Chapter 22 - THE LONG WALK TO WINDOW SIX
Eli stopped just inside the doors.
The bag was too heavy for him to carry comfortably. He dragged it, rested, then lifted it again because Rachel’s instructions said never let it leave his hands.
Caleb approached slowly without touching him.
“Junebug,” he said.
Eli looked up. Some tension left his shoulders.
“Window Six?” he asked.
Caleb pointed. “Straight ahead.”
Martin stepped between them. “Son, I’m the bank president. Let me help with that bag.”
Eli backed away.
“Mom said presidents make promises for buildings. Tellers make promises to people.”
Customers reacted with uneasy whispers. Martin forced a smile.
Nolan signaled corporate security. Local officers entered at the same moment and positioned themselves without drawing weapons. Eli’s attorney was still two blocks away, delayed by the false police call.
Melissa came around her counter but stopped when Eli shook his head.
“Behind the window,” he said.
She returned to her station. Rachel had built the plan around the glass partition: separation from anyone who might grab Eli, while Melissa remained visible and close.
Eli dragged the duffel bag through the quiet lobby. His face remained calm, but his hands were red from the straps.
A customer offered help. He refused.
Martin announced that the money might be stolen and warned customers to step back. Instead, more phones rose.
Eli reached Window Six. He was barely tall enough to see over the polished counter.
Melissa wanted to ask where Rachel was, whether he was hurt, and why no adult had carried the burden for him.
May you like
Eli did not give her time.
He gathered both handles, lifted with his entire body, and swung the duffel bag upward.
