Post by CountryGuy on Aug 2, 2023 20:28:54 GMT -6
Chapter 5
Tom and Emily spend several hours wandering about the museum and seeing everything from dinosaurs and gem collections to animals of areas around the globe to paintings and sculptures. Emily picked out a few things in the gift shop for the kids as well as a couple items she thought would go well in her classroom. Tom looked at his phone “Well babe, it’s 1:30. I think all this walking around has finally burned off that breakfast and I’m getting hungry. What about you, want to go grab some lunch?” “Yeah I was thinking the same. I could go for lunch, maybe something light” Tom looked at his phone and searched the map for restaurants. “Well… looks like quite a few options. If we go out the front entrance looks like 2 blocks down there is a side street with like a dozen places. Several Asian places, a Mexican, two Indian, an Italian, a deli and an American bistro. Looks like the Asian places are a mix of Thai, Vietnamese and a couple sushi places.” “Well we haven’t had good sushi in a long while, you know how the kids are… eww raw fish… and that place back home is not very good.” “Then, decision made. Sushi it is!”
They walk hand in hand to the restaurant, order their lunch, some rolls and a plate of sashimi and then just enjoy a leisurely, private lunch together. Something they rarely if ever get to do with the kids under foot all the time. As there isn’t anyone close in ear shot they feel free to talk about their ‘situation’. “I was looking at a few web sites and doing some estimates. Mind you once we talk with a CPA we’ll have better numbers. From what I can see, the difference in taking a lump sum and the annuity means we give up almost 200 million, after taxes. But we get one lump sum for around 500 million, free and clear for us to use and invest as we see fit. If we do the annuity, it’s paid out each year for 30 years, one check a year and they increase like 5% each year. The first check, after State and Federal taxes are taken out would be around 10 million from what I can tell.” “Are you kidding me?” Tom smiles, babe, remember we’re talking about starting out with over 1 billion.” “Those numbers are just so foreign to my thinking.” “Yep I know it would be difficult for you as you’d have to keep your spending under $875K the first year.” He said with a grin. Emily smiles broadly and covers her mouth as she giggles… “This is a dream. I mean that would be like 5 years of our current gross incomes, before taxes are stolen out of it. And that 875 is after all the taxes are out, all ours.” Tom smiles back. “Yep” She leans over and gives him a kiss. “Better watch that missy, you might start something…” Tom teased
They finish their meal and stroll back to the museum, walking a different path thru it heading back towards the parking garage entrance and their truck. Tom opens the door for Emily and helps her in and then goes around back and puts the bag with the souvenirs in and closes the hatch then gets in. “It’s 3:30. Want to head out to the airport and get through security? Since we only have carry ons we don’t need to go to the counters. Once we’re thru we can kill some time there. Maybe have a drink and do a little window shopping before we head to the gate?” “Sure, I guess that’s just as good as sitting around here and I think I’m museumed out for the day.” “Agreed. It’ll probably take 30 or 40 minutes to get thru the city and out to the airport anyway.”
An hour and a half later they are sitting at a bar in the airport. Tom is sipping a Yuengling and Emily a glass of white zinfandel. She’s already engrossed in a true crime novel they picked up in the Hudson Newspaper shop and Tom is flipping thru a copy of Guns and Ammo he picked up. A while later he looks over and Emily is on here phone typing away and he smiles. “I’m sure they are fine. Probably neither of them have ran away.” “Oh hush. You know I don’t like leaving them.” “I know, you’re like an old broody hen.” he says with a smile. “Keep it up mister.” “How are they doing?” “Ohhh??? Now who's the broody hen?” Tom laughs “cluck cluck”. “They’re having a ball. You Mom says after chores this morning, they went to the lake fishing for a bit and then your Dad took them up to the range to do a little shooting. And you won’t believe this, but when they got back Brock went out and started doing the trimming, without being told.” Tom exaggerates a wide eyed stare… “You better tell her to get his temp and for her to be aware that our son might have been replaced with an alien clone.” “Stop, you know most times he’s listening even if he doesn’t do what you ask…” “I guess. I’ll take him mowing the yard without being reminded 20 times in place of winning the lotto.” Tom winked. They finished up their drinks and headed to their gate where the plane would start boarding in about 15 minutes. When they got to the gate they were pleased to see it looked like the plane would be pretty empty which was a nice surprise.
