COTTER

Dear Jake:

With the Christmas Season heading for a conclusion, Stan Wills and I have been soliciting funds for adding another two rooms to our small hospital. Money is coming in mostly from former patients and their families. We had a good response to an ad we placed in the Endura newspaper–the Clarion. I’ve attached a clipping. The hospital should have its new rooms plus some needed equipment. And–surprise, surprise–Victor Vlack sent a generous donation with the proviso one of the rooms bears his name. Vlack also wanted acknowledgement of his gift in the newspaper in the “true spirit of Christmas and the well being of the Endura citizenship.”

What a crock of horse dung. We initially told him to keep his money. Two-days later a burning wagon was left in front of our clinic and the hospital building. Vlack sent a note–unsigned of course–which said “fire would never demolish any structure endorsed by the Double V”. The man is so blatant. “Double V” indeed. Even an illiterate would know it meant Victor Vlack. I went to the town marshal but he was on Vlack’s side (and I think his payroll).

Stan Wills and I accepted Vlack’s donation and terms against our principals. Stan pointed out to do otherwise would deprive the people of medical care. It is the patient, after all, who is our main concern. But I bit my tongue taking his money.

I understand you’re doing well in school and we hope your winery doesn’t succumb to any extortion. We wish we had some stand-up muscle to thwart Vlack. We hope we solve our Vlack problem before you arrive.

Merry Christmas from all of us,

Charlie