Brandon shuffled into the gas station store, clutching his paper cup full of coins. He was about to cross an aisle when he heard a loud voice. He strained to see behind an old man with hearing problems, behind which stood a line of irate shoppers. The old guy asked the cashier, “I’m sorry, young lady, what did you say about the water being funny?” “Money!” exclaimed she. “I said you don’t have enough money, sir!” Frowning, the man said, “Yes, it was a sunny day!” “You require additional funds! For the water!” The man flinched when a younger guy behind him grabbed his shoulder and screamed in his ears. Brandon took note of everything. He was itching to intervene, but he didn’t want to enrage the customers. In the meantime, the old man asked to have a smaller bottle of water because he wanted to take his medication and said that he didn’t have enough money. The cashier yelled, “If you can’t afford to pay, you’ll have to go!” “I can go?” The cashier raced across the counter and grabbed the water bottle out of his hand as he turned to leave with a smile on his face. She growled, “Just get out, old man!” “You’re way too much trouble!” “Yeah, get lost, old fart!” A woman yelled as she stood in the midst of the line. The old guy begged to be reminded to take his medication, but his requests were ignored. It was enough for Brandon. Approaching the cashier in a march, he volunteered to pay for the elderly man.
He responded, “Have a heart, lady,” and set his cup down on the counter. The woman counted the money after giving him a disgusted look. “That’ll cover it,” she said, collecting his last $2 along with the entire sum of money. “Now move aside. The line is being held by you.” As he gave the elder guy the water, Brandon left his can of beans on the counter. “All right, sir. He spoke slowly and clearly, making sure the man could see his face in case he needed to lip-read. “I got you water,” he said. He was thanked by the man. Together, they exited the store, and Brandon started to walk to his tent on the vacant lot next to the station, but the man stopped him. “Wait!” Brandon pivoted around. The older man said, “Why did you help me when you obviously needed the money?” after spotting Brandon’s tent, where his oldest daughter was using a bucket to assist her two brothers with their washing. “Being homeless has taught me one thing, sir: when people are nice to one another, the world functions.” stated Brandon. Unfortunately, no one at the store was going to assist you.” “However, what will your children eat? You left the beans on the counter, as I observed.” “We have the last of yesterday’s bread, and there’s a good chance I’ll find some scraps at that fast food joint across the street,” Brandon responded. “We’ll get by.” The man frowned as he turned to go. When Brandon saw that he was getting into a shiny SUV, she questioned why a man of his calibre couldn’t afford a bottle of water. The following day, a silver vehicle came up next to Brandon’s tent as he was sharing cold fries with his three children. A man emerged wearing a dapper suit and walked over to him. “Good morning, gentleman. “I am delivering this to you per Mr. Grives’s last request,” he added, holding out an envelope. After wiping his hands, Brandon accepted it. Enclosed was a missing “Greetings, sir You showed me that you are a man of integrity yesterday by getting me a bottle of water with your last few dollars. Your generosity and conviction in doing good deeds for others have motivated me to return the favour by giving you the best present I can: my company. I’m nearing the conclusion of my tenure on this planet. I’ve recently been wary of passing my business to my son since I now realise he is a self-centered, conceited man with a hard heart. If you were to inherit the company instead, my conscience would be much eased. All I ask is that you make sure my son is cared for and may lead a secure and comfortable life going forward. I have to let you know, though, that my son will not agree with my choice. Indeed, it is likely that he will exert every effort to seize command of the company. You’ll need to exercise caution. ”“Is this some kind of joke?” Brandon gave the man a raised gaze The man produced a pen and a stack of printed papers. “Mr. Grives was very earnest. And it will become official as soon as you sign these documents. Along with other personal belongings, you will inherit his business.” “However, I only met the man yesterday. And he’s dead now, leaving everything to me?” As he looked over the papers, Brandon questioned. Before going bankrupt, he had run a number of small enterprises, so he was no stranger to legalese. “Sir, I recognise your worries, but the best attorneys drew these documents. Mr. Grives’ intentions were very obvious. We just need to enter your name; the attorneys will take care of the rest.” Brandon signed the papers because he saw this as his opportunity to give his children a better life. The man then took him and the kids to their new residence. Brandon looked up at the enormous colonial-style estate at the end of the road as soon as they got there.
