Endless Whispers by Danielle Stewart

Author:Danielle Stewart [Stewart, Danielle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random Acts Publishing, LLC
Published: 2023-11-12T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Charlize sat across from Brenda in the small, tidy office, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had just shared what she considered a game-changing discovery—the ideal grant for Angels of a New Day, a grant worth a staggering twenty-two million dollars. She explained to Brenda that she’d meticulously researched the grant's criteria, and their charity ticked all the right boxes, making them prime candidates. The prospect of such a significant windfall had left Brenda practically giddy with excitement.

The truth was, this was a grant Carmen had created and made look incredibly official. It was the perfect grant because it was not real.

"That's incredible, Charlize," Brenda exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Just imagine what we could do with that kind of funding. The impact we could make."

Charlize nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. "Absolutely, Brenda.” Charlize needed to keep planting important seeds. “That’s a lot of money. Can you imagine getting our hands on that?” She winked, subtlety trying to let Brenda know she was interested in lining her own pockets.

Brenda smiled back devilishly as Charlize explained more.

“But there's one crucial element we need to secure this grant. I’ve got to nail the powerful testimonials from the women we've helped in the past. Personal stories that will resonate with the grant committee."

Brenda's initial enthusiasm waned slightly as she considered Charlize's request. "Can't we use the ones we already have on our website? They were curated by our marketing team, and they're quite compelling."

Charlize had prepared for this argument. “Using the existing testimonials won’t be enough. They need to be authentic, in-depth conversations with the women themselves to provide a more profound insight into their experiences. Those testimonials on the website are excellent, Brenda, but we need to take it a step further. We need to connect with these women on a deeper level, to truly understand the impact the organization has had on their lives. I made such a great connection with Rose the other day."

Brenda hesitated, her brow furrowing. "I understand your point. It’s tough though. Healing is not linear. Some of these women are never truly done with the work.”

The irony in that statement was tough to swallow, but Charlize let Brenda continue.

“Rose, for instance, hasn't been feeling well lately. It might not be the best time to approach her."

Charlize knew that Rose was ready to talk. She was at a breaking point and with another long conversation, maybe she could get her to go on record with what was really going on. She couldn't afford to wait. “The grant application deadline is rapidly approaching. Urgency is paramount. Rose doesn’t need to be perfect, but I do think she’s vital. She must be someone special as you had her featured at your last fundraising gala. We’re talking about twenty-two million dollars. I appreciate your concern for Rose," Charlize replied, her voice firm. "But we don't have the luxury of time. We need to act swiftly.”

Brenda still appeared reluctant, torn between the fear of being caught in her web of lies and crimes versus the allure of twenty-two million dollars.

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