For some reason, the unexpected call sent a strange chill down his spine.
Who could be calling him at a time like this?
Without even looking at his phone, