Roland Lee walked on the sidewalk slowly with his little bag and a knapsack hung on his bag. He didn't have much to pack from the hostel after all.
He was just a poor student who worked tirelessly every weekend to foot his bills. He didn't bother buying clothes or any accessories throughout his years in the university.
His two shirts and a trouser with pam sandals was just alright for him. He was always optimistic that better days were ahead.
He spent most of his earnings on research, books and data. He bought his smartphone from the savings gotten from weekend jobs when he needed to do extensive research on his final year project.
As he trudged on the sidewalk he thought of going back to the orphanage to see Madam Ross and the other children who lived there too.
The matron at the orphanage, Madam Ross had informed him that she needed to perform cervical surgery a few weeks back when he called to check up on her.
He made a mental note to go see her as soon as his exams were over. Madam Ross had been like a mother to him and he watched helplessly as she solicited for help to feed the orphans in her care. Her assistant Miss Sarah was helpful in no small way too.
He stood at the city parking lot confused. He had little cash on him even to board a cab.
Suddenly, a white Ferrari 250 GTO 2024 model pulled up in front of him and a man popped his head from the screen and smiled at him knowingly.
He looked up at the man and looked around to see if the man was really smiling at him or someone else.
"Are you headed to the Ross orphanage downtown? Because that is where I am headed too. I can take you there immediately."
He was shocked. How did this man know he was having thoughts of going to the orphanage, at least to see Madam Ross.
He quickly thought about it and nodded his head at the man since the friendly man offered a free ride. Perhaps he could be of help afterwards.
"Yes, I would like to visit the orphanage briefly."
"Ok, hop into the car and let's shoot."
The man climbed down and opened the car door ushering him into the backseat.
"Mr. Adams is mine and you," he said, bringing out his hand for a shake.
"Roland," he replied with the same gesture.
"So, tell me, did you grow up at the orphanage?"
"Yes I did."
"But, you are grown now. You ought to be in school, aren't you?"
"Yes, I was a student of Stone University until a few hours ago," he said sadly.
"Few hours ago?
How?"
"It's a long story and I don't want to bother you with the details.
"You are a handsome young man who is a replica of my boss. You speak like him too."
"Your boss?
Who is your boss?"
"Never mind.
Just tell me the story. I have some time today."
"Ok,
I just got rusticated from the university a few hours ago for a crime I did not commit. I was accused of stealing four thousand dollars. I have never stolen in my life.
Madam Ross taught me well at the orphanage. I can never steal because I am optimistic of a very bright future. I can't soil my hands with stealing from anyone. I work every weekend to foot my bills since I was on full scholarship in the school."
Mr. Adams looked intently at the young man as he narrated the story of his life. He knew in his heart that this is the young man he has been looking for five years now. But he must make assurance doubly sure.
In the depth of his shirt pocket lay a card of one hundred million dollars. He brought it out and handed it over to Roland.
"Take this card and spend all that is in it within twenty fours. The code is RL11. I will be back to see you after twenty four hours."
Roland collected the card and looked at it intently. He had never seen such a card in his entire life. On the card was inscribed RL on the left and WB on the right. He looked up at Mr. Adams and wondered what he was up to.
"Sir, please. How much is in this card?"
"It is a customized card owned by the World bank. Just slot it into the machine and find out for yourself."
Mr. Adams brought out a machine from his bag and gave it to him to slot it in.
Roland gasped as his hands shook at the amount of money in the card.
"Yes, that is one hundred million dollars. You will have to spend all of the cash in a day. After which I will come to see you again.
He was dumbstruck as he glanced at the card and the mystery man who sat beside him. He wondered how on earth he could spend one hundred million dollars in a day. Wasn't that ridiculous? A world bank card in his hands?
"Mr. Adams, please who are you? Who exactly are you?"
"Just after twenty hours everything will be unveiled to you. It's your card. It's your cash. Spend it all within the hours stipulated."
Mr. Adams looked at his watch and said;
"My time is up now. My boss calls. Just do as I say and I will be back for you."
Roland nodded his head slowly, got down from the car with his knapsack and his little luggage. He stood watching as the car sped away.
He trudged into the orphanage only to see Madam Ross lying on the bed shivering while other orphans circled around her bed staring sadly.
He stopped and thought about the card. He was to spend one hundred million dollars in twenty four hours. As he stood, Madam Sarah walked up to him.
"Roland, you are here. Are you through with your exams?"
"No ma'am."
"What is wrong with Madam Ross?" He asked worriedly.
"She has been on the bed for three days now taking just sup and no solids."
"Let's call the ambulance. We will take her to the hospital," Roland demanded with urgency in his voice.
"What!
Who will foot the bills?
Her surgery cost five million dollars.
Where do we get that from?" She asked, her eyes popping out in amazement.
"Even the bodies we wrote to for financial help have not responded as we speak."
"Don't worry Madam Sarah. Let me call the medics immediately. They will come with their van and do the needful."
Roland Lee called the medics as Madam Sarah stared in amazement.
Within thirty minutes the medics arrived and ushered Madam Ross into the van.
Roland Lee brought out his wallet and kept the card and phone securely in it. He dropped his knapsack and little bag at a corner in the orphanage and entered a cab headed to the hospital where Madam Ross will be taken to.
Hopjins hospital was the best hospital in the state of Washington DC and reputed to be in the top five in the world. The nurses and doctors were well clad. The best surgeons worked there too.
They rushed Madam Ross into the emergency ward as they tried to resuscitate her because she was already unconscious.
Doctor Ray came into the reception a few minutes later.
"Young man," he called on Roland who was pacing the reception worriedly.
"Is she your mom?"
"Yes, she is."
"We need to hurry and carry out surgery on her. She has a few hours to live and the surgery will cost ten million dollars. Check with the secretary and deposit the money. We will commence surgery as soon as we get the alert," Doctor Ray said and walked away.
Roland Lee hurriedly went to the cashier and deposited fifteen million dollars just in case. In his mind he must save Madam Ross from dying.