Like Sheep Gone Astray by Lesile J. Sherrod Page A

chin in deep thought. “We just need to find out who. And why.”
    “I'm sorry I got you involved in this. If I had known—”
    Walter waved his hand to silence Anthony. “I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but right now that's beside the point. That check was no accident. My gut tells me that we've only scraped the tip of an iceberg. When that bill originally was introduced to provide the okay for Stonymill, I got a lot of pressure from several of my colleagues and many business leaders to push for it instead of CASH. When I didn't buckle, even when everyone else did”—he didn't look at Anthony with those words—”I guess someone or some
ones
remembered that and want me to know. As Mr. Haberstick told you, CASH is about to make headlines again in its bid for property along the Stonymill light rail line. I fully intend to support them once again, but I guess someone wants me to reconsider.”
    Anthony cut through the silence that followed the councilman's words. “I have the business card of a detective Pastor Green gave me. Maybe we can call together to let him know what's going on.”
    Walter Banks took the card and nodded his head. “That's definitely a start.” He picked up the phone and quickly slammed it down. “This might be some kind of trap. Whoever signed my name probably expects us to call this detective. Didn't you say he was asking Pastor Green about you?”
    Anthony nodded, the full weight of the matter settling quickly on him.
    “I think we need to do some investigation on our own first. Let's find out who's behind all of this and what they are trying to do. That way we'll have a leg up on the culprit when we go to the authorities and you won't just be turning yourself in.”
    Walter reached for a notepad and a laptop. “First things first: Did you notice what bank was listed on the check? I do most of my finances online, so I could easily not notice a check missing.”
    “From what I remember, it was Universal Heritage Bank.”
    “I do have an account there, which I use mainly to keep track of donations and other politically related funds. I like to keep things separated so it all comes out clean and clear in the books.” The councilman pecked several keys on the computer. “I'm checking to see if something fishy happened without my knowing. If someone had access to one of my checks, then I need to—oh my!”
    Anthony looked where the councilman pointed, his finger frozen in astonishment.
    Listed among the activities of the account was a wire transfer of two million dollars posted the day before.
    “You need to get that check from Mr. Haberstick. Maybe I'll recognize the handwriting. And I'm going to close this account immediately. I don't want someone having access to my funds. Get that check and bring it here tomorrow so we can study it together and then call that detective.” Walter pounded a fist into his hand. “This is crazy. I don't know wh—”
    The distinct ring of a cell phone interrupted him. Anthony started to check his phone, but then remembered that he had turned it off hours ago. He had not wanted any disruptions.
    Walter checked his suit and pants pockets and then followed the ring to his overcoat, which was draped on the back of a chair.
    “Where did this come from?” he asked gravely, his eyes darting back to the office door.
    “Hello? Hello? Who's this?” Councilman Banks's eyes widened as he held the phone to his ear. After a few seconds passed, he slowly flipped the phone closed and stared vacantly at it before picking at his cold fried rice.
    “Anthony.” His voice was hoarse. “I don't know what's going on. Please bring that check here as soon as you can.”
    She was tired of working for him. Tired of the confusion he brought into her life. Tired of doing his dirty work. Tired of all the lies. One day she was going to tell him that too. She had the whole conversation all planned out. She would look him straight in the eye and tell him that