CHAPTER13
On the three-hourdrive to Atlanta, Gillian wrestled with what she should do about the safety deposit box key she found in her panda. She had Agent Morris’ card in her pocket and Paul’s power of attorney in her purse. She should call the FBI agent and let him know what she’d found and about the man she thought was watching her; but on the other hand, as he’d warned her, the Feds froze all their accounts. She was dead broke without a lot of options and no end in sight. She wanted to see if the bank in Atlanta held the box.
“You met your husband when you were at Georgia Tech. Did he live in Atlanta?” Nick asked.
“Yes, in Midtown. He banked at the bank where we’re going now. I’m hoping my history with the bank will help you, and I’d like to see if the safety deposit box attached to this key is there.”
“Okay.” He looked hesitant.
“I know we’re here for your loan, but why not do both?”
His eyes met hers. He suspected there was more going on but didn’t ask. She wasn’t sure she wanted to get into how deep Paul’s, and potentially her, trouble was. Not yet. She plugged the bank’s address into her GPS. If she found anything that was connected to money laundering, she would absolutely call Agent Morris immediately.
“I could use a cup of coffee; how about you?” Nick asked.
“Please.”
He pulled into the drive-through line at a coffee shop and ordered for both of them. While they waited, he handed her the envelope the server delivered that morning.
“What’s this?”
“It’s official. The Reaves are suing me for custody.”
“I can’t believe they have a leg to stand on.” She opened the envelope. “Courts always side with the parents.”
“True. Unless they’re deemed unfit.”
“I’m sure they won’t find anything that would deem you unfit.” She looked into his beautiful face. “You are the best person I know.”
He smiled—a sad smile that broke her heart. “Thank you for saying that, but to prove it, I’m going to need to hire a lawyer.”
“With money you don’t have.”
“Everything I had went into my business which is about to collapse.”
“We are going to get you that loan.” Money was not something she’d ever given a second thought about. It was always there for whatever she needed or wanted. She’d been so naive.
“My whole world is crashing down around me,” he said. “All because I want to take care of my daughter.”
“Don’t worry. We’re going to make this happen.” She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze.
“With you here, I can almost believe we will.”
“Good.” She smiled and put the envelope aside as he continued driving toward the bank.
“All you need to do is walk in there like you own the place. Act like you are doing them a huge favor by giving them your business.”
He laughed. “You really think that will work?”
“Attitude is everything. That and a killer business plan.”
“Collateral usually helps, and I don’t have any.”
“True, but you’re not asking for much either. You can do this. Let’s hear you say it.”
He gave her a surprised look as he parked in front of the bank.
“I’m not kidding. Say it.”