Three and a half hours later and 5 states away they deplaned and headed towards the baggage area where the hotel shuttles were also located. As they exited there was the Hampton Inn shuttle sitting there so they were able to walk right out and get on. It was a 5 minute ride to the hotel and they were in their room 10 minutes after that. “I’m going to call and let them know we made it ok and tell the kids good night.” “OK, while you do that I’m going to grab a shower. If you get off the phone, feel free to join me. I promise to wash your back.” “Git you pervy horndog! I swear, all you think about is sex.” “I’m not saying I’m sorry, it’s your fault for being so irresistible.” Tom said as he walked into the bathroom with a grin from ear to ear. He stopped as he went thru the door, leaned back and looked at her “seriously, feel free to join me.” he said as he wagged his eyebrows at her and blew her a kiss. “Git” she said with a smile and threatening to throw a pillow his direction..
He was drying his hair as he walked back into the room, towel around his waist. “Oh wait, here Daddy is, you can tell him yourself.” “Here, Kimmy wants to give you a play by play of the day.” “Tom smiled, and mouthed ‘thanks’ as he prepared for the onslaught of rapid fire that is Kimmy. He swatted Emily’s backside as she gathered up her stuff and headed to the shower. It took Kimmy about 15 minutes to get through her play by play recollection of the day. He was sitting on the edge of the bed and was just telling her good night and that he loved her when Emily came out of the bathroom door in a hotel robe. “OK sleep tight pumpkin, Daddy loves you too. Unhunh… you too. Night.”
“You're such a good Daddy. Maybe you deserve a little reward?!?” Emily said as her hands reached down to the belt holding the robe closed. “I am, aren’t I.” said Tom grinning ear to ear. “And just what sort of reward did you have in mind?” As he was finishing asking his question, her robe landed on the floor around her feet. “Ohhh… that’s my favorite reward.” he said as her naked body stepped over to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.
The next morning Emily smiled and stretched as she woke. Reaching over she found an empty bed and then noticed the sound of the shower. Thinking to herself ‘Poo…I was going to see if he wanted to serve up seconds of last night but he’s already up and in the shower.’ She glanced over and saw the alarm showing 6:19. Their appointment was at 8:30 and it was only a 5 minute Uber ride from the hotel to the lawyers office. As she was laying there thinking about what they might learn today she heard the shower shut off and a couple minutes later a sliver of light escaped the bathroom as Tom came sneaking back into the dark room When he saw the light reflecting in her eyes, “Oh, your up?” “Ummhmm… if you hadn’t hopped out of bed so fast I was thinking about you getting some more rewards…” Tom leaned down onto the bed and over to her, giving her a passionate kiss “Morning. Oh and then make us late for our appointment?” “Wouldn’t it be worth it?” “Totally. But now it’s your turn Princess, up and at’em. While you're in the shower, I’ll go grab us some coffee.” “Yes Daddy.” she teased as she gave him another kiss. “Now you’re not playing fair. Now git for I swat your backside…” “Mmmm promise?” she purred. “Now who’s the horn dog?” he said laughing.
At 8:20 their Uber pulled up in front of what looked to be a very nice, very large, yet simply decorated, 2-story house. It was white with forest green shutters and accents. The house was on the edge of an area with lower rise office buildings and professional offices. “Is this the correct address?” Tom asked. “Yes Sir.” “Look Tom, there is the firm's name on that small sign.” Em pointed out. “Oh indeed. OK, well thank you, guess I was expecting something more… well I don’t know, grandiose?” Tom pulled up the app and gave the driver a very nice tip hit pay. “Thank you, have a great day.” Tom told the driver. He slid out the back of the Camry and then helped Emily out and they walked towards the front of the building and up onto the wide front porch. “A lot different vibe from yesterday, hunh?” “For sure…” Emily said “Night and day difference.”
