A homeless and poor Brandon offers his last $2 to an elderly man in need at the gas station store and inherits his company the next day. Brandon thinks this is the start of a new life for his family.
Brandon clutched his paper cup with change as he shuffled into the gas station store. He was near an aisle when a loud voice distracted him. He saw a queue of angry shoppers waiting behind an elderly man who had difficulty hearing.
“I’m sorry, what did you say about the water being funny?” the elderly man asked the cashier.
“Money!” she groaned. “I said you don’t have enough money, sir!”
“Yes, it was a sunny day!” replied the man with a frown.
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“You need more cash! For the water!” A younger guy standing behind the man grabbed him by the shoulder and yelled into his ears.
Brandon noticed everything. He was tempted to step in, but he didn’t want to attract the shoppers’ ire. Meanwhile, the elderly man explained he didn’t have enough cash, asking if he could get a smaller bottle of water as he needed to take his pills.
“If you can’t afford to pay, you’ll have to go!” shouted the cashier.
“I can go?” He smiled and turned to leave, but the cashier snatched the water bottle from his hand. “Just get out, old man!” she hissed. “You’re way too much trouble!”
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The elderly man requested that he needed to take his pills, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Brandon had had enough. He marched to the cashier and offered to pay for the old guy.
“Have a heart, lady,” he said and emptied his cup on the counter. The woman looked at him in distaste before she counted the money.
“That’ll cover it,” she said, taking all the money, including his last $2. “Now step aside. You’re holding the line.”
Brandon abandoned his can of beans on the counter as he offered the water to the older man.
“Here you go, sir. I got you water,” he spoke slowly and clearly, ensuring the man could see his face if he needed to lip-read. And the man thanked him. They left the store together, and Brandon headed to his tent on the bare patch of ground adjacent to the station, but the man stopped him.
“Wait!”
Brandon turned around.
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“Why did you help me when you obviously needed the money?” asked the older man.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being homeless, sir,” said Brandon, “it’s that the world works when people are kind to each other.”
“But what are your kids going to eat? You left the beans on the counter.”
“We have the last of yesterday’s bread,” Brandon replied. “We’ll get by.”
The man walked away but with a frown. Brandon noticed he got in a gleaming SUV and wondered why a man like him couldn’t afford a bottle of water.
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The next day, while Brandon was dividing cold fries among his kids, a silver sedan pulled up near his tent. A man in a fancy suit approached.
“Morning, sir. Mr. Grives’s last wish was for me to deliver this to you,” he said, extending an envelope.
Brandon wiped his hands and took it. There was a letter inside.
“Dear sir,
Yesterday, you proved yourself to be a man of good character when you spent your last few dollars for me. Your kindness and belief in doing good for others have inspired me to repay your goodness with the greatest gift I can give you: my business.
My time in this world is coming to an end. I have recently become apprehensive about leaving my company to my son, as I’ve come to see that he is a selfish man with a heart of stone. It would greatly ease my conscience if you inherited the company instead. All I ask is that you ensure my son is taken care of and can continue to live a safe, comfortable life.”
“Is this a joke?” Brandon looked up at the man.
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The man produced a stack of printed papers and a pen. “Mr. Grives was quite serious. And the moment you sign these papers, it’ll be official.”
“But I just met the guy yesterday. And now he’s dead and leaving me everything?” Brandon asked as he studied the documents.
“I understand your concerns, sir, but these papers were drawn by the finest lawyers. All we need to do is fill in your name, and the lawyers will proceed with the rest.”
This was his chance to provide his kids, so Brandon signed it. Then, the man drove him and the children to their new home.
As they arrived, Brandon stared up at the massive mansion.
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Brandon could barely believe it himself. But the moment he pushed the double doors open, he sensed something was wrong. The house was a mess—a table lay on its side in the hallway, and a closet had been toppled over.
Brandon dumped the luggage, ran after the car, and told the driver to call 911. A few hours later, he stood among slashed sofas and broken furniture, speaking to the cops.
“We’ve examined the entire house and found no sign of forced entry, sir,” the officer said. “This, combined with the fact that the security system appears to have been overridden using the correct code, suggests that whoever vandalized this place had a legitimate means of gaining entry.”
“Like a key? So, the person who did this just walked in here?”
“I’d suggest you change the locks, sir,” the officer nodded.
As the cops left, Brandon suspected the elderly man’s son.
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The next day, Mr. Grives’s secretary arrived early. She took Brandon shopping and got him cleaned up at a barber before taking him to the company. In the office that once belonged to Mr. Grives, Brandon was about to go through the files on the computer when the doors burst open.
“You must be Brandon!” A middle-aged man in a dark suit entered the office. “I’m Christopher, one of Mr. Grives’s former business partners, and I’m here to save you from a whole heap of trouble.”
“I’m sorry?” Brandon asked.
Christopher explained he handled the sales for one of Mr. Grives’s ‘specific’ businesses. Brandon quickly understood it was something illegal. He refused to continue it, but Christopher was having none of it.