Little Derrick said, “Can we set up a tent under that tree with pink flowers?” “Silly, we’re going to live in that house! Yes, Dad?” Kelly queried. Though he could hardly believe it himself, Brandon nodded. However, as soon as he pulled open the double doors, he felt uneasy. The place was disorganised, with a wardrobe overturned, a painting impaled on the bannister, and a table on its side in the corridor. After dropping the bags on the top step, Brandon chased the car and instructed the driver to dial 911. A few hours later, he was talking to the police while surrounded by smashed couches and damaged furnishings. “We’ve examined the entire perimeter of the house and found no sign of forced entry, sir,” the cop replied. “This, combined with the fact that the security system appears to have been overridden using the correct code, suggests that whoever vandalised this place had a legitimate means of gaining entry.” Similar to a key? Are you saying that the perpetrator of this simply strolled into this place?” The officer nodded and said, “I’d suggest you change the locks, sir.” “Whoever did this was looking for something and got very angry when they didn’t find it.” Brandon felt the old man’s son was behind it all as the police left. Mr. Grives’s secretary showed there early the following day. Before bringing Brandon to the company, she took him shopping and to abarbershop to get his hair done. Brandon was ready to search through the computer files in the office that used to belong to Mr. Grives when the doors suddenly flew open. “You must be Brandon!” A man in his middle years, dressed in a dark suit, walked into the office and closed the door. “I’m Christopher, one of Mr. Grives’s former business partners, and I’m here to save you from a whole heap of trouble.” “Pardon me? What a hassle? Brandon enquired. Christopher smiled and said that he was in charge of sales for one of Mr. Grives’s “special” companies. Brandon realised right away that it was against the law. He declined to carry on with those services, but Christopher would not listen. “Hey, you stupid person! Grives owes me two million dollars for managing his illegal operations! That debt is now your responsibility,” he said. “And I’ll report everything to the police if you don’t pay up. In addition, you will be responsible for any damages and associated legal costs as the business’s owner. I will thus be anticipating my $2 million by this Saturday. Alternatively, you may give me full ownership of the business.” “What? It’s extortion, this! You’re not serious at all!” Brandon shot back. “It is, indeed. And in case you don’t believe that I’m quite serious…” Pushing aside his suit jacket, Christopher put his palm on the butt of a revolver that was holstered at his side. You may be sure that I’ll make you vanish if you cross me, Brandon. There won’t even be enough of you for the cops to identify the body.” Brandon remained silent and complied with Christopher’s requests. He was curious, though, if Christopher was conniving. Brandon then looked for any signs of this illegal aspect of the company, but the computer’s files and data did not provide him with the information he required. By that evening, Brandon was certain that Christopher was lying after going over the data from every other department. But then he saw it—the filing cabinet buried away in one of the room’s corners. Using the keys he’d discovered earlier on his desk, Brandon opened it. And nestled within the drawer was an antiquated file box, which caught his attention right once. Brandon knew Christopher wasn’t lying when he saw a ledger with entries scrawled in some sort of shorthand within. Hopeless, he pulled into a drawer to retrieve some booze, assuming wealthy businessmen would have pricey scotch close at hand, only to see a picture.
Mr. Grives was pictured standing next to a younger man. When Brandon noticed how much they looked alike, his eyes bulged with dread. The man was Christopher, the son of Mr. Grives! For Brandon, everything started to make sense. He found it hard to comprehend that a good man such as Mr. Grives would engage in illicit commercial activities. Brandon concluded that Christopher was probably blackmailing him through his own dubious activities. Everything was occurring far too quickly—a freak twist that threatened to take it all away, along with a lucky break. Fortunately, Brandon had some experience in the tumultuous world of business; prior to his downfall and eventual homelessness, he had pursued his share of entrepreneurial endeavours. In the subterranean parking lot on Saturday morning, Brandon confronted Christopher with a counterproposal. Brandon said, “I’ll give you 49 percent of the company while I keep the remaining 51 percent because I have to honour my promise to your old dad. I take it that’ll be sufficient for you to live comfortably? And I’ll hold onto the right to run the business the way your father desired.” Christopher, though, declined. “I’m not a moron! Not a token portion of it; I deserved it all! When you get your act together, let’s speak!” He growled and walked away. Brandon returned to his desk. Upon making up his mind to give Christopher his $2 million and go on, he discovered that the company’s funds were either invested in assets or used for ongoing monthly costs. Brandon had no power. Saddened, he made his way back home, where he was met with yet more difficulty. The babysitter for his children was gagged and strapped to a chair when he opened the front door. “He abducted the children! To let you know that this ought to be your wake-up call, he said. She sobbed as he set her free, and Brandon recognised the person she was referring about. Calling Christopher, Brandon begged him not to harm the kids and agreed to turn over the business. They agreed to get together at noon. However, Brandon also made a police call, and within thirty minutes, he was seated next to an FBI agent. “Just follow my instructions, and we’ll have your kids back…” He was reassured by Agent Bates. Christopher was lounging by the pool of a hotel he had rented out that midday. Brandon’s children were confined to a closet, and all hotel employees were fired except for the manager, who he had lavishly compensated. Christopher lost his temper when there were five minutes left before the deadline and he had not heard from Brandon. He made the decision to film one of the kids drowning in the pool and email Brandon the footage. “Pardon me, sir,” the supervisor cut him off. “You have a package.” Christopher forgot his wrath and smiled as he looked at the envelope. Strolling to his room, he signed the documents that were in the mail. At last, the company was his! He then set Brandon’s kids free. “A group of ragamuffins like you three can definitely find your way. Go now and get lost!” Christopher completed his preparations, celebrated his win, and went to adjust his tie in the mirror. He heard a click abruptly from behind him. The sound was quiet, but Christopher knew immediately that it was the safety selector sound on a rifle. “FBI! Raise your hands in the air and bow down! You’ve been placed under arrest. Christopher gave himself up. Brandon was holding his kids close to him on the sidewalk, though. Christopher was apprehended as a result of Agent Bates’s suggestion to include a tracker in the documents. “You’re going to file for bankruptcy prior to the end of this month! And till you pass away, you will pay back fines!” When Christopher was being led into the police vehicle, he yelled. Eager to put things right, Brandon took the kids home. And knowing that he would not have a dime to his name by the time the enquiry was complete, he turned over the evidence—the copy of the company’s records and the ledger he’d found in his office—to the agents when the FBI’s fraud section arrived up with a warrant. He would, however, be free. “Daddy, are we going to leave our home again…just like we did when Mommy died?” Kelly questioned him after the agents left. Brandon knelt down and gave his children a hug. “Hey, you three, there are still a lot of details to work out, but everything will work out in the end. Do you wish to understand why?”
Derrick, Kelly, and Sam, his middle child, gave him a serious look and nodded. The reason for this is that what we have most value is right here in my arms. We will always have the most valuable resource available to us: love, as long as we remain united. Children, the riches of this world comes and goes, but the love we have for one another is a treasure that no one can take away.”