Contents
Chapter Twenty-Four
Overview
Holland enters the Bank and is forced to meet the Manager first. An escort, Padme, casually reveals that January works for the Bank and that Adam is January’s partner, rattling Holland’s trust in Gabe. Shaken but determined, Holland reaches the Manager’s office and discovers the Professor waiting inside.
Summary
Holland steels herself after kissing Gabe and steps into the Bank, a pristine, intimidating space laced with whispers and Halloween “Wild West Friday” costumes. A banker named Padme greets her and insists the Manager wants to see Holland before she can open her safety deposit box.
In the elevator, Padme mentions being a fan of January and casually states that January is well known at the Bank. Padme also expresses condolences for Adam after the shooting, confirming he is January’s partner. These revelations trigger Holland’s doubts about Gabe’s story and whether the phone number he provided for January was real.
With no reply from January and time running short, Holland continues to the appointed floor feeling uncertain whom to trust. Padme departs, leaving Holland at a lone door. Holland enters the Manager’s office, a lavish emerald-and-gold art deco space—and finds the Professor waiting there.
Who Appears
- Holland St. JamesProtagonist; enters the Bank, is diverted to the Manager, and questions her trust in Gabe.
- PadmeBank escort in Halloween cowboy attire; reveals January works at the Bank and Adam is her partner.
- The ProfessorMysteriously awaiting Holland in the Manager’s office, indicating deeper involvement with the Bank.
- January St. JamesOff-page; revealed to work for the Bank and be widely respected.
- AdamOff-page; confirmed as January’s partner, recently shot, prompting condolences.
- GabeOff-page; Holland reconsiders trusting him after Padme’s revelations about January and Adam.