The next is a mystery

The night had been mostly uneventful, with Sally occupying herself on James's game console, James working with Lee to craft the right email for the best response on "his" salt water engine design, and Aurora going between working on the strange thing she'd gotten so excited over and learning bits and pieces about the English language.

The morning had gone smoothly enough. Sally had on a show about some British family going through hardships, and an old woman who kept touting that they would take it on the chin "because we're British". James couldn't help but shake his head at that. Aurora was visibly confused by the accent. A knock came at the door, and all three of them froze for a moment. Another knock. Not Terri. Aurora flickered white and yellow. Sally, thankfully, thought on her feet and grabbed Aurora and lead her to the guest bathroom. James took a moment to breathe, before opening the door. He decided he needed to install a peep hole.

Unexpectedly, he was greeted by Lee standing outside.

"Morning. I'm glad you're home, I wanted to deliver the news in person."

James stepped aside, silently inviting him in. His face showed the concern about Lee's greeting, though it wasn't lost on James that it made a good cover for the concern that no doubt had already been there. "Is this a 'bad news' or 'urgent news' thing?"

"Oh, neither. I just wanted to see the look on your face.", Lee said while reaching into his pocket. He held out a paper envelope.

James glanced up at him and took it, opening it as he spoke. "Lee, if I'm fired or something a letter is the last thing Iiiiii have never seen that many zeroes on a check.", his eyes widened. In large, old english letters on the corner he read 'United States Treasury'. The check had 125 million dollars on it, and their company name was printed in as the recipient. "Holy shit."

Lee laughed at his reaction, a large grin on his face. "No kidding, holy shit! Don't expect too much, the company is taking most of it. You and I are still getting some, though. You're welcome for that, by the way. It took a lot of pushing to make that happen, they wanted to give you a promotion and call that enough of a cut. I got them to take mine from 25 to 15, and let them keep 5 of what they took in exchange for putting the other 5 on your account. It'll be ten total, after they cash it, five for you and five to pass on to that amazing friend of yours. Speaking of, when do I get to meet this mystery woman?"

James stared at him, blinking rapidly as his brain processed the fast pace he spoke with. "I-uh...wow. I need a sec."

"Take your time.", Lee said with a smile. "I have a feeling she's here now, anyways right?", he asked while walking toward the hallway. James felt his heart begin to race.

"No she's not it's-"

Why is he going right for the bathroom? He couldn't know could he? No way.