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“Mr. Anderson, I no longer live there, and currently I don’t have a permanent address.”
“The address on your driver’s license shows the address we have on file. That’s where we are obligated to send your documents.”
“Why not just have them sent to this branch and allow me to pick them up?”
“That’s not our policy.”
He looked over her shoulder. “Excuse me? Who are you?”
“I’m Ms. Rivers’ friend. I’m Chief Petty Officer Braxton Walker with the United States Navy, out of Little Creek.”
Jenny watched as Mr. Anderson sat up a little straighter. Mr. Anderson was an older gentleman who was obviously impressed with Brax. Jenny would bet money it was the Little Creek part. She’d made it her business to learn about Navy SEALs when she got out of the hospital. Little Creek, Virginia was where they were all stationed on the East Coast. Apparently, everybody in Virginia knew that except for her. That’s why Mr. Anderson was looking so impressed. She scooched her chair so that she could see both Brax and Mr. Anderson at the same time.
“Thank you for your service, young man,” Mr. Anderson said. “But Ms. Rivers and I are having a private conversation, Chief Walker.”
“She and I are friends. Are you aware of the circumstances regarding why she needed an all-new ID, credit cards and everything else you can think of?”
Anderson shook his head.
Brax looked down at Jenny and gave her a put-upon look. “Jenny, you should have told him.” Brax took out his phone from his back pocket. He started scrolling, then handed his phone to the banker.
“This is Jenny.”
“She’s the woman—” he looked up at Brax. “Pardon me,” Anderson said as he looked back at Jenny. “You’re the woman who was kidnapped?”
Jenny nodded.
“She was held in captivity for over three weeks in Bangladesh. She was lucky to have survived. It was because of her guts and determination that she stayed alive.”
“And being rescued, let’s not forget that,” Jenny said quietly.
Brax waved his hand.
“Ms. Rivers went through hell. What can you do to help her get into her accounts?”
“This is all highly irregular,” Anderson started. “But you’re right. Under these circumstances we need to make an exception.” He looked back at Jenny. “You can make a cash withdrawal today with the ID that you do have, and I’ll have your cards sent to this branch for you to pick up. Does that meet with your approval?”
She nodded, unsure who to thank, the banker or Brax.
At least Jenny hadn’t given him a ration of shit when they left the bank. He’d been sure that was going to come his way after he butted in. But, no. Jenny surprised him once again. Instead, right there in the bank parking lot, she’d hugged him. She’d been positively giddy at the idea of having access to her money again.
Hell, Brax was giddy too, after that hug.
Down, boy. She’s just been through hell. Don’t take advantage.
As soon as they walked into the busy mall, Brax could see that Jenny wasn’t doing well. Her face turned pale and there was a fine sheen of perspiration on her forehead.
“Are you doing, okay? We can buy you a coat online.”
“We are not buying my coat online. That’s blasphemous.” He appreciated her strong voice, even though her wide eyes and dilated pupils told a much different story.
“Seriously Jenny, we can leave.”
She stopped, forcing him to stop, too. She looked up at him. “I love shopping. A mall is my jam. I haven’t been to a mall in America for over two years. I’m having a blast. Now stop talking about leaving.”
“Wanna hold my hand?” he asked as he held it out.
She immediately grabbed hold. Her grip was as tight as a bowline knot.
