Page 65 of Finding Lexie
For a second, Lexie had no idea who that was. Then it clicked. “Oh! Hi. Is something wrong?”
“No, no, no. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to concern you,” Magnus said. “Is this a bad time?”
Lexie had no idea why Dagmar’s brother was calling her, though she wasn’t sure she believed him when he said nothing was wrong. They’d exchanged several emails over the last few weeks. They had started out formal, with Lexie expressing her condolences, and had evolved to become more friendly and chatty.
It was a surprise, actually. Lexie hadn’t expected to make friends with Magnus, but with every email, she let down her guard a bit more.
“No, this is fine. I’m just packing some lunches for the team to take to the streets tomorrow.”
“Ah, yes, the mobile food pantry. It is a good idea. It was yours, yes?”
Lexie shrugged. “Yeah. How are you doing? Are you okay?” she asked, still trying to figure out the reason for Magnus’s call. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to him, it was just unusual, and she wanted to make sure he was all right. He’d asked her for details of his brother’s last moments alive, and every time he emailed, he’d pressed for more and more information about what happened in the desert, and specifically, what she and Dagmar had talked about.
Lexie had done her best to tell him what she could remember, even though she worried about him. Obsessing over his twin’s death wasn’t healthy…but she tried to remind herself that everyone mourned differently, and the fact that the men were twins was a whole ’nother level of pain she’d never understand.
“I am fine,” Magnus said. “I’m sure you are wondering why I am calling.”
“Well, yes. I mean, I don’t mind, not at all, but…” Her voice trailed off. She’d given Magnus her number a few emails ago, when he’d seemed especially down about Dagmar’s death.
“You know that Dagmar was very involved with Food For All,” Magnus said.
Lexie nodded even though he couldn’t see her. “Yeah, he was one of only a handful of auditors who traveled around to the various outposts and reported back to the board.” She’d been intimidated by the fact she was responsible for showing Dagmar around Galkayo, explaining the programs they’d put in place to help the less fortunate residents. She’d been honest about the shortcomings of their programs and how they were working to improve them. Then, of course, they’d been kidnapped, and they were no longer employee and boss.
“Yes. I have thought about it a lot, and decided I want to honor my brother by stepping into his place,” Magnus said.
“I think that’s great,” she told him.
“Yes. I am pleased. And because of the special circumstances, I asked if I could come to Hawaii as my first assignment.”
Lexie smiled. “You’re coming here?” she asked.
“Yes. If that is all right.”
“Of course it is,” Lexie assured.
“You have been so kind, so helpful and understanding, I wanted to meet you in person. To thank you for being there for my brother.”
“Oh, Magnus. I’m so looking forward to meeting you in person too. When will you be here?”
“There is more paperwork to be done, but I believe the board said I should be able to leave in a month or so.”
“That’s great!”
“Yes. And while I will be observing the Food For All facility and making notes on the employees, I would like to spend some time with you as well. To talk about my brother, of course.”
“Sure. And maybe you’d like to meet my boyfriend? He was actually in Somalia too. He briefly met Dagmar.”
“Oh?” Magnus said.
“Uh-huh. Although, shoot…maybe I wasn’t supposed to mention that,” she mused, scrunching her nose in contrition.
“It is okay. I won’t tell,” Magnus said.
“Thanks. But anyway, he’s heard a lot about both you and Dagmar, and I’m sure he’d be happy to sit down with us.”
“This is good. I would like to know as much about my brother’s time in Somalia as possible…I miss him.”
Lexie frowned. “I’m sure you do. I really am sorry, Magnus.”
