James was doing his mail delivery round and greeting everybody as usual

There were seven birthdays and two wedding anniversaries on that day

Everybody was happy to see him and they appreciated him remembering. their special occasions

When he got back his supervisor was waiting to see him

I had a reporter here this morning asking lots of questions

She has identified lots of people in our town that have been receiving anonymous gifts

Some are small token amounts in gift cards

But others are significant like paying for a college tuition

So what does this have to do with me? asked James

The reporter has figured out that all these folks are on your round

All the donation letters were delivered by you

I just deliver the mail and I am not responsible for what is in it said James

That is true said the supervisor but this woman wants to interview you

I have no problem talking to her said James

The supervisor handed James her business card and said make the Post office look good

James called her and arranged for her to visit his house that evening

He was surprised to see an attractive young woman when he answered the door

She introduced herself as Dianne Smith then proceeded to fire lots of questions at him

Some were about his background and if he had wealthy relatives or friends

Then she produced a map with his delivery area outlined

There were stars showing the locations of every home that had received a donation

They were all within James deliver round

How can you explain this? she asked

James knew the game was up at this point and she had him cornered

If you publish this story my life would be ruined said James

People will be lining up at my door demanding handouts

That’s not my problem said Dianne

OK I admit that I am behind these donations but I want to show you something in my office now

They moved to his office next door

it was a simple desk with a big computer screen

Do you have a favorite charity Dianne?

My mother died of breast cancer so I try and raise money for cancer research

How much have you raised so far and what was your mother’s name?

Her name was Emilia Smith and I have raised over $10,000 in her memory so far

James worked on his computer for a brief moment

An envelope addressed to cancer research popped out of the printer with postage marked

He then wrote a check for $100,000 with In memory of Emilia Smith in reference

He placed the check in the envelope and handed it to Dianne

Just hold onto that for a few moments while we do something else

He brought up on the screen a list of people living in the town but outside his round

He Asked Dianne to pick out 10 randomly before printing out envelopes

James opened a safe behind a picture on the wall and took out a stack of gift cards

Placing one in each envelope and handing the pile to Dianne

So now you have a choice Diane and its entirely up to you

You can go ahead an print your story about me or mail these letters

You could tell your editor that you have tracked anonymous gifts outside my round

Tell him the story is not worth publishing

I can give you dozens of human interest stories to publish said James

First responders, nurses, teachers,Rotarians all doing incredible service to our community

What do you think your mother would want you to do?

Publish or kill the story?

Dianne hesitated and said I need to know the full story before I decide

I will tell you everything after you kill this story about me replied James

There was a long silence………