CHAPTER 60 - Reno, Nevada Friday, August 2, 2024

CHAPTER 60

Reno, Nevada Friday, August 2, 2024

ERIC AND MARVIN MADE IT TO THE RENO BANK IN JUST OVER AN HOUR. Eric pushed his 4Runner during the drive, topping 100 mph in spots because he knew he was up against the clock, and had unintentionally placed Sloan in danger by encouraging her to burrow her way into the Margolis family. Eric believed his father’s death was related to Baker Jauncey’s hit-and-run, and that someone inside the Margolis family possessed information about it. But until Marvin Mann offered his amazing story, Eric hadn’t considered that a Margolis family member was responsible for his father’s death. If it were true, Eric had sent Sloan into the lion’s den.

He pulled into the bank’s parking lot and hurried Marvin along as they walked through the revolving doors and into the lobby. They rode an elevator to the lower level where Marvin showed his ID to the gentleman behind the desk.

“Marvin Mann. I’ve got a safe deposit box that I’d like access to.”

The man tapped his computer and checked Marvin’s ID before disappearing into a back room. He was gone for some time, leaving Eric to wonder if the PI was telling tales. The man finally walked back through the door and slipped a piece of paper across the counter. On top was a photocopy of Marvin’s driver’s license.

“Sign here,” the man said, and Marvin obliged.

“Follow me, sir. I’ll show you into the vault.”

The man came around the counter and led Marvin and Eric into a large atrium where a locked gate protected the vaulted room.

“I can only allow named persons into the vault,” the bank employee said, looking at Eric. “But you’re welcome to wait out here.”

“Do you have a private room where we can take the box?” Marvin asked.

“Yes, sir, we have several.”

The man walked to one of several doors off the atrium and unlocked it. Inside was a chest-high table in the middle of the small room. No chairs.

“You can wait here,” the man said to Eric.

Eric nodded and walked into the room. He watched the bank employee unlock the gate to the vault. Marvin Mann disappeared inside.