Chapter 258: Solving the Problem
Although Skyler outwardly supported the donation website that Junior had created, she wasn't truly optimistic about it.
After all, it was just a small website with no advertising or promotional efforts. Who would even know it existed? There are millions of such obscure sites on the internet.
Usually, people only found them through word-of-mouth, which made Skyler suspect that the $1,000 or so in donations likely came from Gretchen, Elliott, or their circle.
Still, not wanting to crush Junior's enthusiasm, Skyler kept her doubts to herself.
"Are you sure you're okay going back to work in your current condition?" Walter asked.
"I'm fine. I already talked to the doctor. He said I can keep working right up until delivery. And my job is just a desk job—I'll be in the office all day, no need to move around much," Skyler replied.
Walter frowned. Even if she's just sitting at a desk, it's still work. Employers don't pay you just to sit around and rest during pregnancy—they expect productivity. And no matter what she said, working was never going to be more comfortable than staying home. But seeing the determination on Skyler's face, Walter couldn't say more. He didn't want to start an argument and disrupt the peace at home.
"Where are you working now?" Walter asked, changing the subject.
"At Beneke's company. I'm back in the accounting department," she answered.
Skyler had worked as an accountant before she quit to become a full-time homemaker. Back then, she was also employed at Beneke's company.
"Beneke's company? I thought Mr. Beneke passed away," Walter said.
"He did. It's been a few years now," Skyler replied.
"Then who's running the company now?"
"Ted—his son took over."
"I see..." Walter didn't say anything more, but a flash of determination crossed his eyes.
---
"Next!" Saul Goodman called out as he hung up the phone and saw a client out.
"Huh? Oh, it's you." He closed the case file in front of him and looked up to see Walter walk in.
"Where's your friend, Frank?" Saul asked.
"It's just me. I wanted to ask about something..." Walter said as he took a seat.
"What's on your mind?" Saul asked.
"Money laundering," Walter said.
"Oho, now that's a serious topic," Saul replied with a grin.
"So... is it something you can do?" Walter asked.
"No need to be nervous. Of course I can. It's right in my wheelhouse."
"In fact, laundering money isn't that hard. But here's some advice—don't tell your family. A sudden influx of cash is bound to raise suspicion. So, how much are we talking about?" Saul asked.
"$100,000," Walter said.
"Hundred grand, huh? Not too much, not too little. Let me run the numbers. After fees and deductions, you'll get back about seventy-six thousand."
"That much in fees?" Walter frowned.
Roughly a third of the money would be lost to fees—far more than he expected.
"Well, that's the going rate. I even gave you a 25% discount," Saul said with a shrug.
"I see..." Walter said, then left after a brief chat.
"If you ever need to launder money or take care of other business, come to me. Saul Goodman—always your most loyal partner," Saul called after him.
After leaving, Walter went straight to Frank and agreed to let him handle the money laundering.
Walter still had that cautious middle-class mindset—he didn't like trusting others with his money, not even Frank. But with the family in its current state, he had to take the plunge.
"The money's safe with me, don't worry. But let me be clear—I'm not doing this for free. There's going to be a fee," Frank said bluntly.
"That's fine," Walter nodded.
Walter had done his homework—checked online, talked to Saul. Even if his sources weren't rock-solid, he had a general idea of what was reasonable. And compared to others, Frank's fee was fair.
In fact, the fact that Frank did charge a fee made Walter feel more at ease. If Frank had offered to do it for free, that would have raised red flags.
Walter was over fifty. He knew that nothing in this world was truly free. When money's involved, even among family or friends, you have to tread carefully.
As Walter left, Frank smiled to himself.
Now that he had control over Walter's money, he had his leverage—Walter was officially tied to his chariot.
---
Two days later, Frank visited Walter's home.
"Frank! Come on in," Skyler greeted him warmly.
Frank entered, exchanging a quick glance with Walter before looking away.
"Skyler, do you remember I once told you about the chemical company I co-founded?" Frank asked.
"Yes... I think I vaguely recall that," she replied.
"Well, I went back to Chicago and discussed things with my partner. We both believe Walter is exactly the kind of talent we've been looking for—we want to hire him."
"But... Walter's health..." Skyler glanced at her husband with concern.
"Don't worry, I explained this to you before—he wouldn't have to commute or go to Chicago. We just need him to help with some technical issues in his spare time using his chemistry expertise. He'd be like a remote consultant, communicating via email."
"Actually, during the time I was back in Chicago, Walter already helped us solve a major problem. We were having issues sourcing a key material, and he came up with a new chemical formula that fixed everything."
"Really?" Skyler looked at Walter in surprise.
"Ahem... it wasn't a big deal," Walter replied.
"Now that you mention it, there was a time when Walter would come home and immediately sit at the computer, like he was designing something..." Skyler recalled.
"As for his medical treatment, my partner is fully aware of the situation. Our company can help cover the costs through our insurance," Frank added.
"Seriously!?" Skyler exclaimed in astonishment.
"Of course. I've even brought the money." Frank took out a check and placed it on the table.
Seeing the amount on the check, Skyler gasped. She instinctively grabbed Walter's arm, her eyes filled with uncontainable joy.
"Please take it. Walter earned every cent," Frank said, sliding the check toward her.
Frank received a warm welcome that day. The worry on Skyler's face disappeared, replaced by a smile that didn't leave for the rest of the day.