Chapter 3

Unfortunately, Lee's hunch was right. The two men entered wearing ski masks, waving their guns around. Amanda pushed the boys to the ground, shielding them, as everyone else got down.

Back in the line, Dotty was terrified. "Oh my goodness, Lee! What are we going to do? They're robbing the bank in broad daylight, and look at how busy it is."

Lee did not respond because he was more worried that Amanda and the boys didn't make it out.

Everyone else's attention was on the gunmen. "If everybody cooperates, you'll be home in no time. Galvin and I will be running the show."

His partner was flabbergasted. "Andrews!"

Andrews realized his mistake also and immediately pointed the gun around. "Forget our names and no one will get hurt."

The way Andrews was brandishing the gun, Amanda knew they were not the sharpest tools in the shed, which scared her more. She needed to get the boys out of harm's way. She searched the building interior for cover and spotted an open office. "Okay, Fellas. When I say so, I want one of you to crawl over to that door and get behind it." Amanda pointed across the room. "Try not to draw any attention. Philip, you go first."

She saw Andrews was concentrating on the main crowd of people in line, as Galvin was holding up a teller. She whispered, "Go."

Philip went slowly to go unnoticed as he moved towards the office.

Amanda made eye contact with Lee and gestured with her head. Lee saw Philip making his way to the office. He knew he would have to create a distraction if either robber turned their head.

Thankfully, Philip made it safely. It was now Jamie's turn.

Amanda nudged her youngest son. "Jamie, you're next. When you get in the office, quietly close it, and lock the door. Then, call the police."

"What about you?"

Amanda tried to assure him, "I'll be fine. You two stay down and keep the door locked until you hear from me, Lee, or your grandmother. We don't know what these men are going to do. Do you understand?"

From the look in his mother's eyes, Jamie knew better than to argue and just nodded.

As Amanda glanced back at the gunmen, they both were still preoccupied. "Go."

Jamie was more timid than his brother as he crept forward.

Lee saw Andrews was starting to turn, and he needed to protect his stepson. "Hey, buddy, how long is this going to take?"

Dotty was horrified. "Lee!"

Andrews immediately pointed the gun towards Lee. "Shut up! Unless you want a face full of lead."

Lee shrugged. "You're right. I can wait."

Jamie made it to his destination, and the door slowly closed.

Lee and Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. But now, they needed to stop the robbery.

Sensing Lee would keep quiet, Andrews pulled out a sack from his jacket to gather the customers' valuables.

Dotty was still upset and whispered, "Lee, why did you—"

"Amanda was getting the boys to safety. She needed a distraction."

"They're safe?"

Lee nodded and spoke lowly. "They're inside a locked office, calling the police."

Dotty was in disbelief. "How can you know that?"

"Because I know Amanda. Listen, Dotty..." Lee took a deep breath. "You're gonna see some things you might not believe. Please, just sit here and don't say anything until these guys are in custody, okay?"

Dotty saw something in Lee's eyes she'd never seen before. It seemed as though Lee was trying to protect her in a way she'd never been in her life. The intensity of those feelings was keeping her from her usual nervous chatter. She replied quietly with only one question, "And what about you?"

Lee watched as Andrews continued to collect items from the people. "I'm going to stop them."

Dotty's eyes went wide and she whisper-shouted, "By yourself?"

"With my partner." Lee made eye contact with Amanda and gave her a nod.

Amanda returned a small smile and was ready for her part. She made sure her purse was solidly on her shoulder and stood.

Dotty was about to speak, but Lee immediately covered her mouth. "I'm sorry, Dotty. But Amanda knows what she's doing."

Back in the office, Philip and Jamie had called the police. And for now, were both just staying put.

Philip, unable to resist, peeked through the window. "Mom's getting up."

Jamie immediately looked out, too, slightly trembling with worry.