Gemotions

The news report flickered on the television. "Local philanthropist, Richard Sterling, arrested on charges of embezzlement." A picture of Richard, his college buddy, filled the screen. A cold, hard laugh escaped James's lips. *Philanthropist?* Richard, who swore he was a librarian, a man perpetually short on cash and always borrowing money for "books"?

James grabbed the remote, switching off the television. He felt a strange detachment, a sense of unreality. The world around him seemed to be tilting, twisting. He sat down heavily, the room spinning.

He remembered Richard's worried face when he had asked for help with a small loan last week. It made the bitter taste rise in his mouth.