Richard knew about my situation.
And that was exactly why his strange offer caught me so completely off guard.
It all began on Thursday evening.
It was a
little after seven, and I was getting ready to go home when the secretary approached me.
“Emily, the director wants to see you.”
I entered his office.
Richard was standing by the window. He looked more tense than usual.
“Emily, I have a small favor to ask.”
“Of course, Mr. Richard.”
He turned toward me.
“I want you to take a picture with me tonight.”
I stared at him in surprise.
“A picture?”
“Yes. Just one photograph. And starting tomorrow, I’ll triple your salary.”
For a moment, I thought I
had misheard him.
“Why?”
Richard remained silent for several seconds.
“You’ll find out tomorrow.”
His answer did nothing to reassure me.
But a salary three times higher meant I could finally afford my mother’s treatment.
