Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Who else could’ve known? Vinnie’s family probably has that kind of money lying around, but he’s in Colombia. And he’s pretty much turned his back on me.
My mind races to the text I received on that burner phone.
Who was that Uber driver? And why would he be telling me I’m in danger?
“If it bothers you,” Emily says, “you can always decline the donation.”
It doesn’t sit well with me. I feel like someone’s poking me in the back of the neck. But Jared is right. I need to think of the people I can help with this money. The research that can be done on leukemia and other blood cancers.
“That won’t be necessary,” I say. “I just wish there were someone I could thank for their generosity.”
“I understand,” Emily says. “But anonymous donors stay anonymous for a reason. They’re not looking for glory. They’re not looking for gratitude. They simply want to help people.”
I nod. “Okay. We should have plenty of money, especially after our gala, to get some grants set up and really start helping people.”
“That’s another thing we need to talk about,” she says. “How do you want to set up distribution of resources? We have to have parameters or everyone in the country will be asking you for money.”
“Anyone with a blood cancer who needs money should feel free to ask for it,” I say. “Treatment is so expensive, and insurance eventually runs out. Not to mention those people who aren’t insured at all.”
“I understand how much you want to help everyone, Raven,” she says. “But even resources as great as yours are going to be limited. Why don’t I come up with some guidelines, and we can look them over at our first board meeting? Do you have any idea of who you’d like to ask to serve on your board?”
“Well, I guess I’ll be on the board. Along with my sister.”
“Anyone else in your family?”
“Normally I would ask my father, but he’s so busy with everything else. Maybe my brother Falcon. He’s the one who donated his bone marrow to save my life.”
“Yes…” She looks down. “But isn’t he an ex-convict?”
“He’s innocent.”
“He may well be. But in the eyes of society, he spent time on the inside and he’s an ex-convict. I believe he pleaded guilty.”
I stand. “He did, but he…had his reasons.”
“I understand.” Emily raises a hand, gestures me to sit back down. “And I understand how close you are to him. But I would advise against having him on your board.”
I sigh. I hate it, but she’s probably right. “All right. Maybe my brother Hawk then.”
“Or someone not related to you,” she says.
I sink back into the chair. “Who do you suggest?”
“I’d suggest maybe someone in the medical field. An oncologist, or perhaps a researcher.”
“I could ask some of my doctors.”
“That’s certainly a good place to start. They’ll be able to point you toward the people who are doing the cutting-edge research in the field.”
I nod.
“Then you’ll want an attorney, of course.”
“Would you like to be on my board?”
She smiles. “I appreciate the request, but you and I don’t know each other very well yet. Besides, it could be a conflict of interest. Because I’m representing you in getting the nonprofit together, I probably should not sit on the board.”
I nod. I hadn’t thought of that. Boy, am I in over my head.
She shifts through some paperwork. “You said your father was busy. You don’t think he’d have the time?”
“I doubt it.”
“I understand, but he’s the Cooper Steel heir, and an excellent rancher in his own right here in the great state of Texas. He would be a perfect addition to your board.”
“All right. I’ll ask him then.”
My father will never deny me anything, which is the reason I didn’t want to ask. He’ll do it even if he doesn’t have the time.
“So, the gala,” Emily says. “Tell me what you envision for it.”
“I’m not sure entirely,” I admit, tugging at the hem of my blouse. “I was hoping you might have a few ideas. I’ve got the venue locked in, but that’s about it, and we’re running short on time. I want it to be grand. Not just another dull charity ball where people stand around in their designer clothes and talk about how much they’ve donated.”
Emily leans back in her chair. “Grand can be achieved,” she assures me. “How do you feel about live entertainment? Perhaps a notable artist or band?”
I nod. “That sounds fantastic. Do you think we could manage that on such short notice?”
“There’s no harm in trying,” Emily replies. “We might even reel in some extra donations if we auction off a private performance or a meet and greet. I’ll put out some feelers right away.”
“Thank you.”
“Think about your guest list,” she instructs me as we prepare to part ways. “The right mix of people can help create the environment you’re looking for at the gala. And it helps if they’re well-connected.”