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This constitutes my entry into Finish the Story Contest, sponsored by @bananafish. The first part of this story was written by @gaby-crb and @calluna. They devised a tantalizing piece. I saw it as an invitation to be campy--I mean, Mr. Dankworth?? So I hope I picked up the banner handed over by these writers and finished the story in a style worthy of their craft.

Here's the blended creativity of @gaby-crb, @calluna, and @agmoore:

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The Devisal of Mr. Dankworth

by @gaby-crb and @calluna

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The familiar ping jerked through my morning haze, the signal of a new email arriving in my inbox, blared from my laptop. I hastily tapped at the volume. My fingers circled around the warm mug in my hand, the hot brush of steam warning me not to take a sip yet. I checked the screen, 16 new emails already this morning. Working from home had seemed so much easier, I never liked the office, or being out on the road, at least at home I had my own brand of coffee, and my cat Neelix, but the emails never stopped.

I cleared through the top 10 as spam, another 5 were easily filed, the last however caught my attention. My eyes focused on the sender name, I hastily placed my mug on the table and clicked the email. The sound of the news playing on the TV melted into the background, even the smell of my burning toast didn't interrupt my focus.

Good day,
My name is Michael Kent, I am the personal attorney and sole executor to my late client, Mr Ian Dankworth, who shares the same surname with you.

After the death of my client, in an automobile incident, in the year 2007, the bank contacted me to provide his next of kin to inherit his fortune, totaling Thirty Seven Million Bruvna ($37,000,000.00) according to the existing bank records.

I have written several letters to his country embassy with the intent of locating any of his immediate or extended family who will stand as the next of kin and all my efforts has been to no avail.

I have received official letters from the board of directors of the holding bank in the last few weeks suggesting a likely precedent for confiscation of his abandoned personal assets in line with existing laws, therefore I have been issued a 30 working days ultimatum to provide his next of kin or forfeit the deposit.

From my professional experience I can use any and all legal means available to re-profile and present you as the next of kin to my deceased client since you share his surname, this would enable you put a claim to the funds on our behalf.
Please kindly indicate your interest by responding to this email so we can discuss further.
Yours sincerely,
Barr. Michael Kent

I glanced at the scuffed bag by the door, I had known Mr Kent would contact me eventually. I was the last person in the country with the surname Dankworth. As my eyes read over the email again, I laughed to myself, this had been easier than I initially thought.

Neelix stalked past the black bag, rubbing up against it, he then stopped and pulled out his claws, pulling at the plastic material.

I stood up fast in an attempt to scare him, knocking my coffee over my laptop in the process. I swore and grabbed at some tissues, watching as the black liquid slowly absorbed. I would forever be cleaning up my own mess.

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My Finish to the Story

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Dear Mr. Kent

by @agmoore

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When I picked up the computer at Apple repair the technician told me I was lucky. Last person who spilled a mug of coffee on the laptop killed the machine.

It had been 24 hours since I received Kent's email. The delay probably whet his appetite. My response had to be drafted carefully--an exquisite balance between naivete, and an eagerness to grab that inheritance.

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I began:

Dear Mr. Kent,

This is most remarkable news. If you're sure we're not doing anything wrong, I would like to hear more about your proposition. After all, if I have Mr. Dankworth's last name, maybe I am related.
Sincerely, Eva Dankworth

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Perfect! My email screamed stupidity and greed.

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Kent's response, less than 30 minutes later:

Indeed, Ms. Dankworth, you most assuredly may be a relation. I will happily pursue the case for you. My only fee will be a small portion of the proceeds, a modest 3%. Besides that, there will be no cost to you--except for incidental expenses.

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Me:

Expenses? Will that be a lot? I'm not rich.

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Kent:

My dear Ms. Dankworth, considering what you have to gain, this expenditure will be insignificant.

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Me:

OK. When would you need the money, and how much would that be?

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Kent:

I think I can easily start for about $1,000. But I would need that in 24 hours. We have to hurry, or the bank will seize the assets.

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Bingo! A proffer. Now all he had to do was accept the money--and put everything in writing.

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Me:

I have a thousand dollars. How do I get it to you? There's a contract, right? I'd like a contract. That's smart, don't you think?

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Kent:

Certainly. I'll send that right over.

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Me:

I'd like to meet you. It's kind of scary, doing business over the Internet. If I see you face to face I'll feel better.

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Kent:

That's inconvenient. There's nothing wrong with the Internet. Everybody does it.

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Me:

I don't think I can, if I don't meet you. Bring the contract and I'll bring the money.

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He wasn't going to like that, but the prize was so close, he wouldn't be able to let it go.

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Kent:

Of course, Ms. Dankworth. We can meet tonight. There's a diner, the Starstruck, in your neighborhood. I'll see you at 8, in the parking lot. Look for a red vintage Mustang. That'll be me.

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He took the bait! It was time to call the fraud squad and give Mr. Kent the reception he so richly deserved. If the money changed hands, and I got that contract, his career of scamming would finally be over.

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Me:

And I'll be wearing a yellow coat. With a bird pin on the collar. I am so looking forward to our meeting. Great things are going to happen tonight.

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Of all the things I wrote to Kent that day, this was the one sentence that was absolutely true.