As Tom opened the door he ushered Em in. There was a wide foyer and off to the left sat a well dressed older lady at a desk in a room that looked like it could be a parlor, but served as her office. Across the hallway from that was a set of oak and glass french doors with curtains on the inside to block the inward view. “Good morning. Would you be Mr and Mrs X?” Emily answered “Yes, that would be us.” “Welcome. I am Sara and you are expected by Mr Martin. He’s taking care of a matter that came up over the evening and apologizes that he will be about 10 minutes delayed. In the meantime, might I offer you both some coffee and and some fresh pastries from one of our local bakeries?”
At the word pastry, Tom’s ears perked up. Emily spoke up. “Thank you. Yes, a cup of black coffee would be great. As for my husband here, I’m sure he’ll also have a cup and he never passes up baked goods.” she said with a wink to Sara. “My late Timothy was the same way.” She went to a small kitchenette area and poured two cups and placed them on a tray along with a white cardboard box and carried them over to the couple. She sat the tray on the coffee table in front of them and sat a saucer and cup for each of them on the table and began to pour their cups. “This just finished brewing 5 minutes ago so it’s fresh but also very hot.” Sara said and she handed Tom an empty saucer before holding up the box for Tom to peruse and make a selection. His eyes went wide at all the varieties but his attention was pulled to the cream cheese danish. He pulled it out and placed it on the plate “Thank you.” “My pleasure.” said Sara. Tom noted the small gold cross on a small gold chain hanging around her neck. As they were now situated with their refreshments, Sara said “I’ll just be there at my desk so if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. As I said, Mr Martin should be with you all in just a few.” Finishing a swallow of his danish Tom leaned towards Emily and said “This danish is amazing.”
Tom was taking the last bite of the danish and washing it down with the coffee when a man, who looked to be in his 60’s can down the hall wearing a gray suit, with white shirt, blue patterned tie and Black wing tips. “Mr and Mrs X.” He said with a smile. Tom and Emily stood to meet his approach. He held his hand out to Emily first, shaking her hand and then turning to Tom and shaking his. “I do apologize for keeping you waiting. I’m William Martin.” “Oh he filled his time enjoying a danish.” “Ah yes, Mara Bell’s Bakery, one of my favorites too.’ he said with a warm smile. “Please follow me. Oh, Sara, would you please bring in a fresh coffee service when it’s ready and I’ll have my normal please.” “Yes Sir. Be there in a few minutes.” They followed Mr Martin down the hallway, both Tom and Em noticing some of the various framed paintings and wall hanging, several being scripture quotes. Without even discussing it they both were getting a very good feeling.
As they entered Mr Martin's office he showed them to a small sitting area with 3 comfy high backed, padded leather chairs. “Please have a seat while I grab my notebook.” He retrieved a leather dossier and then took the seat opposite to their's. “So Mr & Mrs X, I think I have an idea of what possibly brings you here today but why don’t you tell me about the situation that finds you needing legal counsel?” Tom spoke “Am I correct that in speaking with you, everything is protected by client, attorney privilege?” “Do me a favor, take out your wallet.” Tom was perplexed for a moment but did as asked. “Do you have a $1?” “Umm no, the smallest bill I have is a $5.” “OK, please hand it to me.” Tom was a bit skeptical on where this was going but played along and handed him the $5. “You have now retained the services of this law firm and all the protections afforded by attorney/ client privileges.” “Seriously? That’s all it takes?” “Yes Sir, simple as that. From here on, anything you tell me or we discuss is only between the three of us.” With that out of the way, might I ask your names.” “Oh yes, sorry for the cloak and dagger. I am Tom Narwood and this lovely lady is my bride of 17 years, Emily” “It is very nice to meet you both. And if my suspicion on why you are here is correct, you are well wise for keeping your identities hidden.”
