Abide With Me (The Barn Church Series Book 3) by Shellie Arnold

Author:Shellie Arnold [Arnold, Shellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction
Published: 2017-10-19T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

They transported Nicholas to the bank the same way they’d moved him to the county jail—by van. A three-plus hour drive that made him think of his first trip through southern Alabama, when he’d gotten lost from the detours and stumbled upon The Barn Church.

Julius followed, as well as several other vehicles, one of which carried State Prosecutor Simon. No sirens blared. The officers in the front seats—whom Nicholas had not seen before—gave repeated instructions regarding procedure upon their arrival. Under other circumstances, Nick would have been bored out of his mind. But after spending yesterday evening alone in his cell, he was grateful for even this small amount of human interaction.

They parked. Waited while the others went inside. Still handcuffed, wearing leg shackles and sandwiched between the officers, Nick shuffled his way to the back employee entrance.

The door opened from the inside.

“A moment with my client.” Julius spoke to Nick’s escorts.

The officers looked at each other.

“I’ll wait outside the door,” one said. “My partner will be ten feet down the hall. You’ve got two minutes.”

Julius shielded him from the officer in the hall.

“In a moment, we’ll walk down together, accompanied by these officers,” Julius whispered. “Don’t stop. Don’t engage in conversation. Watch me for a nod before you do anything, before you say anything, even if you’re desperate to explain yourself. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Answer only what is asked, but I can’t stress enough that you be completely honest when you answer. You probably won’t get a second chance to answer truthfully.”

“I’ve nothing to gain by lying.”

“Remember that. And don’t stare at the federal agents. I’m not sure they’re human.”

Nick nodded. “Thanks.”

“We’re ready.” Julius spoke over his shoulder.

The path down was a familiar one. Marble floors, wide steps, and a sterile bunker quality.

Escorted by the officers, they bypassed the small private rooms he’d previously utilized when visiting this area and arrived at a large conference room that contained an enormous table. The two officers flanked the door, joining four federal agents and two bank security guards already present.

Darrin Simon stood beside Nick’s drawer. “When you said safe deposit box, I pictured something smaller. I’m told these have space comparable to a small trunk.”

Julius nodded. Nick took the cue.

“I didn’t mean to be unclear or deceptive. It’s simply a larger option.”

“Agreed. Mr. Floyd, you may hand Mr. Rousseau the key.”

The bank manager approached. “Hello, Mr. Rousseau. I’m sorry for your troubles.”

Nick glanced at Julius, who nodded again.

“Thank you,” Nick answered.

Together, they unlocked the drawer; Nicholas pulled it open.

The documents Simon wanted were in a manila envelope at the back. Nicholas reached for them.

“Gentleman,” Simon said.

Bank security guards nudged Nick aside and lifted the drawer onto the table.

“Empty the contents, Mr. Rousseau.”

Nicholas swallowed.

“Everything out.”

He removed the envelope first, laid it before the State Prosecutor. He could barely make himself look at the other items but knew if he didn’t do as he was told, Simon would willingly misinterpret his inaction.

Julius peeked inside. He stepped back, his eyes filled with questions.

Nicholas braced himself and lifted the long gold box on the top—a gift Gavin had helped him choose.

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