Chapter 15: The Account

The branch manager on Main Street had the kind of calm that comes with a lanyard.

"Mrs. Wendt, I can see why you're upset," she said. "The hold was placed yesterday afternoon by Mr. Wendt."

"On what grounds?"

"He said he was concerned about unusual activity."

"Whose activity?"

She turned her monitor a few degrees toward herself.

"His note says concern for the account holder's judgment."

Evan, in the chair beside me, made a small noise in his throat.

He had come straight from the hospital with a coffee in each hand.

He had slept maybe two hours, and he had insisted on coming in.

"Mrs. Wendt has run a business on this account for nineteen years," he said. "She has never had an overdraft."

"I understand. But it's a joint account, and either owner can request a hold."

"Then I'd like a copy of every statement for the last two years," I said. "Today."

"That I can do."

She printed them herself, and it took a long time.

I put the stack in my folder.

Outside, in the cold morning, I stood on the sidewalk next to Evan's car.

"The shop's money pays for my walnut," I said. "It pays for my insurance. I have eleven orders in the barn."

"I know."

"He's not trying to take the money, Evan. He's trying to make me ask him for it."