Tom was curious, “Well, may I ask, why do you think we are here.” “Well our practice is involved in many aspects but we have gotten a bit of a reputation among certain, shall I say, lucky clients who need guidance through certain financial minefields. So, unless I miss my guess, you all recently won a lotto somewhere?” Emily said, “That is pretty good reasoning.” She glanced towards Tom who gave her a slight nod and she continued. “Yes Sir, as you surmised, my husband here is the recent lottery winner.” “Please call me Bill, I work for you now. Well congratulations.” “Thank you. Umm the thing is, it wasn’t just any lottery. He has the winning ticket for the recent UberBall jackpot that was around 1.4 billion.” Bill’s eyes got wide. “So you all are the mystery, unknown winners.” Tom said “Yes, and from what I’ve read over the last few weeks, we’d like to ensure we maintain the ‘unknown’ part.” “Yes, I can well imagine. You’ve done right in keeping out of the limelight. Well, we have dealt with several other clients that won large sums, though none of this size. I believe the largest prior to this was around $690 million.”
There was a light knock on the door “Come in Sara.” The door opened and Sara walked in carrying the coffee service. “Please set it here on the table.” Which Sara did and then followed up with pouring the coffee and a cup of tea for Bill. “Thank you.” “My pleasure, just call if you all need anything else.” She slipped near silently back out, closing the door behind her. “I have some questions for you all and then we have some discussions we need to have and some items you might need to think on.” The couple nodded their heads. “Have you told anyone else, anyone at all about your winning?” “No Sir, we’ve not told anyone, not even our kids or parents.” “Good, very good. Believe me, at this point that is best. Where is the ticket at, you don’t have it with you, do you?” “No. It’s at home locked up in a small hand vault that is inside of my gun safe.” “Very good. You have been doing your homework.”
Tom and Emily spend several hours wandering about the museum and seeing everything from dinosaurs and gem collections to animals of areas around the globe to paintings and sculptures. Emily picked out a few things in the gift shop for the kids as well as a couple items she thought would go well in her classroom. Tom looked at his phone “Well babe, it’s 1:30. I think all this walking around has finally burned off that breakfast and I’m getting hungry. What about you, want to go grab some lunch?” “Yeah I was thinking the same. I could go for lunch, maybe something light” Tom looked at his phone and searched the map for restaurants. “Well… looks like quite a few options. If we go out the front entrance looks like 2 blocks down there is a side street with like a dozen places. Several Asian places, a Mexican, two Indian, an Italian, a deli and an American bistro. Looks like the Asian places are a mix of Thai, Vietnamese and a couple sushi places.” “Well we haven’t had good sushi in a long while, you know how the kids are… eww raw fish… and that place back home is not very good.” “Then, decision made. Sushi it is!”
