“Got it?” Chip asked, offering Steve a seat.

“As always.” Steve replied.

From his backpack he pulled a large, clear bag that was full of bills. He pushed it across the desk towards Chip before settling back into his chair and lighting a cigarette.

Chip grinned widely and tipped the contents onto his desk as he reached for his mechanical money counter and began loading bills into it. The sounds of the notes being counted soothed Chip and he watched as the numbers increased.

“It’s all there.” Steve told him.

They had the exact same conversation every year; it was the only time they spoke to each other.

“I’m sure it is Steve, but I gotta check, I’d hate to think you were doing Uncle Sam out of his earnings.”

The machine stopped, its neon read out informing Chip that the grand total of half a million dollars meant Steve had paid his way in full, as always.

“Ok, so we’ll see you tomorrow then.” Chip concluded, extending his hand to Steve.

“5am?”

“As usual! Don’t be late.”

Steve turned and walked from the office, closing the door silently behind him.

In his car he had everything he needed, his army surplus rucksack contained the few items of clothing he would need as well as water bottles, a first aid kit and two photographs.

Steve retrieved his keys from his pocket and unlocked the simple, unassuming family car and headed towards the airport.

Chip had locked the door to his office and reached for the phone. It rang just once before being answered.

“Good news Senator. The final payment has been made in full; I’ll have it transferred into the account first thing in the morning.”

He listened as the man responded and nodded his head.

“Yes Sir, I’m sure we will.”

———————————————————–

John and his wife, Elaine were returning to their cabin when they bumped, quite literally into Maura and Jane, who were walking hand in hand down the corridor. They’d spent the first two hours of the cruise exploring the magnificent ship and had found more facilities than their hometown had to offer. They had been married for twenty years and in that time, had raised a large family.