"I walked into my bank with identification and a valid instrument."
"Your bank?"
The Manager laughed.
"Please."
Several phones appeared.
Customers had begun recording.
The Manager saw them.
Instead of calming down, she became angrier.
"Security."
Two guards near the entrance looked toward her.
"Come here."
They approached.
One was Black.
One was white.
Both were experienced enough to recognize that something had gone wrong before they were involved.
The Black Security Officer looked at Evelyn.
Then at the pieces of the check.
"What's happening?"
The Manager pointed.
"This woman presented a fraudulent instrument and is refusing to leave."
Evelyn looked at her.
"Have you verified fraud?"
The Manager ignored her.
The Security Officer asked, "Was law enforcement called?"
"Not yet."
"Did fraud confirm it?"
The Manager snapped.
"I am confirming it."
The guard's expression changed.
"Ma'am, that's not what I asked."
The Manager stared at him.
Evelyn noticed.
So did several customers.
The Manager pointed toward Evelyn.
"Escort her outside."
The guard did not move.
"Has she threatened anyone?"
"No."
"Is she refusing a lawful instruction?"
"She's refusing to leave."
Evelyn spoke.
"You have not asked me to leave."
The Manager turned.
"I'm asking now."
Evelyn nodded.
"Good."
The Manager blinked.
"Good?"
"Yes."
Evelyn glanced at the lobby clock.
10:24.
Seven minutes since she had entered.
She looked toward the private elevator bank near the back of the lobby.
Nothing.
Then back toward the Manager.
"Before I leave, I want the names of everyone involved."
The Manager laughed.
"You think you're filing a complaint?"
"I know I am."
"You can file whatever you want."
"I intend to."
The Manager pointed toward the door.
"Get her out."
The Black Security Officer spoke quietly.
"Ma'am, I recommend we slow this down."
The Manager turned on him.
"Excuse me?"
"We have cameras."
"So?"
"We have the check pieces."
"And?"
"If there's a dispute about what happened, we should preserve everything."
The Manager's face hardened.
"Are you taking her side?"
"No."
"I'm asking you to do your job."
"I am."
Evelyn watched carefully.