult thing, William can. He loves this kind of stuff. You know that dissertation in Faizal’s office you love to read? That was written by him.”
