Weasel Skeet: Chapter CCCXIX

Weasel Skeet

Chapter CCCXIX: In Which Vane’s Replacement Restocks the Register


Everyone was closing out their account. The drawer had run out of paper money, the customers were growing impatient to the point of near violence, and the rush was overwhelming Vane. The bowl on the counter was empty, there was a wrapper or two in the fish bowl. The small bank had reached maximum capacity.

At a precise moment, calculated to the very second, the front door to the bank opened, though it was never seen as the door was lost in the throng, and Henry’s office door opened too. Henry, who was on the phone, the phone cord stretching as far as it could, waved down the stairs to whoever had just entered.

It was Mr Halle. Henry motioned he’d be off the phone in a minute, or several minutes depending on certain factors.

“Everyone!”

“Who’re you?”

“Mr Conrad Halle. Hello to you all. Please form two lines, have your withdrawal slips filled out properly, account numbers clearly visible. Those who are not here to close your account, please take a seat for now. We’re going to get through this as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, but who are you?”

“Starting next week, I will be the new banker here, taking Mr Lobby’s job. Vane, Henry called me and told me of the situation. I am here to help.”

“Yes. Thank you…Good morning, ma’am. You’re making a withdrawal. That’s what everyone seems to be doing to-day.”

“Good morning, Mr Lobby. Are you retiring?”

“I hope not.”

“It’ll be a shame to see you go.”

“It’s out of my control…Cord, my drawer’s empty. I’m going to—“

“I’m on it, Mr Lobby. I am on it. Don’t you get up from that chair. Hold a moment, ma’am, I will be right back. Hang on, everyone. I’ve to make a quick run to the vault…”

“He’s a strange fellow. Those glasses don’t compliment his face one bit.”

“Yes. Is there a reason everyone is withdrawing all their money?”

“Everyone’s investing. There’s good money coming from the tournament. Are you attending?”

“That’s also out of my control. I am.”

“Oh, good. You’ll have fun. It seems like a lot of fun, everyone getting together to shoot things.”

“Splendid.”

“I never possessed a weapon before. I really should get a nice shotgun for my grandson. What do you recommend?”

“I’m not at all knowledgeable about weaponry of that nature.”

“Really. You look the sort to carry something round on you. A concealed blade? Nothing?”

“Nothing, really.”

“Have you never shot before?”

“I have. I have shot before.”

“…Here you are, Vane.”

“Oh, Cord, thank you.”

“Not at all. Not at all.”

“Then here you are, ma’am. Have a nice day?”

“Thank you, Mr Lobby. You too.”

“Vane, if you want to take a break, just a minute or two, I’ll take over.”

“No. No, thank you, Cord.”

“Don’t think I’m stealing your job, Mr Lobby. I’m only working here for today. Right now, that is. I hope you don’t dislike me. I only came because of the high volume of customers here to-day. After the tournament everything will calm down. Henry hasn’t decided who gets the position yet. I certainly don’t hate you. I think we get along smashingly.”