I wouldn’t “get” a lawyer, but I would consult my lawyer, just to see what he says. I’d be inclined to just walk away. I’m doing OK, money-wise. I could use a mil, sure, but I’m not in trouble without it. There’s no reason for anybody to give me money in such a ridiculous manner. Of course, I’m nothing if not curious, so I’d start digging, and try to find out what I could. Maybe consult an investigator, maybe hire Mr. Perez from Elmore Leonard’s Unknown Man Number 89. Or I might try to find an angle that would give me bargaining leverage in some way – just to know what it’s about, not to get the money or even the identity. I just need to catch a corner and then start to unravel the whole affair. Jones and Davis – do they like a drink after work? Do either one of them have money problems? Behind on the mortgage, maybe, especially Davis, the junior associate? There’s always an angle.
I’m also a lawyer, but I’d ask for cash, small bills, non-sequential, right now, please. Sadly, one million is not quite enough to retire on, so I can’t send my employer the 8x10 glossy of my bare ass and a tube of lipstick…
Take the check. I’d probably call my dad (a lawyer) on the way to the bank, just to make sure there’s not some consequence that I’m unaware of, but I’m not terribly worried about it.
I would take the wire transfer. First of all, a prestigious law firm in my city isn’t going to use my account number to steal money from my account, at least not if they want to remain a prestigious law firm. Second, I don’t want to risk somehow losing the check between the law firm’s office and the nearest branch of my bank. Just as a precaution, I’d open a new account at my bank, transfer everything over, and close the old account, but that’s just me being extra-paranoid.
I would of course want a document with Mr. Jones’ signature, setting down in writing the facts that, per the OP, they were willing to provide me with verbally. That way, I’m covered if the IRS comes knocking on my door.
Then my wife and I would both cut back to being half-time employees where we work, since we have that option. Why would we keep working at all? First, as our son grows up, we’d want the fact that we work for a living to continue to be a fact that registers with him at some level. And second, to keep our lifestyle intact before Social Security and retirement funds kick in, we’d need a bit more than a million in savings. But the million would certainly help.
Au contraire, mon ami!
Pip was not saddened until he learned who his anonymous benefactor was.
Best wishes,
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I would get a lawyer to make sure I am not getting into anything shifty, and to ensure that I wouldn’t get into trouble if the money happens to be stolen or obtained through some illegal/questionable means.
I would also like to know what obligations there are too.
True enough - I think my point is that having read the book, I would be constantly concerned that my anonymous benefactor may one day reveal themselves, with dire consequences. Basically, I’m happy as I am, I don’t need the stress inherent in this situation.
I wish all these hypothetical questions involving millions of dollars being handed out weren’t quite so imaginary and were actually really happening.
Real money? No strings attached? Hell, I want’em. Now.