They walk hand in hand to the restaurant, order their lunch, some rolls and a plate of sashimi and then just enjoy a leisurely, private lunch together. Something they rarely if ever get to do with the kids under foot all the time. As there isn’t anyone close in ear shot they feel free to talk about their ‘situation’. “I was looking at a few web sites and doing some estimates. Mind you once we talk with a CPA we’ll have better numbers. From what I can see, the difference in taking a lump sum and the annuity means we give up almost 200 million, after taxes. But we get one lump sum for around 500 million, free and clear for us to use and invest as we see fit. If we do the annuity, it’s paid out each year for 30 years, one check a year and they increase like 5% each year. The first check, after State and Federal taxes are taken out would be around 10 million from what I can tell.” “Are you kidding me?” Tom smiles, babe, remember we’re talking about starting out with over 1 billion.” “Those numbers are just so foreign to my thinking.” “Yep I know it would be difficult for you as you’d have to keep your spending under $875K the first year.” He said with a grin. Emily smiles broadly and covers her mouth as she giggles… “This is a dream. I mean that would be like 5 years of our current gross incomes, before taxes are stolen out of it. And that 875 is after all the taxes are out, all ours.” Tom smiles back. “Yep” She leans over and gives him a kiss. “Better watch that missy, you might start something…” Tom teased
They finish their meal and stroll back to the museum, walking a different path thru it heading back towards the parking garage entrance and their truck. Tom opens the door for Emily and helps her in and then goes around back and puts the bag with the souvenirs in and closes the hatch then gets in. “It’s 3:30. Want to head out to the airport and get through security? Since we only have carry ons we don’t need to go to the counters. Once we’re thru we can kill some time there. Maybe have a drink and do a little window shopping before we head to the gate?” “Sure, I guess that’s just as good as sitting around here and I think I’m museumed out for the day.” “Agreed. It’ll probably take 30 or 40 minutes to get thru the city and out to the airport anyway.”
An hour and a half later they are sitting at a bar in the airport. Tom is sipping a Yuengling and Emily a glass of white zinfandel. She’s already engrossed in a true crime novel they picked up in the Hudson Newspaper shop and Tom is flipping thru a copy of Guns and Ammo he picked up. A while later he looks over and Emily is on here phone typing away and he smiles. “I’m sure they are fine. Probably neither of them have ran away.” “Oh hush. You know I don’t like leaving them.” “I know, you’re like an old broody hen.” he says with a smile. “Keep it up mister.” “How are they doing?” “Ohhh??? Now who's the broody hen?” Tom laughs “cluck cluck”. “They’re having a ball. You Mom says after chores this morning, they went to the lake fishing for a bit and then your Dad took them up to the range to do a little shooting. And you won’t believe this, but when they got back Brock went out and started doing the trimming, without being told.” Tom exaggerates a wide eyed stare… “You better tell her to get his temp and for her to be aware that our son might have been replaced with an alien clone.” “Stop, you know most times he’s listening even if he doesn’t do what you ask…” “I guess. I’ll take him mowing the yard without being reminded 20 times in place of winning the lotto.” Tom winked. They finished up their drinks and headed to their gate where the plane would start boarding in about 15 minutes. When they got to the gate they were pleased to see it looked like the plane would be pretty empty which was a nice surprise.
Three and a half hours later and 5 states away they deplaned and headed towards the baggage area where the hotel shuttles were also located. As they exited there was the Hampton Inn shuttle sitting there so they were able to walk right out and get on. It was a 5 minute ride to the hotel and they were in their room 10 minutes after that. “I’m going to call and let them know we made it ok and tell the kids good night.” “OK, while you do that I’m going to grab a shower. If you get off the phone, feel free to join me. I promise to wash your back.” “Git you pervy horndog! I swear, all you think about is sex.” “I’m not saying I’m sorry, it’s your fault for being so irresistible.” Tom said as he walked into the bathroom with a grin from ear to ear. He stopped as he went thru the door, leaned back and looked at her “seriously, feel free to join me.” he said as he wagged his eyebrows at her and blew her a kiss. “Git” she said with a smile and threatening to throw a pillow his direction..
He was drying his hair as he walked back into the room, towel around his waist. “Oh wait, here Daddy is, you can tell him yourself.” “Here, Kimmy wants to give you a play by play of the day.” “Tom smiled, and mouthed ‘thanks’ as he prepared for the onslaught of rapid fire that is Kimmy. He swatted Emily’s backside as she gathered up her stuff and headed to the shower. It took Kimmy about 15 minutes to get through her play by play recollection of the day. He was sitting on the edge of the bed and was just telling her good night and that he loved her when Emily came out of the bathroom door in a hotel robe. “OK sleep tight pumpkin, Daddy loves you too. Unhunh… you too. Night.”
