Lawrence almost smiled.
“Because I helped prepare them.”
Wesley blinked.
“What?”
“Your grandmother made me promise not to tell you the amount.”
“Why?”
“She wanted you to grow up understanding money as opportunity, not identity.”
Wesley looked toward the bank.
“Bradley thinks I’m nobody.”
Lawrence followed his eyes.
“That man doesn't get to decide who you are.”
Wesley whispered:
“I don't want to go back.”
Lawrence understood.
He crouched again.
“We don't have to.”
Wesley looked relieved.
Then Lawrence continued:
“But I think you might want to someday wish you had.”
Wesley frowned.
“Why?”
“Because if we walk away now, that room stays exactly as he left it.”
Lawrence pointed gently toward the doors.
“With his version.”
“And you deserve to leave with yours.”
Wesley looked afraid.
Lawrence squeezed his hand.
“I'll be beside you.”
“Will you yell?”
“No.”
“Fight him?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“Ask questions.”
Wesley knew his uncle.
That sounded worse for Bradley than yelling.
Another vehicle entered.
Luxury SUV.
A tall woman stepped out.
Professional suit.
Short dark hair.
Patricia Edwards.
Regional director.
She walked quickly.
“Mr. Brooks.”
Lawrence stood.
“Patricia.”
She looked toward Wesley.
Her expression changed.
“This is your nephew?”
“Yes.”
Patricia’s face tightened.
“I’m sorry.”
Wesley looked toward Lawrence.
Lawrence said:
“Patricia oversees this region.”
Wesley nodded.
She crouched slightly.
“Wesley, I heard some of what happened.”
“I want you to know that what you described is not acceptable.”
Wesley said nothing.
Patricia stood.
She looked toward Lawrence.
“I received your call.”
“And?”
“I checked the account.”
Lawrence nodded.
“Good.”
“I also checked the branch manager’s preliminary incident entry.”
Lawrence’s eyes narrowed.
“He already filed one?”
“Yes.”
“What does it say?”
Patricia looked toward Wesley.
“We’ll discuss that inside.”
Lawrence took Wesley’s hand.
The boy hesitated.
Then held tighter.
They walked toward the doors.
Patricia beside them.
Wesley’s heartbeat became so loud he could hear it.
The glass doors opened.
The lobby quieted.
Bradley saw Patricia first.
Every trace of confidence disappeared.
He straightened his tie.
Then moved quickly.
“Ms. Edwards.”
He smiled too broadly.
“What a wonderful surprise.”
Patricia did not smile.
Bradley continued:
“We weren't expecting the regional visit until next week.”
“Plans changed.”
Then Bradley saw Lawrence.
His eyes moved over the suit.
Watch.
Posture.
The recognition came slowly.
He knew the face from investor reports.
Annual meetings.
Financial press.
Lawrence Brooks.
Founder.
CEO of Meridian Capital Holdings.