What was left for him to do now was to merely avoid making some egregious mistake, and the deal would be made. He would unfold all the details to her gradually in a low-key matter-of-fact way, taking care not to let any revelation appear large enough to be a deal-breaker. He pointed out to Mrs. Staunton that it was important that the harvesting be done before Arlene turned eighteen because if it occurred later then Arlene would be legally entitled to the entire lump sum payment and Mrs. Staunton herself would be entitled to none of it.
Greer also told her about the LCMC Life Care facility in a neighboring state where Arlene could reside during her pregnancy. “It’s not required that she stay there”, he explained, “and your payment is neither reduced nor increased if she chooses to stay there, but we have found that our clients are best able to make positive choices if they attend our camp-like facility. They tend to pay more attention to their nutrition needs, they are not tempted by potentially compromising sexual situations, and we are able to ensure that illegal drugs are never available. In short, use of our facility best assures you that Arlene will fulfill her obligations and virtually guarantees that you and she will be able to receive final payment.” Having planted that notion in her mind, he made sure she didn’t yet feel pressured into that aspect of her decision by saying, “Of course, that’s a decision you can think about and make later if you choose to do so.”
Greer knew that it was time to go. He opened his briefcase and took out an envelope and set it in front of Mrs. Staunton on the table. “Let me give you our brochures that explain our program and that also have pictures of our Life Care campus. I’ve also included my card. I hope you’ll sit down with Arlene, show her our brochures and describe the program to her yourself. If you and she decide that you’d like to participate, I’m happy to tell you that we’ve just recently instituted a signing bonus program that will give you an immediate up-front $800 check on top of our usual payment schedule, IF you join our program within ten days of today’s date.” He stood with his hands clasped, holding his briefcase in front of him. Mrs. Staunton stood also without speaking, her mind clearly in turmoil . Greer walked to the door and smiled. “Good day, Mrs. Staunton. I’ll be in touch.”