“You're such a good Daddy. Maybe you deserve a little reward?!?” Emily said as her hands reached down to the belt holding the robe closed. “I am, aren’t I.” said Tom grinning ear to ear. “And just what sort of reward did you have in mind?” As he was finishing asking his question, her robe landed on the floor around her feet. “Ohhh… that’s my favorite reward.” he said as her naked body stepped over to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.
The next morning Emily smiled and stretched as she woke. Reaching over she found an empty bed and then noticed the sound of the shower. Thinking to herself ‘Poo…I was going to see if he wanted to serve up seconds of last night but he’s already up and in the shower.’ She glanced over and saw the alarm showing 6:19. Their appointment was at 8:30 and it was only a 5 minute Uber ride from the hotel to the lawyers office. As she was laying there thinking about what they might learn today she heard the shower shut off and a couple minutes later a sliver of light escaped the bathroom as Tom came sneaking back into the dark room When he saw the light reflecting in her eyes, “Oh, your up?” “Ummhmm… if you hadn’t hopped out of bed so fast I was thinking about you getting some more rewards…” Tom leaned down onto the bed and over to her, giving her a passionate kiss “Morning. Oh and then make us late for our appointment?” “Wouldn’t it be worth it?” “Totally. But now it’s your turn Princess, up and at’em. While you're in the shower, I’ll go grab us some coffee.” “Yes Daddy.” she teased as she gave him another kiss. “Now you’re not playing fair. Now git for I swat your backside…” “Mmmm promise?” she purred. “Now who’s the horn dog?” he said laughing.
At 8:20 their Uber pulled up in front of what looked to be a very nice, very large, yet simply decorated, 2-story house. It was white with forest green shutters and accents. The house was on the edge of an area with lower rise office buildings and professional offices. “Is this the correct address?” Tom asked. “Yes Sir.” “Look Tom, there is the firm's name on that small sign.” Em pointed out. “Oh indeed. OK, well thank you, guess I was expecting something more… well I don’t know, grandiose?” Tom pulled up the app and gave the driver a very nice tip hit pay. “Thank you, have a great day.” Tom told the driver. He slid out the back of the Camry and then helped Emily out and they walked towards the front of the building and up onto the wide front porch. “A lot different vibe from yesterday, hunh?” “For sure…” Emily said “Night and day difference.”
As Tom opened the door he ushered Em in. There was a wide foyer and off to the left sat a well dressed older lady at a desk in a room that looked like it could be a parlor, but served as her office. Across the hallway from that was a set of oak and glass french doors with curtains on the inside to block the inward view. “Good morning. Would you be Mr and Mrs X?” Emily answered “Yes, that would be us.” “Welcome. I am Sara and you are expected by Mr Martin. He’s taking care of a matter that came up over the evening and apologizes that he will be about 10 minutes delayed. In the meantime, might I offer you both some coffee and and some fresh pastries from one of our local bakeries?”
At the word pastry, Tom’s ears perked up. Emily spoke up. “Thank you. Yes, a cup of black coffee would be great. As for my husband here, I’m sure he’ll also have a cup and he never passes up baked goods.” she said with a wink to Sara. “My late Timothy was the same way.” She went to a small kitchenette area and poured two cups and placed them on a tray along with a white cardboard box and carried them over to the couple. She sat the tray on the coffee table in front of them and sat a saucer and cup for each of them on the table and began to pour their cups. “This just finished brewing 5 minutes ago so it’s fresh but also very hot.” Sara said and she handed Tom an empty saucer before holding up the box for Tom to peruse and make a selection. His eyes went wide at all the varieties but his attention was pulled to the cream cheese danish. He pulled it out and placed it on the plate “Thank you.” “My pleasure.” said Sara. Tom noted the small gold cross on a small gold chain hanging around her neck. As they were now situated with their refreshments, Sara said “I’ll just be there at my desk so if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. As I said, Mr Martin should be with you all in just a few.” Finishing a swallow of his danish Tom leaned towards Emily and said “This danish is amazing.”
