Free The Wrong Side of Midnight by Terri Marie Page B

the tank. Every few extra dollars would help to pay the bills. He had to rely on his income to keep him and his father above water. Public assistance seemed the best way to go to help with the medical care expenses. But when Matthew tried to fill out the paperwork on his own, the whole process turned out to be a vicious circle. Ultimately he was refused. Conner was furious when he found out. In his father's mind, there were folks much worse off and who deserved the help more. What Matthew didn't know was that his father had a five hundred thousand dollar life insurance policy he bought after he got married. When he died, which Conner knew would be soon, Matthew wouldn't be dragged down by medical bills and could have a clean start. He just hoped his time to go came quickly.
     
     
    ∞  ∞  ∞  ∞
     
     
    On a clear Sunday, Matthew went to the grocery store and found a small roast on sale. He had a great idea to cook a nice dinner for Chloe and his father. He was hoping he still remembered how to make one. Conner's eyebrows rose when he saw the meal ingredients.
    " Matthew, that must have been expensive!"
    "Not really. Everything was on sale, and besides, I'm not dumping every spare dime into the gas tank anymore."
    The two men laughed and talked while the meal was being prepared. The kitchen, even with all the cigarette smoke, smelled good. Hopefully it'd taste as good as it smelled.
    Conner thumbed through the paper while Matthew cut up the salad. He was ecstatic to see his son in love and so happy. He thought Josie had ruined him for good. Chloe was such a sweet girl and would hopefully become a member of the family. Even in Matthew's last relationship, his happiest days were nothing compared to the ones he experienced with Chloe. 
    After finishing with the sports and news sections, Conner thought he'd get some kicks out of reading about the social elite. The big photograph of Earl and Sylvia Burlington holding shovels for a groundbreaking ceremony made Conner shake his head. Africa. Why not do something in America? The article was huge, describing Burlington Enterprises and the contributions that were made to different organizations. The ceremony was for a new school. Detroit just closed three schools because the repairs were too great. He was getting ticked off.
    Then he saw it; underneath was a photograph of Chloe Burlington, the young heiress. It went on to tell about her recent breakup from Edmund Lauer, and how she was one of the wealthiest women her age. The picture showed a smug-looking young man sitting next to Chloe. There was no mistaking who she was. Conner felt like his heart was going to stop. The last thing his son needed was to get more involved with a woman who'd never find him good enough. After struggling with his decision, he folded the paper back and set it on the table.
    "Matthew, come over here for a minute."
    "Just a second. Let me get this salad tossed."
    "Come here, please, son."
    Matthew turned around and looked at his father's serious expression. He knew something was wrong. Slowly, he walked to him.
    "Matthew, I want you to look at something. Promise me you'll keep a straight head."
    "Dad, what's wrong?"
    Conner turned the photos around to face his son. Matthew picked up the paper and sat down in the chair. Conner watched his son's brow furrow and jaws tighten while every word was read.
    Matthew got up and took the roast out of the oven. He sliced a piece for his father, gave him some potatoes, carrots, and salad, and then calmly carried the plate and sat it down on the table. He shut the stove off and then walked out of the door without a word. Matthew went down to Sherry's office and asked to use her computer. He pulled up his and his father's account and saw the cash deposit of fifty thousand dollars. He called the twenty-four hour banking center and inquired about the deposit. There wasn't an error. The depositor was Chloe Burlington. He calmly hung up. Next he called the dealership