Black Card

My son, Sam, practically vibrated with excitement.

"Future Leaders Summer Institute, Dad! Can you believe it?"

I smiled, a rare, soft expression.

I’d made sure of it; a quiet call to the university, a valuable donation – a small price for Sam’s future, far from my company’s shadow.

I preferred my quiet life as a rare book appraiser, anyway.

The donation was anonymous.

A week later, Sam’s face fell.

"Dad… they… they gave my spot away."

A cold knot tightened in my stomach.

The email spoke of "a significant new benefactor" and "Mr. Rick Sterling’s generous contribution" for his son, RJ Sterling.

Rick Sterling.

I knew that name from my wife, Tiffany’s, obsessive social media.

Then, the punch to the gut: "$150,000 processed via a platinum credit card."

The last four digits were sickeningly familiar.

It was Tiffany’s supplementary card.