A Surprise Visit

Chapter Forty-four

So much work to do.

Ben leaned back in his office chair and loosened his tie. It would be so easy to become a workaholic like his father before him, but Ben was determined to leave the office at five o’clock. Maybe he should ask Janelle out to dinner.

His phone line buzzed, and he grinned. He could ask her right now. “Yes?”

         “Sheriff Horton is here to see you.” Janelle’s voice sounded professional. “Along with Mr. and Mrs. Dunlevy.”

         Ben frowned. “Dunlevy? I don’t know anyone by that name.”

         “Just a moment.” The sound of static filled his ear before Janelle spoke again. “Mrs. Dunlevy is your mom.”

         “What?” Dropping the phone, Ben sprang to the door and flung it open.

         Sheriff Horton, his hands on his hips, stood in the outer office. Beside him stood Ben’s mom and a roly-poly short man who had silver-gray hair, bright blue eyes, and long deep dimples that accompanied his broad smile.

         Ben zeroed in on his mother—whom no one had heard from in four weeks. “Mom! You’re here!”

         “Oh, Ben!” She rushed into his arms.

         As Ben hugged her, he realized for the first time that his mom did look like Helga Svensson. They had similar facial features with blonde hair and blue eyes, but Mom was shorter and had a better figure than Helga. And he agreed with Elliot—his mom was far prettier than the bookkeeper. At this moment, Lyssa Thorne was the most beautiful woman in the world.

         He released her. “Mom, what happened to you? Where have you been for the last month?”

         “Well…” She smiled, then turned to look at the short fat man. “This is Kurt Dunlevy, my husband.” She looped her arm through Kurt’s.

         “Your husband?” What did she see in him?

Kurt thrust out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ben.” He had a rich baritone voice that didn’t match his appearance. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for weeks.”

         Ben shook his hand. “Uh, nice to meet you, too.” This man was his stepfather?

         His mother laughed. “You look like you’re in shock, son. I wanted to tell you in person about our marriage and surprise you. But it seems…” Her smiled faded as she glanced at Sheriff Horton. “I was the one surprised by your father’s untimely death.” She laid her hand on Ben’s arm. “I’m so sorry, dear. I’m sorry you had to go through all that alone.”

         Looking down, Ben just nodded.

         Sheriff Horton moved toward the door. “Your mother is no longer a suspect, Ben. She was on a plane flying to Europe when your dad was murdered, so she has a tight alibi.” He brought up his hand in a salute, and his glance included all of them. “Take care, folks.”

         “Thank you so much, Sheriff.” Mom smiled at him. “We appreciate you taking time to explain everything to us.”

         “My pleasure, Mrs. Dunlevy.” He exited, closing the door behind him.

         Mrs. Dunlevy. “So, what happened, Mom?” Ben’s glance bounced between his mother and new stepfather. “I didn’t even know you were engaged.”

         “It’s a long story. We’d like to take you out to dinner, Ben. We’ll tell you everything that happened in the last few weeks.”

         “That would be great.” He looked at Janelle, who was sitting at her desk. “I guess you’ve met my new receptionist, Janelle Weaver.”

         “Janelle.” Mom walked to the desk and shook her hand. “I didn’t know your name. Please call me Lyssa.”

         As Janelle replied, Ben gazed at her. Too bad he couldn’t take her out. But of course he wanted to spend time with his mom. Kurt shook Janelle’s hand. Ben still couldn’t believe Mom married this short fat guy, no matter how smooth his voice.

         Mom laid her hand on Janelle’s arm. “Why don’t you come to dinner with the three of us? I’d like to get to know you better.”

         Janelle’s eyes widened. “Oh, I’d love to. Thanks.”

         “Good.” Mom smiled and glanced at Ben. “Are we ready to go then?”

         “Sure, let me lock up.” Ben went back into his office and noticed his phone still lying on the desk. As he hung it up, he grinned. He would get to eat dinner with Janelle after all. Then he paused. Was his mom playing matchmaker?

If so, he was game. 

* * *

We’ll read about their dinner tomorrow. Until then, God bless!