The Chef
Copyright© 2025 by R. E. Bounds
Chapter 24: Goodbye, Ms. Bounds
Becca accepted the offer on Friday, and the following Monday, we finalized everything. Our attorney was present, just as the company had theirs, and Becca signed the buyout documents alongside both of us signing the paperwork for the additional compensation in exchange for not pursuing any lawsuits.
After the paperwork was completed, we wasted no time hiring a financial firm to help us manage our windfall. We knew that with such a substantial amount of money, we had to be smart about it. The funds were carefully placed into a variety of safe accounts, from CDs spread across different banks to diversified investments in stocks.
This was a crash course in financial management for all three of us, and we quickly learned how to navigate this new landscape. We dedicated part of our days to managing the money—not as a full-time job, but enough to ensure that our security, or nest egg, remained intact.
We also established a trust that we all controlled equally, requiring at least two of us to agree on any decisions regarding it. This might have sounded like overkill to some, but it was essential for us. We wanted to focus on our lives and our family, ensuring that money didn’t become a source of conflict. Ultimately, our goal was to create a loving home and raise our children in peace. The money was a tool for protection, not an obsession.
We also made it a point never to argue over finances. Instead, the money became a vehicle for our collective security and peace of mind. It wasn’t about accumulating possessions; it was about creating a stable foundation for our family. We respected the funds and treated them with care, knowing that they would help us take care of each other.
Every week, we would sit down together to review our investments, discuss any financial decisions, and ensure we were all on the same page. This became a bonding experience—a time to share our goals and dreams while reinforcing our commitment to one another. This collaborative approach helped solidify our family unit, allowing us to prioritize what truly mattered: our love and support for one another.
Perhaps if the shareholders had taken a similar approach, my former company might have avoided a lot of heartache. The layoffs did happen, and Becca grappled with the idea that if she had stayed, she could have prevented them. However, Lisa was always clear: it was going to happen regardless.
The sad part was the layoffs, in the end, didn’t change anything. No good came from it. It didn’t help the company in any way, let alone the shareholders, and certainly not the employees.
According to Lisa, there were many reasons given, but ultimately, it boiled down to the fact that it had grown too fast. She likened it to a tree in a storm: at first, the rapid growth seemed impressive, reaching for the sky with lush leaves. However, without a strong foundation and proper care, the tree can become top-heavy and vulnerable to strong winds. Just as the tree may topple when the storm hits, the company expanded too quickly without solid financial management, leading to its eventual collapse because it couldn’t weather the challenges it faced.
So, the decision to take the buyout was a good one. Had Becca not accepted it, her value in the company would have been worth a fraction of what she received.
We felt for Lisa, who eventually lost her job, but she had been wanting to retire. While she wasn’t old enough, she figured she was close enough.
Shortly after finding herself unemployed, she moved to a place called The Villages in Florida, a community for individuals 50 and older. With plenty of money saved, along with the large severance she received, she wouldn’t have to worry about her finances. But Becca and I set aside some funds for her, just in case. Years later, when she found herself in an assisted living facility with no family, that money helped cover her expenses and take care of her.
That same Monday afternoon, we heard from Agent Myers, who called to confirm that both she and Agent Reinhardt would be available the following Monday. We felt comfortable with the date, as Becca was feeling much better and would be able to wear the restraints while walking in heels.
Sophie also confirmed that Mrs. Langley and others from the community would be at the museum that morning. She had invited them for a backstage tour, so to speak, to showcase how the exhibitions are put together. This was something that had already been planned but now had taken on a new significance.
That following Monday, we got up as we had before. I took Lucie out for a quick walk while the girls got ready. Both were dressed in suits, hosiery, and their five-inch ‘So Kate’ stilettos—Becca in the suit from her second FBI transport that she loved and Sophie in one from her aunt that she knew would turn heads. They usually wouldn’t have dressed that way, but the idea was to draw attention.
After a light breakfast, Sophie helped Becca into her restraints to include the short-chain leg cuffs. Watching Becca get put into them was like seeing her pull on a comfy old sweater. This was the first time she’d worn them since the accident. I had hesitated to put her in them, especially while she was still recovering. I wouldn’t let Sophie wear them either, as she wanted to care for Becca.
The exciting thing was that neither missed the restraints. While there was a certain comfort in them, Becca didn’t crave or need them; instead, she craved Sophie. This further confirmed that Sophie had filled a void and offered Becca the stability she needed. The girls just wanted to be with each other and take care of one another.
With Becca restrained, we all headed to the museum together. I had been invited for the tour, but the truth was far different. I was there to witness the plan we had devised with Agents Myers and Reinhardt.
As we expected, there was a great turnout; nearly everyone invited had shown up, or at least those of importance—the ones we needed to be there.
The group and I followed Becca and Sophie around the museum. I could see that Becca was moving slower than usual, which on the surface seemed to be because of the short-chain restraints, the restrictive pencil skirt, and the height of her heels. And while I knew she felt better, and Sophie and I were okay with her being out today, I also knew she was tired and was still amid her recovery.
