Chloe drove to her personal bank about five miles from Berkshire Estates. After having a chat with the flirty old bank manager while she filled out the paperwork and waited for her money, she drove back to the other bank. When the manager saw her, she waved for her to come in.
"Here's the account information. I want to deposit fifty thousand." Chloe reached in her large bag and pulled out the five banded stacks of hundred dollar bills.
"I'm really sorry, but I had no idea the amount of the deposit was going to be so large. You'll have to fill out some papers for us, and I'll have to verify your identification. The government tracks large deposits, especially if they're cash."
Panic filled her but only momentarily. Regardless of the outcome, at least I know Matthew and his father will be okay. Chloe followed her through a locked door and into a small room equipped with a camera. After the money was counted twice, the bills checked and cleared, the transaction was completed. Chloe received proof of the deposit and then quickly left for the hospital. She had to hurry before Matthew found out the truth. If he checked his account, her ability to help him would end.
Sylvia and John Burlington were large contributors to Saint John's Hospital, but Chloe didn't want to risk using her name. Walking to the billing office, her mind was trying to come up with creative ways to handle this. Chloe turned back around and went to the elevator. On the top floor, she found the administrator's office and signed in. This place is pretty plush. Nice furniture, new carpet…yet people are suffering and losing everything while trying to pay their medical bills. By the time the administrator could see her, she was angry and jumped right to the point. She wanted to spend as little time as possible with Mr. Big Hair.
"I have a friend with huge medical bills. I'm here to pay them off and want to do so anonymously."
"This can be handled in the billing office." Big Hair looked at her with annoyance.
"No, I'm going to do it through a private donation. As a donator, I can designate where I want the money to go."
"We really appreciate donations. We're trying to expand our South wing." His mood suddenly elevated.
"I want the entire amount to cover his medical bills, and the remainder to be designated for any future care like his ongoing oxygen service."
"I just need a name."
Chloe gave him the billing information and waited patiently for his secretary to bring in an itemization of his charges.
"This is quite a large sum of money. I see he's had several trips to the ER and multiple extended stays in our Intensive Care Unit. Pulmonary specialist…The balance is almost four hundred thousand dollars. It says he's uninsured. I do see we have him on a payment plan which has been consistently paid."
"I'm going to make a private donation to the hospital for five hundred thousand. I am to remain anonymous, and I mean that. I want proof that his bills were covered in full and that the rest is for his future care." Chloe made the check out and handed it to him
"Oh, Miss Burlington! Why didn't you say so?"
"Why does it matter who I am? If you don't do as I ask, I can assure you that the large contributions from our family will cease. You are to tell no one who I am or disclose what I look like. I signed in as Mandy. When I leave, I'll still be Mandy. I might be young, but I'm far from ignorant. Where this money came from will forever stay between the two of us. I realize you'll need to document the donation for your books, but that's as far as my name will go. I will forever remain an anonymous donor. Conner's bills will be paid by an anonymous donation."
"By the end of the week, your friend will have a statement showing a zero balance. If you give me a few minutes, I'll have my secretary type something out for you."
As soon as Chloe put her car in gear, her phone rang.
"Babe, I'm trying to get supplies delivered and my truck died and needs a jump."
"Give me directions and I'll be there right away. Besides, I would never pass up an opportunity to jump you."
Matthew smiled and felt enormous relief. He was hoping Chloe wasn't mad at him for getting so angry the night before. He wished he could have stopped by her apartment this morning to apologize, but he was already running forty-five minutes late for work. "Does that mean you'll talk dirty to get me in the car?"
Chloe laughed and told him she loved him. Even though he was being flirty, her mind stayed focused on her next plan. She knew her time was running out.
Finding Matthew wasn't difficult, and after jumping his truck, she headed to the dealership. She'd definitely need someone who'd do anything for a few bucks. Bob.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Chloe scanned the used car lot until she spotted Bob. He was wearing the same suit, only a bit more wrinkled. He was eyeing a young mother up and down while she looked inside of an old car. For God sakes, she's carrying a baby! You're such a pig, Bob. Chloe watched as the young mother shook her head no and walked away. His eyes were glued to her backside. Chloe got out of her car and waved at him. She really wanted to slap him but refrained.
"I remember you! Did you decide to come and buy that gem we looked at?"
"What gem, Bob?"
"Uh, I can't remember, but I show everyone good cars."
"Look, I know you wouldn't mind making some cash on the side, so I'm going to offer you the deal of a lifetime. Can you sell new cars as well?"
"I don't get to work over there that often, but I can. What did you have in mind?"
The pig was all winks and smiles while Chloe gave him the details. He stared at her chest the whole time. She'd feel sorry for Bob if he wasn't such a creeper.
"Let me get this straight. You want me to make up a fake contest, and you're going to buy a truck and this Matthew guy will win it?"
"Yes. You'll still get your commission, and I get to help the guy out. You have to promise to keep this secret. Make up a fake entry form and fake congratulations letter on dealership stationary."
"And I get cash on the side?"
"I'll give you a grand, Bob."
"How about a grand and a little…well you know."
"Do you want a thousand dollars plus commission or not? I'm never touching you…ever."
Chloe sat at Bob's desk while he took off to find leftover entry forms from previous contests. The forms didn't announce the prizes, which was a good thing. He came back twenty minutes later and sold her a brand new Chevy Silverado 2500 HD in Victory Red. Chloe had it fully insured for five years and made sure she had the best warranty. The truck was loaded.