Wealth
Steve moved the document closer to his eyes. He was mildly shocked at the meager value displayed on the right side of the paper. Distracted by his busy morning agenda and the two open cases that demanded his attention, he had opened Chin's paycheck by mistake.
Since he was the boss, Steve knew the annual salaries of his three detectives, but it wasn't something he usually thought about. That is, until now. So many images leapt to his mind. He sighed and shook his head. It seemed so unfair.
They had just put away a wealthy bank president who was involved in an elaborate scheme to make even more money. The arrest was made at the man's impeccably groomed fifteen room Kahala beach estate with ocean view, swimming pool, vast art collection, servants and security gate - luxuries that Steve would never see in his lifetime. Just how much was enough for these people?
Steve recalled his early career in the Navy when he sent the lion's share of his paycheck to his mother so that she wouldn't have to work. He had been supporting his family since his father's tragic death when Steve was only thirteen years old. The small family got by on very little, but they were happy.
The check in his hand returned Steve's thoughts to the Kelly family. My God, eight kids! How in the world did they make ends meet? Chin's wife had to be able to work miracles, and considering the hours that her husband put in on the job, she was raising those kids practically on her own. Steve was single and his needs were few, yet his pay was far greater. Came with the added responsibility of his position. But it didn't seem fair.
Steve returned the check to its envelope then punched the intercom button on his desk phone.
"Jenny? Please ask Chin to come into my office as soon as he arrives."
"Sure, boss!"
o-o-o
Steve looked up from his desk as the Oriental detective appeared in his doorway.
"You wanted to see me, boss?" Chin asked.
"Yeah, come in," Steve began. He rose from his chair and handed Chin the envelope that he had already opened. The older man accepted it, a puzzled expression on his round face.
"I wanted to apologize in person, Chin. I opened your check this morning by mistake. Wasn't paying attention," Steve explained.
"That's okay, boss," Chin replied with an understanding smile. "As long as I don't come home without it."
Steve sighed and met Chin's eyes. "I really wish it could be more, Chin," Steve said sincerely.
Chin's smile turned into laughter. "That's exactly what my wife says every week! It's okay, Steve. If you don't count money, I'm a very wealthy man."
Pau