"Yes... yes! Hello, Officer!"
The bank manager's gaze shifted back and forth between the Police Badge and Angel's face. He seemed unwilling to believe that such a young woman was an Inspector whose rank exceeded that of the Police Chief responsible for this district.
Although he addressed Angel as "Officer," he did not answer her question.
"The man is suspected of a murder involving a large number of deaths, and he took many bearer bonds and cash from the scene. I need to understand the details of the transaction just now!"
Angel used the Instigator ability, Persuasion.
The bank manager was still somewhat hesitant, but in the end, Angel's stern expression persuaded him.
He led Angel into the VIP reception room from earlier. After dismissing the waiter inside, he closed the door.
"That gentleman did not reveal his name, but he held several large-denomination bonds issued by Backlund Bank. They were all bearer bonds."
The manager took out a stack of exquisitely printed bonds from a safe nearby and spread them across the table for display.
The bonds bore unique serial numbers, portraits of King George III, and Backlund Bank's emblem. They looked rather like enlarged Gold Pounds.
Their reverse sides listed their face values, redemption periods, and agreed-upon interest.
"This batch consists entirely of high-denomination bonds. Each has a face value of 200 Pounds, a five-year term, and annual interest of 4%. However, that gentleman demanded immediate redemption, so according to the agreement, he will forfeit almost all the interest."
Sure enough, that Aurora Order Beyonder had come to the bank to redeem the bonds for cash. Since he had obtained the money so easily, he would not care about the lost interest at all.
The instant she recognized him, Angel had nearly drawn Bloodthirst from beneath her cloak