Leslie’s line was empty so when I walked up with the blue envelope, she nodded to the doorway. “I see you noticed some of the changes around here.”
“They really think they need a security guard?” I’d seen guards in banks before, but typically it was for the larger branches. “You don’t get enough business to make it worthwhile to steal from here, do you?”
Leslie didn’t look up from keying in the checks. “Beats me. Kent always said we were safer without a guard. He said people tend to act stupid around someone in authority.”
“Well, I guess when a new manager comes in, he’s going to make some changes.” I watched Leslie count out the cash my aunt had so carefully sorted and rubber-banded together.
“She. The new manager is a she. Although from what I’ve seen, she’s cold as ice. Kind of like that lady who wrote the tiger book.” Leslie handed me my printed deposit slip and leaned closer. “I hear the audit last week had some issues. I guess Kent was dipping his wick into the company till.”
No wonder the guy could afford all those fancy suits. “Seriously? Why would he risk getting caught?”
“Who would catch him? The bank’s security system was run by that ex-wife of his. She’s one of the reasons they got the guard.” Leslie leaned closer. “She was caught on tape searching Kent’s office just last week. I guess she set off her own alarm system and had to run before the cops arrived. Ironic, right?”
That must have been the night she’d shown up at the shop when I’d sent her away. Her face had been red, but I’d attributed it to the chill of the evening air. “What was she looking for, do you know?”
“No clue, but we’re all on strict operating procedures. We can’t leave our money drawer without checking in with a supervisor, even just to go to the bathroom.” Leslie sighed. “Kent was a piece of work, but at least when he ran the branch, he didn’t make you feel like a potential criminal.”
“Maybe that’s because he was hiding his own issues.” I thought about Aunt Jackie’s stalker, the travel scam artist, and his separate book of deals. “Cheryl could have been looking for a record of Kent’s thefts. Probably anything that implicated her.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Leslie pondered the idea, but was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder.
Anne stepped over behind Leslie. “Sorry, I’ve got to close my line. The boss just called me into her office. I guess it’s my turn to get the pep talk.”
“No worries, sweetie. We’re close to closing up anyway.” Leslie gave her a supportive smile. When Anne went into the office and closed the door, Leslie sighed. “That girl lets things get to her. She’s always worried about something.”
“You don’t think the manager is letting people go, do you?” I stared at the closed door. When we’d had firings at the law firm, it always happened just before closing time. Even though most of the associates stayed long after official hours ended, the management and clerical staff left at 4:59 p.m. on the dot.
“If she fires Anne, the woman will have to answer to me.” Leslie looked thoughtfully at the closed door. “She needs to remember what happened to Kent before she goes messing with people’s lives.”
CHAPTER 21
When I returned home, a convertible BMW sat in my driveway. I parked the Jeep on the other side of the car and locked gazes with Pat Williams, who stood on my porch. “Now what,” I grumbled as I turned off the engine and climbed out of the car. Pat was in a sleeveless shift dress with a statement necklace to match. Her heels matched the color of the dress and had those platforms on the bottom that used to indicate a woman was in the oldest profession. Heck, I’ll say it. The girl wore hooker shoes.
When I got up to the porch, her gaze dropped to my jean capris and worn I Love Napa T-shirt. I didn’t have time or the desire for a fashion makeover, at least not from Pat. I leaned against the porch rail, my house keys in my hand. “What do you want?”
She glanced at the door, realizing I wasn’t going to invite her in to tea, then steeled herself. “I wanted to thank you and apologize for Sherry’s call. She’d been drinking that night, and I didn’t realize until Saturday she’d gotten in touch with you.”
“You mean to threaten me that she was taking back her man?” My words made Pat squirm just a bit. “Look, you didn’t call me, so no need for an apology.”
Pat understood my unspoken meaning. “Sherry can be a handful. Honestly, she regrets what happened between her and Greg. I think she’s just trying to make up for what she did to ruin their marriage.”
I held up my hand to stop the Sherry pity party. “This is so not my business. However, you can tell your friend this, I’m dating Greg now and she can deal with it or not. I don’t want her to call me unless it’s about an agenda item for the Business-to-Business meeting or an order from CBM.”