Chapter 8: Walter’s Instructions

The branch manager introduced himself as Mr. Cooper.

He spoke gently, which only made me more afraid.

“We were supposed to give you this the first time you used the card,” he said.

I stared at the envelope.

My name was written across the front in Walter’s familiar crooked handwriting.

“He told me it was emergency money.”

Mr. Cooper hesitated.

“It was. At first.”

Something cold settled in my chest.

He led me into his office and placed a printed statement on the desk.

“Please look at the balance.”

I glanced down.

Then looked again.

$48,216.73.

I sat so suddenly the chair squeaked beneath me.

“That’s impossible.”

“It belongs to you.”

“No. There were only two thousand dollars.”

“Five years ago,” he said.

He pointed to the statement.

“Walter’s pension has been depositing money every month since then.”

I stared at the page.

“Why?”

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