“No.” The officer gave a little laugh. “We live out in the country and Lake Eden’s only about ten miles. My husband’s been applying for jobs all over the state. He even put out feelers in the Cities. He’s got a sister down there and he figured he could stay with her during the week and come back home on weekends.”

“Do you have a pen?” Hannah asked. “I think I have a lead for your husband.”

The officer drew a pen from the pocket of her uniform, and reached into her other pocket for a small notebook. “That would be great. What is it?”

“Murphy’s Motors in Lake Eden. They just lost one of their mechanics, and my partner said they were looking for someone to replace him. If your husband calls Cyril Murphy, tell him to say that Hannah Swensen recommended him for the job.”

“I’ll tell him to do that.” The officer looked excited at the prospect of work for her husband so close to their home. “Thanks a lot, Miss Swensen. I appreciate it.”

Hannah sat down in the chair the officer indicated and turned toward the open door to the clerk’s office. Her mother was standing at the counter with her checkbook in her hand.

“What do you mean, you won’t take a check?” Delores said, sounding irate. “I have ten times that in my account. Just call the bank and see.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we can’t take checks. We’re not allowed. It’s cash, money order, or cashier’s check only.” The clerk pointed to a sign on the desk that listed the approved ways to pay bail.

Hannah could read the sign from her chair in the waiting room. NO PERSONAL CHECKS. CASH, CASHIERS’ CHECKS, OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m the mother-in-law of the Winnetka County Sheriff. Do you really think I’d give you a bad check?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the clerk stood firm. “We’re not allowed to take personal checks.”

Andrea stepped up to the counter. “My mother’s upset,” she said. “Surely you can understand that. This is the first time anyone in our family has ever been in court, and we didn’t know about the rules for paying my sister’s bail.”

“I understand,” the clerk said, “and I wish I could help you, but I can’t take a personal check. It’s not allowed.”

“But I’m Andrea Todd, and I’m the wife of the Winnetka County Sheriff, Bill Todd. I’ll personally guarantee that my mother’s check is good.”

The clerk looked as if she wished she were anywhere but standing behind the counter, but she shook her head. “I’m sure it’s good, but I’m not allowed to accept it. Your sister will have to stay here in jail until you can produce cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check for the entire amount. It’s the rule and I’m not allowed to make any exceptions.”

Delores pursed her lips and Hannah knew her mother’s expression well. She was about to give the clerk a piece of her mind. Andrea stood by, seemingly a helpless witness to what was about to happen, and Hannah sent up a silent prayer that her mother would calm down. If Delores insulted the clerk or caused a scene, she might be the next person who had to go in front of Judge Colfax!