“Make sure the check is drawn on cleared funds, Evelyn,” Daniel said.

“The clerk won’t docket the response without certified payment.”

The inside of First Virginia Bank on High Street smelled of brass polish and damp wool coats.

Mr.

Harrison, the senior branch manager, sat behind his polished oak desk with a thin manila folder open in front of him.

He pushed a two-page printed document across the green blotter toward my hands.

“I’m sorry, Commander Carter,” Harrison said in a measured, dry tone that carried across the quiet lobby.