“Listen up, you moron! Grives owed me $2 million for handling the illicit side of his business! You’re now responsible for that,” he snarled. “And if you don’t pay up, I’ll go to the police and tell them everything. Furthermore, as the company’s owner, you will be liable for all damages. So, I’ll be expecting my $2 million by Saturday.”
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“What? This is extortion! You can’t be serious!” Brandon retorted.
“Yes, it is. And just in case you think I’m not deadly serious…” Christopher pushed back his suit jacket and placed his hand on the butt of a gun holstered at his side. “…rest assured that if you cross me, Brandon, I’ll make you disappear.”
Brandon said nothing and agreed to Christopher’s demands. But he wondered if Christopher was scamming him. So Brandon searched for any hints of this illicit side of the business.
By that evening, after reviewing the data from all the other departments, Brandon was convinced Christopher was lying. But then, he noticed the filing cabinet tucked into a corner of the room. Brandon unlocked it with the keys he’d found earlier on his desk. And the first thing he noticed was an old-fashioned file box tucked into the drawer.
Inside it was a ledger with entries written in some kind of shorthand, and Brandon realized Christopher wasn’t lying. In despair, he opened a drawer to find some bottles of scotch handy, and found nothing but a photo.
It showed Mr. Grives standing with…a younger guy. Brandon’s eyes bulged in horror when he realized how similar they looked. The young man was Christopher, Mr. Grives’s son!
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Things started making sense to Brandon. He couldn’t believe a kind man like Mr. Grives would be involved in illegal business practices. So, most likely, Christopher was using his own shady dealing to blackmail him, Brandon reasoned.
A stroke of luck and a terrible twist that threatened to take it all away – everything was happening way too fast. Luckily, Brandon was not unfamiliar with the whirlwinds of the business world.
That Saturday, Brandon met Christopher in the underground parking lot but with a counteroffer.
“I’ve got to keep my word to your old man,” Brandon said, “so I’ll give you 49 percent of the company while I keep the remaining 51 percent. That’ll be enough for you to live lavishly, right? And I’ll reserve the right to manage the company like your father wanted.”
But Christopher refused. “I’m not a fool! I deserved all of it, not some token! Let’s talk when you come to your senses!” he hissed and left.
Brandon went back to the office. He decided to pay Christopher his $2 million and be done with this but found the company’s money was tied up in assets or allocated to monthly expenses. Brandon was helpless.
He returned home, dejected, where another trouble awaited him. As he opened the front door, he found his kids’ nanny tied to a chair and gagged.
“He took the kids! He said to tell you that this should be your wake-up call!” she cried as he freed her, and Brandon knew who she was talking about.
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Brandon called Christopher and agreed to hand over the company, begging him not to hurt the children. They decided to meet at noon. But Brandon also called the police, and in the next half an hour, he was sitting with an FBI agent.
“Just follow my instructions, and we’ll have your kids back…” Agent Bates assured him.
That noon, Christopher was chilling by the poolside of a hotel he’d rented out. He’d locked Brandon’s kids in a closet and dismissed all hotel staff except the manager, whom he had paid handsomely.
“Excuse me, sir,” the manager interrupted him. “You have a package.”
When Christopher checked the envelope, he grinned. He strode to his room and signed the paperwork he found inside the envelope. The company was finally his! Then, he freed Brandon’s children. “I’m sure a bunch of ragamuffins like you four can find your way. Now, get lost!”
]Christopher finished getting ready. Suddenly, he heard a click behind him. Although soft, Christopher instantly recognized the sound of a gun’s safety selector.
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“FBI! Put your hands in the air! You’re under arrest.”
Meanwhile, Brandon held his children close on the sidewalk. Thanks to Agent Bates’s idea of putting a tracker in the documents, Christopher was caught.
Brandon took the children home, ready to make everything right. And when the FBI’s fraud division showed up with a warrant, he handed over the evidence—the copy of the company’s records and the ledger he’d found in his office—to the agents, knowing that by the time the investigation was over, he wouldn’t have a penny to his name. But he’d be free.
“Daddy, are we going to leave our home…just when Mommy died?” Kelly asked him.
Brandon got down on one knee and hugged his kids.
“Listen, you four, we’re going to be okay. You want to know why?”
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Kids looked at him earnestly and nodded.
“It’s because the most valuable thing we have is right here, in my arms. So long as we stick together, we’ll always be rich in the most important way: love.”
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Preparing for the Impact of Hurricane Milton: Evacuation Areas & Essential Safety Measures
They have recommended that everyone in a household is familiar with the hurricane plans they’ve made. This may include catering for those at work, children’s daycare, and other frequently visited locations such as grocery stores.
Additionally, the government suggests that households should stock adequate supplies. Some recommended items are medications, disinfectants, and pet supplies that are carried in the go-bag or car trunk. Access to these supplies may be limited for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
Households also need to clear drains and gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and consider installing hurricane shutters. It is highly valuable to charge a cell phone and invest in backup charging devices for electronics when a hurricane is forecasted.
