Page 8 of Unexpected Danger
“We don’t. I wish my landlord would install some, but it’s traditionally been a safe neighborhood. I’m probably the only one ever to have a situation like this.”
Jasmine rejoined the conversation. “I’m going to hope that he was just lost and in the wrong place.”
Their boss, Sonja, walked toward them. “Are we having our staff meeting early?”
“Londyn had some creep try to break into her house,” said Jasmine.
“Oh, how frightening. Did you call the police?”
“I did. They will be talking to one of our clients, BJ Nuss, today to see if it was him. He was the only one I could think of that might be angry enough to do something like that to scare me.”
“BJ Nuss. Yes, I do recall that name from when we discussed his spoken threat on the phone to you.” Worry etched in Sonja’s face. “This is concerning, and I do want you to add this to the paperwork you’ve already completed about him.” She tapped her chin. “I’m not sure how Mr. Nuss would have found out where you live. We don’t give out any information about our employees, including their residences, personal phone numbers, or any other private information.”
“All he would need was my last name, and he could probably find out where I live by surfing the internet.”
Sonja poured herself a cup of coffee. “Well, I’m just glad you’re all right. And thankful that the police are looking into it.”
“I’m just hoping it was something random and I just overreacted.”
Londyn’s boss did not look convinced. “Maybe someone should walk you out tonight.”
Dustin raised his hand. “I’d be happy to walk her out.”
“Thank you, Dustin. Speaking of staff meetings, we have one in about ten minutes, so I’ll meet you three in the conference room.” Sonja nodded before returning to her office. Staff meetings were a weekly occurrence, but most of them didn’t last more than a few minutes. Sonja trusted her employees, kept an open-door policy, and did her best not to use up valuable work time in a day for the sake of a meeting. However, when there was a staff meeting, it was mandatory.
Londyn ascertained the gathering must be important because when she walked into the conference room, not only was there a fresh pot of coffee and Dustin's donut box—and what remained of the donuts—but also on the table were several balloons tied together attached to a card.
Was it someone’s birthday? Ten employees worked in this department at Zedde and Associates, so when there was a birthday, they typically went out for lunch. But usually, Sonja let them know ahead of time in case they wished to attend.
Londyn took a seat in one of the cushioned chairs between Jasmine and Dustin. The rest of the employees filed in, and her boss stood.
“Thank you all for coming to the meeting,” Sonja began. “I have a few announcements to make. First off, good job this past month. I have received compliments about the way you have all handled accounts, and our doctors, physicians, and hospital board members are pleased that we have been able to secure more of those outstanding balances. Working with those whoowe on their bills in a way that secures payment but also in conjunction with their budgets is paramount, and you have all done stellar jobs attaining that goal. Secondly, we have a new job opening, so if you know of anyone who would be interested, please spread the word. And now, last but not least, we have an award for Employee of the Quarter. It’s not typically my habit to choose the same person twice in a row, but this individual has gone above and beyond for the company, so much so that they are fully deserving of again receiving this distinguished award. Dustin, that would be you.”
Everyone clapped, and Dustin smiled. “Thank you.”
“Your dedication, loyalty, and ability to work with our clients is nothing short of fantastic. Rarely does a week go by without a phone call from a client stating how much they appreciated your patience and understanding. Please accept these balloons and a gift card to one of your favorite places. You’ll also receive a bonus.”
Everyone clapped again, and Londyn patted Dustin on the back. “Congratulations.”
He offered her a broad grin, and she realized perhaps for the second time in as many weeks that he was cute with his short-cropped blond hair and hooded brown eyes.
Dustin opened the card, read it, then held up the gift card. “Looks like I’ll be doing some shopping.” Everyone clapped again, and after eating doughnuts and drinking more coffee, they were released to their job duties.
Of course, three of the other single women in the office had to approach Dustin and offer some flirtatious congratulatory words. One woman, a rail-thin redhead in her early thirties, gushed and offered numerous light touches and continued eye contact. As one of only two males in the office, Dustin had earned a high ranking of popularity, especially among those hoping he’d ask them out.
The other two single women crowded around him and playfully teased him with hints about them being the ones he’d take shopping.
Dustin flirted right back, giving most of his attention to the redhead. He was a great guy, and any of the women would be fortunate to go out with him.
Londyn appreciated the interruption from the thoughts that permeated through her mind about last night’s visitor.
After the meeting, she discovered she had a phone message on her cell. “Hi, Ms. Siegler. This is Detective Rivas. Officers Gann and Nelson apprised me of the situation with the man who paid you a visit last night and the prior episode with him across the street, along with the texts you’ve received. Do you have time to come down to the police department this afternoon?”
Londyn returned Detective Rivas's call and arranged to meet with him during her lunch hour. Fortunately, Sonja told her that if it took longer, that was fine, but that she would need to make up the time.
She finished making some notes on the computer about the most recent phone call, then logged off, put on her coat, and reached for her purse.
“Do you want to go to lunch with us?” asked Jasmine.
