Digging Up Death (A Mari Duggins Mystery) by Gina Conroy Page B

space and lots of love to draw Matt from his shell. He even started calling us Mom and Dad after the first year. I looked at him drumming his pencil on his textbook to the music in his head. Somehow I didn’t think it would be that easy this time around.
    Gripping the side of the bookshelf, I blew out my frustration and pushed. Surprisingly, it lifted with ease.
    “Here I come to save the day,” Fletcher sang in my ear.
    “It’s all yours, Mighty Mouth.” I let go of the shelf and turned, studying Fletcher’s muscles as he righted the shelf. “Though I’m not sure why you’d want to be compared to a mouse. Size did always matter to you.” I smirked.
    “I’m not the same punk I was in college. See.” He flexed his muscles, striking several Mr. Universe poses. “I’ve got the guns to prove it. Want to see my six pack?” He grabbed my hand and started to lift his shirt.
    I pulled away, the temperature in the room rising. “No thanks, I trust you.” I fanned myself and checked the thermostat. Sixty-eight degrees. “Thanks again.”
    Matt jumped from his chair. “Sheesh, you guys are pathetic.” He gathered his books. “I’m outta here.”
    “Don’t leave the office,” I said as he pushed between Fletcher and I.
    “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Then he slammed the door behind him.
    “I’m sorry about Matt. The last couple of years have been hard on him. Thanks for letting him borrow your car to pick up Ben.”
    “No problem. He’s a nice looking kid. He has your face.” Fletcher started to re-shelve the books.
    “And my father’s attitude.” Regret flitted through me as I handed a book to Fletcher.
    “I wouldn’t go that far. He seems like a good kid underneath it all. If you thought it would help, I could spend some time with him. Take him to a movie, or bowling, or whatever kids do nowadays for fun.”
    “Text and Facebook.”
    Fletcher laughed. “Times really have changed. Remember when we couldn’t wait to get together with the gang at the roller rink?”
    A smile creased my lips. “Those were the days. I lived to escape the house. All Matt does is lock himself in his room with his gadgets.”
    “At least he’s not smoking dope or breaking the law like we did.”
    “Leave me out of this. I grew up a long time ago. Had to.”
    “He’ll come around. He just needs some time. Like me.”
    “Yeah, but look how long it took you.”
    Fletcher’s eyes darkened. He turned away.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. This day keeps getting worse. I should check on Ben.” I left Fletcher to clean my mess as I peered into the lounge. Ben and Luke circled Candy at her desk like Indians searching for a scalp. My cheeks warmed. “Boys, this is an office, not a playground!”
    I gritted my teeth as they continued their chase. Candy sat immersed in her work, unaware of their activity. Just as Ben tagged Luke and then darted away, Elizabeth walked in. Ben’s sandy-brown, shaggy hair caught some air, reminding me he was long overdue for a trim.
    “Luke Darby, are you respecting Mrs. Finch and this office?” Elizabeth’s soft tone contrasted with my authoritative approach.
    He shook his head.
    “It’s time to start your homework.” Elizabeth smiled when Luke obeyed.
    Before I could say a word, Ben ran off and started army crawling under the office chairs. Though relatively pain free thanks to Cherilyn’s Midol, my mind and body were too whipped for a confrontation. Especially with a seven year old.
    I turned to Elizabeth. “How was your appointment?”
    “Fine.” Her countenance faded. “How’d your interview go?”
    “Better than expected, but I don’t know.” A sharp pain jabbed my left shoulder. I rubbed my neck, noticing the ache in my lower back. The Midol must be wearing off. “It’s a tough business, and I’m not the youngest applicant.”
    “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You’re brilliant and beautiful.”
    “So was Ann Curry, and they replaced her with