Explanation and Ice Cream

John led Jennifer Lewis and Andrea down the small hallway toward the front door. The doorbell rang again, sharp and insistent. None of them had been expecting anyone else after yesterday's chaos.

John opened the door to reveal a tall man in a crisp black suit, standing confidently on the doorstep. His expression was calm but businesslike.

"Good morning," the man said, producing a slim, black card from his jacket pocket. "I'm from the Central Bank. I've come to deliver the Centurion card issued for Mr. John Wayne." He held it up carefully. "There's one million dollars credited to this card."

Jennifer's eyes widened, and Andrea's mouth fell open in shock. Jennifer's voice was a mix of disbelief and concern. "John, I thought you had no money left after the IRS tax claims."

Andrea blinked, already daydreaming about what she could do. Ice cream, she thought. So much ice cream.

John reached out and took the card, his hands steady despite the unexpected windfall. "Thank you," he said politely.

The man nodded and tipped an imaginary hat. "You're welcome. Have a good day." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the trio standing silently at the door.

Back inside, Jennifer glanced sharply at John. "So, John... where exactly did this money come from? You've been pretty open about your financial situation, and I thought you were penniless after taxes and fees."

John hesitated for a moment, then glanced sideways, thinking quickly. In his mind, he called out to his ever-present advisor.

Great Sage, he whispered silently, I need a believable explanation. Something Lewis will accept without questions.

A familiar, amused voice echoed in his mind.

Great Sage: Let's see… Your mother's stocks before she died. You called the bank and used them as collateral. That happened a few days ago after her funeral. Simple, believable.

John smiled to himself, relieved. That'll do.

He turned to Jennifer. "It's like this. My mom had stocks before she passed. A few days after the funeral, I contacted the Central Bank and asked if I could use those stocks as collateral for a line of credit. They agreed. So this card is linked to that."

Jennifer studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "That actually makes sense. Sounds like you planned ahead."

John chuckled softly, feeling a bit clever.

Great Sage, he thought, you always come through.

A quiet sigh echoed in his mind.

Great Sage: It was my idea, but don't let it go to your head.

John smiled and shook his head. "Thanks, Great Sage."

Jennifer relaxed a bit, but Andrea's eyes sparkled. "One million dollars… I wonder how many ice creams that could buy."

John laughed aloud for the first time in days, the three of them sharing a moment of lightness.