I received a certified letter requesting my presence at the law offices of Wiggins & Sloan in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the following Monday. I had no idea why a lawyer would want to meet with me, but I cleared my schedule for the day to attend.
The day of the meeting I arrived and was asked to wait until Andrew Sloan was available. The pretty receptionist offered me coffee, but I declined, butterflies flitting around my stomach at the idea of this type of meeting.
A few minutes later I was escorted back to an elegantly appointed conference room and introduced to Mr. Sloan. He was an older patrician gentlemen with silver hair and a strong presence. His grip was firm and he indicated a chair to his right.
"Thank you for coming Mr. Michaels. I'm sure you are wondering why we requested this meeting?"
"Yes, sir. It's a bit of a mystery."
"Are you familiar with Doreen Orcutt?"
I immediately remembered a night two years before and the woman involved. "Yes. I met her a couple of years ago. I haven't seen or heard from her since."
"Right, that's what my information says. Mrs. Orcutt passed away a month ago, and according to her wishes, we called you here today."
"I'm confused," I said.
"Yes, I'm sure you are. How much did Doreen tell you about her life?"
"Not much really. I know she was a widow, and she didn't have any children, but nothing really more in depth."
"Doreen was an extremely wealthy woman. She inherited a large sum from her parents many years ago, and she basically never touched that money. In addition, her husband, George, was quite wealthy himself. After his death, Doreen inherited the bulk of his estate as well. In addition to the cash holdings, there is an extensive stock portfolio and various real estate holdings."
"Okay," I said, still unsure of where this was going.
"The estate is in probate, and you are here today because you have been named as a beneficiary in the will."
"What? I mean, why? I barely knew her."
"I don't have the answer to that, I'm afraid. Be that as it may, I am pleased to inform you that in a month or so, you will receive your portion of her estate."
"Alright," I said. "I've never done anything like this, so I'm afraid I have no idea what I should do or think right now."
"Understandable. I would think your first question should be how much you can expect to receive."
"I guess so."
"Her total estate is worth an estimated $46 million. Cash holdings are in excess of $29 million, while real estate is valued at $8 million. The remainder is held in stock valued at $9 million. As per the will, various charities receive $16 million, while the remaining estate is solely yours."
I sat stunned, in shock and unable to breathe properly. "$30 million. There has to be some mistake."
"I assure you the will was proper, and there is no question of her mental state at the time she prepared the will. I foresee no challenges do the situation of family being virtual nonexistent. There will be extensive tax penalties, but with my help, and the help of qualified tax professionals, I see no reason why you shouldn't realize close to $20 million."
2 Years Before
I walked around the casino floor, wandering until I found a machine that 'spoke' to me. I was alone and bored, with time to kill and money to waste, so a casino seemed a good option. I had come to Vegas for a conference, and was on the game floor to waste time before bed.
I turned down a narrow aisle and as I walked through the seats , I felt a sharp pinch on my ass. Shocked, I turned and saw an older lady with a mischievous grin on her face. She looked to be around 20 years older than my own 43 years, and she just laughed at the shocked expression on my face.
"You have a very cute ass, honey," she said.
"Thank you," I said, resuming my search for the perfect machine.
I lost $50 and resumed my circle. I found a machine I liked and stood beside it for a minute feeding money into the slot. Again, I felt a sharp pinch on the other cheek.
"I can't help myself," the older woman said. "It's just so delectable."
She walked on and I shook my head. I had never given much thought to my ass, but I tried to stay in shape, and was flattered by her attention. I had never been into older women, but she was certainly attractive enough to admire.
She had carefully highlighted hair with enough gray left to look like she wasn't trying too hard, and a slim body that belied healthy eating or regular exercise. Her clothes were stylish and not at all matronly, instead looking chic and sophisticated. Her demeanor, clothing, and jewelry all screamed money and lots of it.
I won a little on the machine and printed the ticket. I was using my system, so I moved from the quarter machines to dollar machines. I was lost in playing, staying a bit ahead when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Hey, handsome, you winning?" It was my friend again, so I grinned at her.
"No, not much, just staying ahead."
"Good. I'll just sit here next to you and see if I can't bring you some good luck."
I spun a few more times, watching the machine and the unpredictable woman beside me, worried what she might pinch next. Her perfume smelled delicious and fresh, unlike any scent I had ever smelled a woman of her age wearing.
She ran her index fingernail up from the knee of my pants stopping just shy of my crotch. I jumped a little, even though I was watching her the entire time.
"Don't tell me you're scared of a little old lady groping you a little?"
"Not at all. I was just afraid a pinch was going to follow," I laughed.
"Only if I see that young ass," she said.
"It's not really so young," I countered. "I doubt you're much older than me."
"I doubt that," she laughed. "How old are you?"
"43."
"See, just a baby. I'm 29 years older than you."
I did the math in my head and was shocked. "There is no way you are 72! I believe 62 at the most."
"Sweet, sweet boy. I turned 72 last March."
Right then, I hit a minor jackpot and when it was done, I was $400 richer. I cashed out, ready to take the ticket to the cashier.
"Well, now you have enough money to buy an old lady a drink," she said. "Meet me in the bar after you're done."
She walked off, leaving me little choice but to do as she said. I could have just walked away, but just couldn't do it. I cashed out my voucher and tucked the money into my pocket. I headed to the bar and found her sitting at a high-top table.
"Well, you came after all," she said. "I was sure you would run for the hills "
"And deprive myself of such delightful company?" I said.
"You are a charmer."
The server came by and she ordered a glass of Merlot, while I opted for a vodka tonic. When the drinks came, she started talking again.
"I guess you think I am pretty shameless pinching you on the ass like I did."
"A little surprised, but I didn't mind. It's a compliment."
"Yes it is. What brings you here? Is your wife going to swoop in and threaten me with bodily violence?"
"I'm here for a conference and I'm not married, so you should be fine. I imagine you could hold your own even if I was married, though."
She laughed. "Possibly. I am pretty scrappy. What line of work are you in?"
"I own an electrical supply company back home. I deal mostly with industrial and oilfield components, so I came here to see what the newest and latest tricks are coming out."
"Where is home?"
"Artesia, New Mexico. It's an oil town from way back with a population of 13000 or so. Not a very exciting place to live."
"How strange! I live in Albuquerque! We seem to be neighbors!"
"I'm David," I said, extending my hand. "David Michaels."
"Doreen Orcutt," she said. "How rude of me not to introduce myself after my hand was on your ass."
I laughed. "Yes, it was pretty rude. What do you do with yourself in Albuquerque?"
"I live the life of a widowed socialite. My husband, George, god rest his soul, was a workaholic back east, and when he retired, we moved to the high desert. He died a year and half ago, and I've ambled around our big old house trying to stay busy."
"Sorry for your loss. What brings you to Vegas?"