Chapter 3 - the secret in the emergency account
At ten thirty that morning, Margaret pulled her sedan into the parking lot of First National Bank on Main Street. The crisp autumn breeze rustled her brown-gray hair as she walked into the air-conditioned lobby, her pearl earrings catching the bright fluorescent light.
Sitting behind a glass-walled office at the rear of the branch was her personal banker of twelve years—a professional, observant woman in her late forties named Laura.
"Margaret! Happy birthday, my dear," Laura said warmly, rising from her desk to offer a brief hug. "Brenda told me you had a small gathering yesterday."
"It was memorable," Margaret replied softly, taking a seat in the leather armchair across from the desk. "Laura, I need to review my primary emergency savings account. I want to consolidate the funds into a fixed certificate of deposit."
"Of course," Laura smiled, typing Margaret’s account number into her terminal.
As the digital records loaded onto the screen, Laura’s warm smile gradually faded. Her brows furrowed, and her eyes scanned the lines of transactions with growing concern. She leaned closer to the monitor, clicking through several monthly statements.
"Margaret..." Laura said quietly, turning the screen slightly toward her. "When did Harrison tell you he lost his position at the firm?"
Margaret paused, her hands resting calmly on her handbag. "Six months ago. In March."
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Laura looked up at Margaret, her expression deeply troubled. "Ms. Bennett... these automatic monthly withdrawals of five thousand dollars didn't start in March. They started eleven months ago... back in November."
Margaret froze, the air leaving her chest as if she had been struck.
