go back(go to 30)
I dodge a guy in a baseball cap as he stomps down the sidewalk.We’re only a block away from the bank now.
“I’m assuming we aren’t going to just ask her straight up about it.”
Sterling presses a hand to my back, guiding me around a group of suits.
“Correct,” he answers, a hint of pride in his voice.
We both agreed he’s too recognizable, so I’m meeting Tegan in his place, but he put his foot down when I suggested coming alone.Honestly, I’m grateful for it.We make a good team.
“You’ll need to ease her into the conversation first.She thinks you’re here as a potential customer, so she’ll be eager to please, but if you mention Cox or her sister-in-law too soon, she’ll likely clam up, and then we’ll have lost our lead.”
“So, this is like recon.”
There’s a short huff of air that could be a laugh, but it’s hard to tell with him.“You watch too many movies.”
The sidewalk clears ahead of us, but his hand remains.I don’t mention it, selfishly pleased he hasn’t noticed.
“I need to know you’ll be okay in there,” he says.“There’s a chance she’ll get defensive if she feels cornered, and you can’t let yourself get intimidated.You need teeth to survive in this job.If you want to find the truth, you need to be able to do what it takes to pursue that truth to its conclusion.Understand that it will get messy.You’ll upset people because you’re disrupting their comfort, and some will hate you for it, whether they benefit or not.Are you prepared for that?”
“Yes.”I am.
I will be.
It’s clear today but cold, the sky a shocking blue, the air damp from last night’s storm.Everyone’s covered up, thick scarves and long coats, heads down and shoulders up as they walk.My stomach grumbles as we pass a spot selling the most delicious-smelling waffles, and I’m tempted to stop.
I’m nervous.This is all I’ve wanted, and if I screw this up, I’ll lose Sterling’s trust.
We round the next corner, and the bank appears.
Sterling’s hand closes around mine, pulling me to a stop.
“Okay, deep breath.That’s it.”
I do as he said.
“It’s only a conversation.You’ll ask some questions and only push when necessary.You can do this.”
He sounds certain.It helps.
“Got it?”
I nod again.
“Say it back to me, Mia.”
Gosh, he’s beautiful.
I roll my shoulders back, stand a little taller.“I can do this.Now, let’s go before I’m late.”
I swear there’s a hint of a smile on his face.
* * *
Chance’s Reserve Bank is a fortress.With five floors of stone above ground and two below, it’s hard to imagine anyone brave enough to try to penetrate its defenses.
The public entrance is contained, manned outside by a single guard and inside by two more.The windows are small and barred with wrought iron.
