Chapter 4 - The First National Bank
The bank did not open until December 26th.
Clare spent Boxing Day morning watching the clock.
Harrison finally texted at 8:00 AM.
Coming home to pack a bag. We need space.
Clare didn't reply.
She grabbed her purse and left before he could arrive.
The air was bitterly cold as she walked into the grand lobby of First National Bank.
She approached the vault manager, a tall woman with sharp glasses.
“I need to access a box,” Clare said, sliding the brass key across the marble counter.
The manager inspected the number.
“Box 0412. Name on the account?”
“William Mercer. I have his death certificate and my ID.”
The manager typed into her computer.
She frowned.
“Ma'am, this box requires a secondary authorization.”
“From whom?”
“An Eleanor Parker.”
Clare cursed silently.
“She isn't here. Can I access it as a family member?”
“No. The account was set up as a joint access. Both parties must be present.”
Clare took the key back.
“Thank you.”
She walked out to the busy sidewalk, dialing Arthur’s number.
He picked up on the first ring.
“I need Eleanor Parker’s address, Arthur.”
“Clare, I told you—”
“I need her address right now. Or I’m going to the police with what you told me about the forged will.”
Arthur sighed heavily.
“She runs a small bookstore in Queens. The Paper Lantern.”
Clare hailed a cab.
The drive to Queens took forty minutes.
The Paper Lantern was a cramped, dusty shop wedged between a bakery and a laundromat.
Clare pushed the door open. A bell chimed.
A woman in her late thirties looked up from the cash register.
She had Harrison’s eyes.
Cold, piercing blue.
“Can I help you?” the woman asked.
“Are you Eleanor Parker?”
The woman’s expression tightened.
“Who’s asking?”
“My name is Clare Mercer. I’m Harrison’s wife.”
Eleanor immediately stepped back.
“Get out of my store.”
“I’m not here for him. I’m here because of your father.”
Eleanor froze.
“I don’t have a father.”
“William left you a letter,” Clare said, pulling the envelope from her coat.
She placed it on the counter.
“And he left us a key.”
May you like
Eleanor stared at the envelope.
Her hand shook slightly as she reached for it.
