Martha chose to deliver the check herself because she wanted to speak with the branch’s charitable-services officer.
Her son’s banking group managed the shelter fund.
He had told her she could visit any branch.
He believed she would be treated with respect.
Neither of them knew Daniel Thompson had built his career on judging customers by appearance.
Daniel believed wealthy clients deserved patience.
Ordinary clients deserved efficiency.
People who looked poor deserved suspicion.
Jessica had learned by watching him.
She copied his expressions.
His contempt.
His habit of delaying service for customers who wore work uniforms, carried foreign identification or spoke uncertain English.
Employees complained privately.
No one filed a formal report.
Daniel had produced strong sales numbers.
He entertained high-value clients.
Senior regional managers praised him.
Marcus, the security officer, had witnessed several humiliations.