Chapter 205
204. 204
Benny was sure no little kid could hold up under an adult’s questioning .
Before heading out , Benny swung by the supermarket to grab some lollipops , chocolates , and other kid – favorite snacks . His plan was to use the treats to win the kid over and get the crucial information he needed .
Jonathan was in Chicoham when Benny called him . As soon as he picked up the call , Benny went straight to the point , saying . “ You’re with Teresa , aren’t you ? I need to talk to you alone . ”
Jonathan glanced at Teresa , who was sitting across from him and enjoying her meal . He gestured to her that it was a work call and stepped aside .
“ Just say it already . Why can’t you talk in front of Teresa ? ” Jonathan asked .
“ Guess what I’ve been up to today . ” Benny teased .
“ I’m not playing games , Benny . Spit it out ,” Jonathan replied , unimpressed .
Benny finally dropped the act . “ I went to the Lynn residence . Irene and Cheryl were there , so I made up an excuse to go to
your room .
“ I grabbed your toothbrush and handed it to a buddy of mine to run a DNA test . The results will be out tonight . ”
Jonathan sighed , exasperated . “ I’ve told you a hundred times . The kid isn’t mine . Was it really necessary to go through all that for a toothbrush ? ”
“ You just don’t believe me , do you ? You’ll know when the results are in . Let’s make a bet . 30 thousand . Sounds good? ” Benny sneered .
Jonathan raised the stakes without hesitation . “ Make it 300 thousand dollars . ”
Benny’s eyes lit up when he got Jonathan on the hook , “ 300 thousand dollars ? Now you’re talking . I’ve been eyeing a new car anyway . Deal . I bet the kid is related to you . If not , I’ll pay you 300 thousand dollars . ”
Jonathan asked , “ That’s it ? This is what you’re freaking out over ? ”
Benny said , “ What ? You’ve got some nerve . I’ve been running around cleaning up your mess , and your mom even chewed me out , telling me to convince you to stop seeing Teresa .
“ And now , here I am at Forlisle Rose Estates , but the security guard won’t let me in . Tell them to let me through so I can see the kid and ask him a few questions . ”
Jonathan warned him , “ Don’t be reckless . The kid is shy . You’ll scare him . ”
“ Relax . I’ll be all smiles when I talk to him . Just a few questions . Nothing scary , ” Benny assured him . But Jonathan still refused to grant him access .
Frustrated , Benny snapped , “ You’re unbelievable , Jonathan . Fine , I won’t go in today . But when the DNA test results come out , you better have 300 thousand dollars ready for me . ”
Jonathan replied coolly , “ Don’t get ahead of yourself . ”
Benny hung up and headed straight to the dealership , practically bouncing with excitement as he imagined his new car . He was already counting on that 300 thousand dollars landing in his account .
*****
“ Who was that on the phone ? ” Teresa asked casually as Jonathan walked back .
“ Benny , ” Jonathan replied .
Teresa choked on her water , coughing a few times . After regaining her composure , she asked nonchalantly , “ What’s Benny up to now ? ”
Jonathan shrugged . “ He was just bored and looking for someone to argue with . ”
Teresa pressed her lips together as she thought , ‘ Jonathan is way too calm . Benny probably hasn’t done the DNA test yet Jonathan would be acting differently if he knew the results .’
Her mind was a mess . Michael’s situation was already weighing on her , and now the doctor’s words about signs of pregnancy had thrown her into deeper confusion .
‘ Am I pregnant or not ? ‘ she thought . The question lingered in her mind .
After dinner , Teresa stood up and said , “ I think I’ll head back now . ”
“ I thought you wanted to see the ocean , ” Jonathan said . “ I’ve got nothing else on my schedule today . I’ll go with you wherever you want , and once you’ve had enough fun , we’ll head back to Nareigh . ”
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“ That’s not necessary , ” Teresa replied flatly .
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