He stands. “I think I understand.”
I stand as well. “Please, take some time to think about it and get back to us when you’re ready.” Some clients need time before committing to a PI trailing their spouse. I get it. It’s one thing to suspect your spouse is being unfaithful, it’s an entirely other thing to see the proof in black and white.
He starts strolling out of the office. I grab a business card from my desk and chase after him. “Do you want to take a card? In case you decide to hire our services?” What am I doing? I don’t want scary dude for a client.
Benjamin halts. “Um, sure.” He grabs the card and walks out of the office without saying another word.
“Goodbye,” I shout after his retreating figure. I don’t mention it was nice meeting him because I’d be lying. Dude was creepy.
“It is me or was Benjamin strange?” Suzie asks as she stares at the door he shut behind him.
“Strange, creepy, spooky, sinister… take your pick.” I shrug. “Doesn’t matter. I doubt we’ll be seeing him again.”
“Why not?” Phoebe asks from the door to the filing room.
“He’s not ready to commit.” It’s not unusual. A lot of prospective clients walk away and never become actual clients. It’s part of the business.
“You don’t think he was lying, do you?”
I give Phoebe my full attention. “What do you mean?”
“Like maybe he was here to gather information about you?”
I wrinkle my nose as I consider her question. “I don’t know. He asked a lot of specific questions, but those questions aren’t completely unusual. Considering all the weirdos online, I can understand his concern about his wife’s pictures ending up on some website.”
“He didn’t ask any questions about your employees?”
I cross my arms over my chest. The mystery of Phoebe keeps growing and growing. She’s giving Suzie a whole bunch of ammunition now. “No, he didn’t. And I wouldn’t answer his questions if he did. Do you hear me?” I wait for her to nod. “I will never give out any information about you to anyone, client or otherwise.”
“Thank you. I cherish my privacy.”
Suzie snorts behind me and Phoebe’s face pales. I smile to reassure her, but I worry Suzie will not be content until she knows every single thing there is to know about Phoebe.