Chapter 14: The Deposit
267 words
Richard checked his watch, annoyed. "I have to meet Tiffany. She needs help picking out nursery colors. You can take the bus back, right? Or walk. It’ll be good for your figure."
He spun on his heel and marched out of the automatic doors without a backward glance. I watched him go, waiting until his taillights disappeared into traffic. Then, I turned away from the lobby and walked toward the frosted glass doors at the back of the bank marked Private Wealth Management.
Arthur Vance had called ahead. The moment I stepped through, the atmosphere shifted. The carpet was plush, the air smelled of fresh lilies, and a man in a tailored grey suit stood up immediately.
"Mrs. Miller," he said, extending a hand. "Mr. Vance spoke very highly of your father. I’m incredibly sorry for your loss."
I nodded, my throat tight. I reached into my bra and pulled out the envelope. It was warm and slightly crumpled. I laid the check on his mahogany desk.
He picked it up, expecting a modest life insurance payout. Then he saw the comma. And the zeros.
His eyebrows shot up, but he remained professional. "I see. We will expedite the clearing process immediately."
"How soon can I access funds?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"We can advance you a line of credit against this instantly," he said, typing rapidly. "Would you like to issue a cashier's check for a down payment on a new property today? Or perhaps transfer to a high-yield account?"
"I don't need a house yet," I whispered. "I need a hotel."
End of Chapter 14
