Coy had just stepped into the office, but he walked back out again, this time with the manager’s hand on his shoulder as though they were best buddies.

“Gather round!” Shanley announced. “I have some news!”

After the recent rumors about the bank’s future, everyone was noticeably wary. Maggie and Cal stood close together, shoulders touching. Everett was frowning.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors about Montgomery Community’s financial health and future,” the manager began. “We’re all aware of the impact First People’s has had on us. B of A is gone, and we should have rightfully inherited their customers, but obviously that hasn’t been working out the way we’d hoped. Now, however, I’d like to formally announce that we will be entering into an agreement with The First People’s Bank, a mutually beneficial agreement that will allow both of our institutions to thrive.”

“A merger?” Maggie asked.

“Not precisely, no. We’ll be more like…partners. We’re still independent, allowed to run our business the way we see fit, but from now on, we’re required to give First People’s a cut.”

“A cut?” Cal snorted. “What are they, loansharks?”

The manager looked around nervously, as if worried that the walls might hear. “Now, now. We’ll have none of that talk. The First People’s Bank was gracious enough to assist us in our hour of need, and we should be grateful for the help.”

“And what exactly is that help?” Cal asked.

The manager held up a hand.

“I know you have questions, but I don’t have all the answers. Not yet. The board is currently negotiating the details. As I learn more, I will let you know, but, rest assured, Montgomery Community is in it for the long haul.” He grinned, raising a fist. “We’re back, baby! We’re back in black!”

Glances were exchanged over Shanley’s atypical and over-the-top enthusiasm. The whole thing was weird, and Coy felt it, too, but at the manager’s signal, Coy stepped back with him into his office.

“That went well,” Shanley said. He smiled with satisfaction. “I’m meeting with the board this afternoon, and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you making that visit. None of us could have done it, and you pulled it off perfectly. You’ll never know how close we were to…” He trailed off, shook his head. “Anyway, you pulled our wieners out of the campfire just in time, and we’re grateful. I’m grateful.” He pointed at Coy. “There’s a promotion in your future, son. Bet on it.”

Coy shifted his feet uncomfortably. “So…we’re partners, but we have to give them a cut? That’s the deal?”

“And we had to give something up.”

“What’s that?”

“Jimmy.”