A Light at the End of the Tunnel

Chapter 1 Reid was so tired of his job and the hassle of having to go to work day after day. He resented having to live paycheck to paycheck; but he resented even more, having to miss his wife, Tara, and their children, Jared, 10; MIcah, 7; and little Brianna, 4. It seemed as if he was missing more of their lives more and more everyday. His job at Cramer Industries was becoming more demanding and Victor Cramer was the boss from hell. He desperately wanted something more for him and his family, but he felt life had dealt him this lot in life, and he was afraid he would just have to settle for what came his way and learn to live this non-exixtent life. He felt he would never be able to fully support Tara and his three children. Although miserable, Reid accepted this part of his life. Then, one beautiful summer day in late June, Reid had just checked his mail, for the usual bills, when he suddenly noticed a strange letter in his mailbox. It was a letter from an attorney, Brandon Carter. Wondering why an attorney would be writing him, he tore it open and that's when he discovered that he had a uncle. Uncle Raymond Charleston to be exact. And it mentions that Reid was his favorite nephew. Reid thought this to be weird since he never remembered an Uncle Ray. The letter was accompanied with a check for $30 million, Reid had to look at the check three or four times because he couldn't believe the amount. He thought it must be some kind of joke. Then that's when Reid noticed the special mission that was accompanied with the attorney's letter and the $30 million check. The mission was Uncle Ray's request for Reid to accompany his dying mother, Uncle Ray's younger sister, Martha. It would be expecially hard for Reid to visit his mother, but he was sad to learn that his mother was dying. Reid hadn't spoken to his mother since he married Tara, and his mother had never known her grandchildren. Martha never liked Tara from the beginning when Reid announced to his mother and his two brothers and two sisters he fallen in love and asked Tara to marry him. Martha was vehemently opposed to Reid marrying Tara because she felt Tara was just some gold digger out for money. Martha knew Uncle had money and she also knew that Reid was his favorite nephew. Martha knew that Uncle Ray would leave the bulk of his estate to Reid and she hated the bulk going to Reid's wife, Tara. Before Reid would receive any money, he had to visit his dying mother. And he had to take Tara and his children to see her. Reid didn't think he could go through with Uncle Ray's request. So he didn't show Tara the attorney's letter, the $30 million check, or his Uncle Ray's request to visit his dying mother. He jammed it inside his coat pocket and forgot about it for an entire week. It was while Tara was doing the family's laundry that she found the items in Reid's coat pocket. Later that night, Tara confronted Reid about the items she found in Reid's coat pocket. "Honey, I found these in your coat pocket while I was doing the laundry." Tara asked Reid after they had all eaten dinner and the children had gone up to their rooms to bed. Reid looked at what Tara had placed before him. "Oh, I was hoping to forget about that." Reid said, looking sad. "But why, dear? This could help you out tremendously." "I don't think I can complete the mission Uncle Ray gave me. I haven't seen or heard from my mother since we married. And she hasn't even seen her grandchildren." "Honey, you have to at least try. She's your mother, and she's dying. I would want that from our children. I would be heartbroken if my children didn't come to see me before I left this world." "I guess you're right, Tara. It is a little cruel not to at least try to see her. And she'd love her grandchildren." "I'll give her a call in the morning." "Thanks dear. You won't regret it." Tara says, as she kisses him. Later that night, Tara gets up from her bed and sneaks into Reid's den and makes a phone call. A man's voice answers, "Hello?" "Sweetheart, our dreams have been answered." Tara informs her lover. "Whatever do you mean?" "Reid came into some money. We're rich! As soon as Reid completes his Uncle's mission, and visits that witch of a mother, I'm leaving Reid. As soon as I get my hands on the $30 million." "Oj darling, I'm so relieved. No more sneaking around."