At one point, Becca sat down to catch her breath while Sophie continued explaining aspects of the exhibitions. This wasn’t just an act; she genuinely needed a moment to regain her strength. The doctors had warned her that this would happen, assuring her that she would eventually fully recover. However, given the severity of her situation, they noted that she might tire easily both during and well after the recovery process.
And others noticed, too. As I glanced around, many in the group focused on her and much less on the tour and what Sophie was saying.
I knew many were aware that we’d been in a car accident. It had only been two weeks since I informed Laura about Becca’s need for long-term care, but I knew she had spoken to Jen and Tiff that Tuesday. I had seen the three of them standing in front of Laura’s house, so, as expected, word had already spread about Becca’s condition and her reliance on Sophie’s care.
This was validated when I overheard one woman telling another how she had been told that Becca had been in an accident, almost died, and now needed long-term care—with Sophie moving in with us to help.
Though I couldn’t catch all the details, I heard one of the women say, “That must be hard—not only to be hurt and needing long-term care but having to wear those restraints too.”
The tour continued through the rest of the museum until we found ourselves on the main floor. That’s when I spotted Agents Reinhardt and Myers, accompanied by Sheriff Collins, at the main entrance. They walked up to our group and then patiently stood off to the side, waiting for the tour to conclude. Their presence had not gone unnoticed; nearly everyone on the tour, along with others in the museum, turned their heads in curiosity.
As the tour wrapped up and people began to wander off to explore other areas, some attendees, including Mrs. Langley, remained within earshot, just as the three of us had anticipated.
“Ms. Bounds,” Agent Myers called out, addressing Becca with a tone that commanded attention.
“Agent Myers,” Becca replied, surprise flickering across her face as she glanced at Agent Reinhardt and Sheriff Collins. “What are you doing here?”
Her confusion deepened. “I thought—”
But Agent Myers cut her off.
“I spoke with Sheriff Collins back in April,” she explained. “He had made inquiries with the FBI regarding your case, but at the time, I couldn’t share any details.”
She paused briefly before continuing, “Last week I was notified of an accident report involving you and learned that you had been hospitalized. So, I reached out to Sherrif Collins to confirm, which he did. That’s when I told him we’d be here today and invited him as a professional courtesy.”
“Looking into the matter further, I’ve been told that you’re in need of long-term care, and that Ms. Barnes has offered to be your caregiver,” the agent stated.
Becca nodded.
“Yes,” she said. “That’s right. She’s my assistant here at the museum and has been helping me since I’m in this situation.”
She gently tugged at her cuffed wrists, making sure those watching noticed. “When she offered to be my caregiver, we initially said no, but she insisted. We’re always together anyway, so it just made sense.”
The agent nodded. “Yes, we’ve spoken with Ms. Barnes, and she confirmed that was the case.”
As Becca said this, Agent Myers gestured to Agent Reinhardt, who approached Becca with efficiency, swiftly removing the restraints. In just a few minutes, Becca was freed, a look of relief washing over her face.
“We understand you’ve been unable to discuss the matter,” Agent Myers continued. “This silence can often lead to misunderstandings from those around you who may not fully grasp the situation or draw unwarranted conclusions. While you still cannot speak about it, we recognize that sometimes individuals must make sacrifices to help others. We appreciate your willingness to assist the FBI, even in such challenging circumstances.”
She paused, her expression softening. “Your cooperation has been invaluable in helping us understand various aspects of the situation.”
With a soft smile, she added, “I’m truly sorry to hear about your accident, and I hope you have a swift and complete recovery. But you won’t be needing these anymore.”
She gestured to the discarded restraints in Agent Reinhardt’s hands.
Becca nodded and replied, “They’ve taken on a new meaning for me. It’s hard to describe. My exhibitions now focus on empowerment and resilience among those who have faced immense obstacles and overcome them. The restraints have become a symbol of those journeys—they represent a form of solidarity.”
Taking a short breath, she continued, “While I’m relieved that I don’t have to wear them all the time, they now carry a deeper significance and importance.”
Nodding, Agent Myers replied, “Ms. Barnes mentioned that you’d likely continue to wear them on certain occasions for those very reasons.”
She glanced at Sophie before turning her attention back to Becca.
“She also told us that she plans to wear them as well, to demonstrate her commitment to your work and the message it conveys. To her it’s a powerful statement of support, highlighting the importance of solidarity in facing challenges together.”
In a matter-of-fact tone, she continued, “We understand and have no issues with that.”
Turning to Sheriff Collins, she asked, “Sheriff, am I correct in assuming that any misunderstandings by your office that arose from Ms. Bounds wearing restraints will be immediately addressed?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded, his demeanor professional yet reassuring.
She looked at him squarely, her gaze firm as she then asked, “And that she and Ms. Barnes will be in full prisoner transport restraints or some variant thereof, considering the reasons cited by Ms. Bounds?”
Her tone left little room for ambiguity, underscoring the necessity for understanding and support in this situation.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied again with a nod, his demeanor steady and unchanged.
She maintained eye contact with the sheriff, emphasizing the importance of clarity and support in this matter. Then, turning her focus back to Becca, she smiled and said, “Goodbye, Ms. Bounds.”
With that, the agents turned to leave.
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