I picked up the top certificate and read the dark blue bank seal stamped firmly across the teller’s signature line.

“We also added four hundred and twelve dollars in accrued interest,” Samuel said.

“It covers the exact period the account was empty.”

“Thank you, Samuel,” I said.

“You didn’t have to deliver these papers in person.”

“It was my personal responsibility to make sure these documents reached your hands,” Samuel said, adjusting his glasses.

“Our branch failed in its duty to verify when Miss Sterling brought in those forged withdrawal slips.”

“She took my maternity coat from the closet while I was out of the house,” I said.