The director gestured at the card. "That building had been our bank's headquarters before we moved to this new complex. It's easy to find."
"I don't understand," Tanya said, sliding the card into her purse. "I've been broke most of my life. Couldn't even buy a new dress…always went to the Salvation Army. Never went to the theater, or to a museum. Saved every penny I could, and all the time I had all of this money?"
"Well, no, not all of it. You didn't have that amount until it had been properly invested. You need to have someone explain to you about making profitable investments." He wound his fingers together and glanced at her out of the corners of his eyes.
"I have an idea," he said, his voice suave. "You come here one hour each week, after we close, and I'll teach you the rudiments of banking. Capital. Interest. Transactions. Investments. Bonds and shares. The works."
"That would be nice of you," said Tanya, a bit surprised.
"Well, in exchange…"
"In exchange, what?" she asked, frowning.
"In exchange you promise to continue to use our services for your banking. You're our most important investor, Miss Caldwell." He simpered.
"I'm important?" she asked. "Really?"
"Oh, yes. You're the person with the largest deposit at the bank. We value your business. Let's say, in exchange for the lessons, you promise to stay with our bank for a couple more years?"
Tanya looked thoughtful, then answered, "Yes. I'll leave my money with your bank for two more years."
And then…then she discovered she had also been left an estate on the Italian Riviera, a neoclassical mansion with adjoined orchard and vineyard.
She had allowed herself only to dream, about the mansion and all that she could do with the bulk of her money. For the time being she would use only some of the yearly interest to go to school.
But the money had a use in the present, she thought now, a need. She would use it to protect herself, to save herself from the terrible words 'pack and leave.'
It was time.
* * *
Malcolm saw to her bodyguards immediately. He introduced her to Charles Aldrin, an experienced driver and excellent shot, and Edda Milton, a retired police officer. Charles became her shadow. Together, they found a new rental house for her. Charles personally supervised the installation of the finest security system. He refused to allow Tanya to go anywhere without him.