After Ben by Con Riley Page B

hypnotized me.”
    “I can stop any time you like, Mr. Anderson. You just say the word.” As the warm hands on his back slowed, then stopped their rhythmic motion, Theo whimpered. He could hear the smile in Joel’s voice.
    “That’s what I thought, boss.”
    It had been Joel’s smile that led to Maggie finding them this way. The interview hadn’t gone according to plan at all. Theo had barely made it to the front door this time before Joel had pushed it open. His cheerful, “Hey, how are ya?” was quickly countered with a, “Wow, he wasn’t kidding. You do look like crap.”
    Theo could almost hear Evan saying that exact phrase.
    Before he knew it, Theo had found himself shuffled to his living room, eased back onto the couch, and under rapid-fire investigation. Did he need a drink, something to eat, any medication? What was the problem, how had it started, and what was helping? When Joel moved on to making suggestions for alternative therapies, Theo stopped him.
    “I’m guessing you’re Mr. Hudson.” Theo tried to sound calm and composed. Joel nodded, then apologized. “That’s all right, Mr. Hudson, this isn’t the most formal of interview sessions that I’ve ever run. It’s been one of those weeks.” Frankly, it had been one of those years. “Perhaps you could tell me why an environmental studies major is even looking for a spot in my department.” All of Theo’s years of experience in hiring and firing had taught him that asking open questions was the best way to extract the maximum of information.
    Mr. “Call me Joel” Hudson had started talking, and hadn’t stopped for at least ten minutes.
    He began by explaining his rationale for choosing his major. He’d been deeply influenced by several well-reported man-made disasters and, as a nature lover and ardent spokesperson for the voiceless—Theo guessed that he meant for trees and wildlife—environmental studies was a natural choice. He spent a year traveling—Australia mainly, taking in a little of Asia—and had made a point to visit environmental research centers in each country he visited. Theo didn’t doubt his enthusiasm, but after a lecture on deforestation in Borneo, he was still no closer to understanding why the man wanted office experience in what sounded, by comparison, such a pedestrian field.
    Joel had an answer for him, and hearing his thinking made Theo want to log into chat immediately. Morgan would absolutely love the way Joel’s mind worked. Or he’d hate him passionately. It just depended on the day.
    As Joel talked and talked and talked, Theo wondered again if Morgan was okay. It had been days since he’d answered Theo’s pings.
    He missed Morgan.
    He missed his company.
    Yes, that was it. He missed Morgan’s witty company, especially as he had so much time on his hands. Starting suddenly, realizing that the room was silent, Theo saw that Joel was studying him intently.
    “Who hurt you?” Joel asked.
    “It’s just an old football injury.” Theo watched as Joel pursed his full lips a little. He really did have the most expressive face. Honestly, it bordered on ugly, but when he smiled, it was practically gorgeous. His smile was amazing, all bright white teeth and just huge.
    Really huge.
    “I don’t mean your back. That’s obvious. I mean what happened to you?”
    Theo shook his head.
    This wasn’t the time or place. He had zero intention of talking about himself, especially to a complete stranger. “Tell me again why you want to intern. Just keep it short this time.” Theo settled back, wincing, as Joel started talking again. He had a comforting accent that revealed he’d grown up in Minnesota, or Minne-snow-ta , as he called it, shivering a little.
    “I aim to work for a nonprofit or even start my own one day, but there’s little point wanting to change the world if you don’t know how the world works right now.”
    Theo nodded at his logic.
    “An internship with your company, particularly in your