Six Numbers

Chapter 1-3

For two weeks Benjamin didn’t do anything about collecting his prize. He went about his business the same way he always had. Sometimes, when he was busy at work or tired at the end of the day, he completely forgot about his millionaire status, though it was never for long. 'The Mystery Winner' even rated a small article in the state newspaper, which brought a knowing smile to his lips.

Finally, the day arrived when he could wait no longer to claim his prize. He contacted the Lotteries Commission and they arranged a time for him to come in and talk to someone from Corporate Communications.

Jack Higgins was a man in his fifties. He wore a blue suit and when he smiled, which was often, a mass of lines appeared at the corners of his eyes. He took Benjamin into a small, well-appointed room and offered him a cup of coffee.

“No thanks,” Benjamin replied with a wave of his hand. “I’m too nervous.”

Mr Higgins gestured for Benjamin to sit.

“I’ve got the best job in the world,” he said. “Nothing like giving people a whole heap of money.”

Benjamin couldn’t argue with that. “There’s nothing like winning a whole heap of money, either,” he replied.

“Now, you’ve got your ticket there?” Mr Higgins held out his hand.

Benjamin retrieved the creased and crumpled ticket from his wallet, where it had been for the past two weeks, and handed it over.

“I’ll just verify the ticket first,” Mr Higgins said as he got up.

Benjamin’s eyes widened.

Mr Higgins laughed. “Don’t worry. The money’s yours, but we can’t do anything until the ticket is verified.”

Benjamin nodded hesitantly. Despite Mr Higgins’s assurance, he still didn’t like the idea of being separated from his winning ticket, even if it was in the hands of a lotteries official.

Mr Higgins was back within the minute, grinning like a Cheshire cat on crack.

“It’s official,” he said, once again sitting down opposite Benjamin. “Now, there’s a two-week waiting period, which you’ve already observed, so we can transfer the money into your account right away.”

Benjamin listened intently, realising that while he should have been beaming, he was in fact wearing a small frown of concentration.

“Before we get to that I’d like to ask you a couple of questions. First of all, is your bank account able to accept such a large sum of money? Some accounts have a limit.”

“Yes,” Benjamin replied. “I made an appointment with the manager at my bank to talk about this. She told me I wouldn’t be able to deposit the money into the account I had at the time so we opened a new one.”

Mr Higgins nodded. “Good. Good. Now, have you paid any thought to what you’re going to do with the money?”

“Yes, I have,” Benjamin replied with a small laugh. “For many years. First I’m going to…”

Mr Higgins held up a hand. “It’s none of my business. I just wanted to see if you’d given any thought as to how you’re going to manage your win. A financial advisor is a good idea, even if you have made a few decisions yourself.”

After a few more tips, including one to have his phone number changed so enterprising gold-diggers would find it harder to track him down, Mr Higgins asked Benjamin for his bank account details and shook his hand.

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mr Storthes. I hope your win brings you a lot of happiness.”

Benjamin thanked Mr Higgins and was about to walk away when he stopped and turned.

“Mr Higgins? When will the money be in my account?”

Mr Higgins smiled. “Give it three to five business days.”

And true to his word, it was in Benjamin’s new bank account the very next Wednesday.