The rain transitioned to a downpour with frequent rumbles and flashes of lightning. It was easy to find a parking place on the square. I turned off the truck and looked around. This dark, stormy night had the makings of a scary poem.
I verified my phone settings. Sophie and Abby were my emergency contacts, and they could look up my location if I disappeared.
I flipped up the hood of my rain jacket and rushed to the front door of the bank.
No sign of Rita, so I pounded on the glass door. Rain sluiced down my body, and my tennis shoes were soaked.
Rita appeared and let me inside. “Hi, Emma. Thanks for coming tonight.”
Like there had been a choice. I entered the cool interior and shivered. “Sure. What do you need me to do?”
“Heidi Bauer turns forty tomorrow, and I’d like to throw a little impromptu party. There’s been a lot of stress around here lately, and I thought we were due some fun.”
“What’d you have in mind?” I removed my jacket and hung it on the back of a chair in the sitting area.
“Let’s discuss it in my office.” She turned on the toe of her high heel and clip-clopped away on the stone floor.
Not wanting to slip on the slick floor, I followed at a much slower pace. My wet shoes squished and squeaked with every step.
Tonight, Rita’s office was organized. Even the stacks of paper on her desk appeared orderly. She said, “How’s your investigation going?”
“You should ask Chief Young for updates, because he told me to mind my own business.” On the way over, I had imagined if Rita was going to ask my thoughts, she’d lead up to it. This was way more direct than I’d anticipated.
“I heard Paige Booker has been arrested. What do you think about that?” One penciled eyebrow lifted in challenge.
I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “Paige is a friend, and I believe she’s innocent. She’s also out of jail.”
“What?” Rita’s voice squeaked.
“Yeah, an eyewitness came forward.”
“Oh, I guess that’s good.” She wrung her hands. “Excuse my manners. Have a seat, Emma. Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m not thirsty, but thanks. I’d really like to hear what you need for Heidi, then go home and slip into my yoga pants and a sweatshirt. The rain gave me a chill.” Or the frightening vibe rolling off Rita. A shiver shot up my back. “Hot tea is what I’ll go for when I get home.”
“Okay. I’ll keep this brief.”
I sat in the chair nearest the door and pulled out my phone. “If you don’t mind, I like to take notes on my phone.”
“No need to pull out your phone.” She emitted a humorless laugh. “It’s so simple, really. Maybe a rose at her teller station and a bouquet in the break room. Heidi can take it all home tomorrow night.”
“Okay. Let my just close my note app.” Was my response convincing? My cold fingers trembled. I switched to the camera app and pushed the video button. It would at least record our conversation. Better than nothing, and I hoped it could be found on the cloud if I was harmed by Rita. “Sounds easy enough.”
“Yes. Easy peasy for sure.”
A crash sounded in Vince’s office, and I jumped in my chair. “What was that?”
Rita’s face paled. “Um, uh, I better check.”
“Wait, what if a burglar snuck in? Don’t you want to call the police?”
“No. It’s probably nothing to worry about. When was our last earthquake?”
“We’re not known for big earthquakes in Texas. I really think you should call for help.”
Rita breezed past me and headed toward Vince’s office.
I stopped the video and sent a text to Jake. It might be a good time for our date. I’m at the bank. Please, hurry. I’d apologize later.
Another chill ripped up my spine.
Rita stood behind me. “So, you’ve got a date? Let me guess? The handsome barista who’s helping Brett.”
I leapt from my chair, turning to face the woman. The back of my thighs pressed against her desk. “It’s none of your business.”
“I disagree. You’re supposed to be discussing a job with me. Not texting your boyfriend.”
With my thumb, I swiped the audio button on the text message. “Rita, you left the room, giving me the opportunity to confirm my date with Jake. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“What happened to getting cozy home alone because of the rain?” She narrowed her eyes.
Fear twisted in my belly like a Texas tornado. “I’m going to leave now. Tomorrow, I’ll return with your order.”
Mary Moore appeared in the office doorway. “Emma, I’d hoped it didn’t have to come to this. Go into the lobby. I’ll be right behind you, so don’t try anything stupid.”
I didn’t have any personal experience with firearms, but I recognized the fact Mary was pointing a gun straight at me.