A double dose for two days being busy!
Okay, don't fight. How about some make up text..heh heh...enjoy!
Regroup
The Feds miraculously gave the all clear. Torg, Ralph, and Cedar were glad that it was over and they could heal up at home; Torg in his apartment in Huntington, Cedar at her secret house somewhere, Ralph at his small ranch house just west of US 9 near Salamonie Reservoir. The after action reports stated that all of the birds and their breeding area had been destroyed. The woman and the owner of the storage units were dead, bodies were being autopsied but nothing of note would be found other than her tattoos were gone. In fact her skin was as clean as a new born babe. The owner, Joseph Buckley, on the other hand...not much left to autopsy. And so it would go. Another investigation completed. Another day to do that voodoo they did so well, to paraphrase a corny comedian.
The phone rang and Ralph really didn't want to answer. He glimpsed at the phone even though it was painful as hell to look with his body feeling like Frankenstein's monster had worked him over. Well that was another story for another time. The caller was 'PRIVATE'. Ralph sighed and let out long grunt as he reach painfully for the phone with his good hand. Which was just as bad as his bad hand. Gloves would have been smart with the flame thrower, Definitely gloves.
He pressed the answer icon and slide it to pick up the call. “Hello?”
“Ralph?”
“Speaking.” Ralph all but growled.
“This is Peggy Samson from United Regis Credit Union.” The girl on the phone sounded cute and friendly.
“I'm not overdrawn again am I? Sheesh! I can't keep track sometimes with...” Ralph began an appology. He really had to stay on budget.
“Actually, Sir. It's about the rather large deposit made into your account by your employer.” She politely interrupted. “I'm afraid we'll have to move your money to our exclusive tier membership account in order to service the rather large sum. Could you please come in as soon as possible to the local branch so we may expedite this? We can't release the funds until you do so.”
“Uh, yeah.” Ralph racked his brains trying to figure out why. “Exactly how much is being deposited?”
“I'm sorry, Sir. But we can't discuss this over the phone. This was just a quick courtesy call for your benefit. Thank you and have a nice day.” The phone beeped as the connection closed.
Ralph managed to hit his speed dial. The phone rang twice and a female voice on the other end answered. “Ralph? What are you doing calling me? Get some rest!”
“Boss, exactly how much was that bonus?”
“Why?” Cedar sounded perplexed. “It was just a few thousand extra.”
“Cause I just got a phone call asking me to come down to the credit union asap. They said a rather large deposit is on hold until I go up into a bigger account that can handle it.” He explained.
“Okay that is weird..hold on. Torg's calling me.” Cedar put Ralph on hold. It didn't take long before she was back. “Uh, Ralph?”
“Yeah, Boss?”
“Apparently there was either a huge mistake or you and Torg are millionaires.” cedar informed him.
“Millionaires? What the hell?” Ralph spat out in surprise.
“I'm getting my keys and driving over there. We'll get to the credit union and find out what's going on.”
“Sure thing. I'll be ready.” Ralph hung up the phone.
Twenty five minutes later Cedar pulled up outside Ralph's place and honked. He steped outside and hobbled to the passenger door. He winced as his body reminded him he should get more rest when he opened the door and sat down on the seat. He urged his legs to pull up inside and fought his left hand to close the door and buckle up. Cedar was silent as she drove out the long drive and onto route 5 for a mile then onto US 9 and north into Huntington. It only took about fifteen minutes and they were pulling up into the parking lot of United Regis Credit Union. All of them used it because they were discreet and worked with others who were in similar work. Torg was there with his latest fling. A good looking RN named Jodie from the hospital on the north side of Huntington. Tall blonde with long legs, just Torg's style.
“I see you still look like a Racoon, Boss.” Torg teased Cedar. Well she did after that air bag went off as she plowed into the hummingbird bitch and into the large rock beside her. Her eyes were rings withingf rings of reds, blues, purples, and surrounded with yellow hues. Her nose was covered with a bandage and aluminum protective plate. The packing had been removed several days before from her nostrils so she at least could breath normally again.
“Keep it up and I'll find you some work in Siberia for the winter.” Cedar retorted. And she was serious.
“Okay, okay. Can we see what the hell is going on before you do?” Torg pleaded.
The trio of wounded, black and blue, bird warriors made their way into the lobby and were approached by a woman in casual business attire. Her name plate said 'Peggy' - Branch Manager. Ralph had met her a few times before, apparently so had Cedar.
“Hello! Glad to see you again Ms. Sandusky! How have you been?”
“It's been rough...” Cedar thought for a second and then smiled at Peggy. “Car accident. Total my work vehicle. Birds.”
“Oh I am so sorry to hear that! Anyone else hurt?” Peggy seemed genuinely concerned.
“Well, no. Some collateral damage but nothing to worry about.” Cedar replied.
“You called me on the phone about an unusual deposit?” Ralph spoke up.
“Yes, I did. Would you care to follow me please?” Peggy turned and led them behind the front counter, around a barrier wall, and through a set of double doors after she slide her access card and put in a code. “Please put these badges on before we enter the back room.”
They put on the 'Visitor' badges and followed. It was a short walk and the group went through another set of double doors and into Peggy's office. She sat down behind the desk and started typing into a computer terminal. She brought up some information and spoke pleasantly to Ralph. “Mr. Laurens, you have a two point three million dollar deposit waiting for you. We need to upgrade your accounts so we may legally deposit them in your name.”
“Wait. Two million dollars?” Torg couldn't believe it.
“Mr. Stettler I called you for the same reason and the same amount.” Peggy responded with a smile.
Cedar was almost afraid to ask. “Don't tell me. Same amount and same reason, but you called my home after I left?” Peggy nodded.
“Well fuck me dead! Where the hell did it come from?” Torg cursed, causing Peggy to flinch a little.
“According to the data it was from an account out of the Cayman's. 'Justified International Holdings” I believe.” She read the screen.
“That doesn't make sense.”Cedar stood and walked over to the screen to verify the information. “The entire investigation would have paid maybe two hundred thousand, two fifty at most with the bonuses.”
“Well, it seems legit. Maybe we take care of business here and go to the office and use our resources to find out.” Ralph looked at Peggy. “So lets get this paperwork over with so we can go.”
The trio of newly minted millionaires finished the paperwork and walked out with $5000 gift cards care of the credit union for putting their monies to work in the community. Evidently the taxes on the deposits had been 'waived' by both State and Federal agencies. That made them feel even more uneasy.
'Just what the heck was up and why?' Ralph thought silently as his aching ass was driven by the Cedar Racoon to the office.