Tom was taking the last bite of the danish and washing it down with the coffee when a man, who looked to be in his 60’s can down the hall wearing a gray suit, with white shirt, blue patterned tie and Black wing tips. “Mr and Mrs X.” He said with a smile. Tom and Emily stood to meet his approach. He held his hand out to Emily first, shaking her hand and then turning to Tom and shaking his. “I do apologize for keeping you waiting. I’m William Martin.” “Oh he filled his time enjoying a danish.” “Ah yes, Mara Bell’s Bakery, one of my favorites too.’ he said with a warm smile. “Please follow me. Oh, Sara, would you please bring in a fresh coffee service when it’s ready and I’ll have my normal please.” “Yes Sir. Be there in a few minutes.” They followed Mr Martin down the hallway, both Tom and Em noticing some of the various framed paintings and wall hanging, several being scripture quotes. Without even discussing it they both were getting a very good feeling.
As they entered Mr Martin's office he showed them to a small sitting area with 3 comfy high backed, padded leather chairs. “Please have a seat while I grab my notebook.” He retrieved a leather dossier and then took the seat opposite to their's. “So Mr & Mrs X, I think I have an idea of what possibly brings you here today but why don’t you tell me about the situation that finds you needing legal counsel?” Tom spoke “Am I correct that in speaking with you, everything is protected by client, attorney privilege?” “Do me a favor, take out your wallet.” Tom was perplexed for a moment but did as asked. “Do you have a $1?” “Umm no, the smallest bill I have is a $5.” “OK, please hand it to me.” Tom was a bit skeptical on where this was going but played along and handed him the $5. “You have now retained the services of this law firm and all the protections afforded by attorney/ client privileges.” “Seriously? That’s all it takes?” “Yes Sir, simple as that. From here on, anything you tell me or we discuss is only between the three of us.” With that out of the way, might I ask your names.” “Oh yes, sorry for the cloak and dagger. I am Tom Narwood and this lovely lady is my bride of 17 years, Emily” “It is very nice to meet you both. And if my suspicion on why you are here is correct, you are well wise for keeping your identities hidden.”
Tom was curious, “Well, may I ask, why do you think we are here.” “Well our practice is involved in many aspects but we have gotten a bit of a reputation among certain, shall I say, lucky clients who need guidance through certain financial minefields. So, unless I miss my guess, you all recently won a lotto somewhere?” Emily said, “That is pretty good reasoning.” She glanced towards Tom who gave her a slight nod and she continued. “Yes Sir, as you surmised, my husband here is the recent lottery winner.” “Please call me Bill, I work for you now. Well congratulations.” “Thank you. Umm the thing is, it wasn’t just any lottery. He has the winning ticket for the recent UberBall jackpot that was around 1.4 billion.” Bill’s eyes got wide. “So you all are the mystery, unknown winners.” Tom said “Yes, and from what I’ve read over the last few weeks, we’d like to ensure we maintain the ‘unknown’ part.” “Yes, I can well imagine. You’ve done right in keeping out of the limelight. Well, we have dealt with several other clients that won large sums, though none of this size. I believe the largest prior to this was around $690 million.”
There was a light knock on the door “Come in Sara.” The door opened and Sara walked in carrying the coffee service. “Please set it here on the table.” Which Sara did and then followed up with pouring the coffee and a cup of tea for Bill. “Thank you.” “My pleasure, just call if you all need anything else.” She slipped near silently back out, closing the door behind her. “I have some questions for you all and then we have some discussions we need to have and some items you might need to think on.” The couple nodded their heads. “Have you told anyone else, anyone at all about your winning?” “No Sir, we’ve not told anyone, not even our kids or parents.” “Good, very good. Believe me, at this point that is best. Where is the ticket at, you don’t have it with you, do you?” “No. It’s at home locked up in a small hand vault that is inside of my gun safe.” “Very good. You have been doing your homework.”