2. Stay Informed
In this step, it’s crucial for households to know if they live in an evacuation zone, listed at the end of this article, as they may need to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. They should familiarize themselves with evacuation routes. They can also practice evacuating with their household and pets, and determine where they will stay.
Households should follow the guidance of local emergency managers, who collaborate with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. They will provide up-to-date recommendations based on the specific threats to your community and the necessary safety measures.
3. Check On Your Neighbors
Reach out to your neighbors, especially seniors or those who may require extra assistance, to ensure they have adequate hurricane plans in place. Offer your help in securing their preparations and provide support wherever needed.
4. Stay Out of Flood Water
Households should avoid entering floodwaters, as even six inches of fast-moving water can knock people off their feet. They should prioritize their safety and steer clear of any flooded areas.
5. Turn Around and Do Not Drown
People should be aware that just one foot of moving water can easily sweep away a vehicle. They should stay vigilant and avoid driving through flooded areas. Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters at all times. When encountering such a scenario, they should turn around.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Lastly, individuals should prioritize their mental health during and after a hurricane. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings of anxiety or stress and seek support if needed. Connect with friends, family, or mental health professionals to discuss your concerns and find coping strategies.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has emphasized the need for households to pay attention to the evacuation zones as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast. She warned the residents, “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.”
Tampa is located in Hillsborough County. The region has listed compulsory evacuation orders for those in Zones A and B, as well as those who live in mobile homes. Tampa has urged residents of these areas to evacuate as Hurricane Milton is “literally catastrophic.”
Evacuation Zones
Charlotte County: It has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Red Zone-A and Orange Zone-B, including those living in mobile and manufactured homes.
Citrus County: It has given a mandatory evacuation order that began on October 8, 2024, for all residents living in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structures unable to withstand sustained winds of up to 110 MPH.
Collier County: A voluntary precautionary evacuation is effective immediately for all residents in Collier County in Zones A and B. This includes west of Airport Pulling Road and south of US-41 Tamiami Trail E.
The order covers mobile home residents and areas with a history of storm flooding. A mandatory evacuation for all of Zones A and B began on October 8, 2024.
DeSoto County: It has issued evacuation orders for Zones A (Red) and B (Orange). These areas affect all residents living in mobile and manufactured homes, as well as those in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Clay County: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders, but residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas, especially along Black Creek or the St. Johns River, are strongly encouraged to consider relocating for safety.
Hardee County: On October 7, 2024, Hardee County Emergency Management advised residents in low-lying areas, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and unsafe structures to evacuate as soon as possible.
Glades County: This county has implemented a voluntary evacuation for mobile homes, RV parks, and low-lying areas, which started on October 8, 2024.
Hillsborough County: This county has announced a mandatory evacuation for Evacuation Zones A and B, including all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the county, which started on October 7, 2024.
Hernando County: Mandatory evacuation orders for all areas west of US 19, including evacuation zones A, B, and C began on October 8, 2024. This includes all residents in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as those in manufactured homes countywide.
Levy County: A mandatory evacuation is in effect affecting all mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicle parks, coastal communities, and low-lying areas west of US 19. Hurricane risk shelters have opened at Bronson Elementary for special needs and Bronson Middle High School for general population/pet-friendly evacuations.
Lee County: It has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A and B, urging residents to finalize emergency plans and evacuate as soon as possible. They should aim to be in a safe location by the evening of October 8, 2024.
Manatee County: This county has issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents in Levels A, B, and C, including visitors in RVs or mobile homes, effective October 7, 2024.
Marion County: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management officials have recommended evacuation for residents living in mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and site-built homes constructed before 1994 due to the hurricane’s projected path.
Miami-Dade County: This county has announced a voluntary evacuation center for residents of mobile home parks, opening the E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion on October 8, 2024, as a pet-friendly evacuation option.
Okeechobee County: A voluntary evacuation has been issued for all low-lying areas and mobile homes starting October 8, 2024.
Pasco County: This county has mandated evacuations for Zone C as the hurricane approaches. Evacuations are required for those in Zones A, B, or C, as well as residents in manufactured homes, RVs, low-lying areas, or structures prone to flooding.
Volusia County: A mandatory evacuation order took effect on October 9, 2024, for all areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway, including residents in manufactured and mobile homes, low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as campsites and RV parks.
Sumter County: Residents in mobile homes, low-lying areas, or with special needs are strongly urged to consider evacuation or relocating to a shelter when they open.
Sarasota County: Residents in Sarasota County living in Level A or near Level A, as well as those in manufactured home communities or mobile/boat homes, are advised to implement their evacuation plans immediately, whether that involves staying with friends or leaving the area.
Pinellas County: Pinellas County has enacted a mandatory evacuation order for all residents in Zones A, B, and C, as well as all mobile homes. Special needs residents and residential healthcare facilities in these zones are also included in the evacuation order.
Putnam County: A recommended evacuation has been issued for Zones F and A due to concerns regarding high river levels.
Obeying the directives issued by local authorities and noting the evacuation zones ensures that families can evacuate safely and efficiently. This also allows emergency services to respond effectively to those in need.
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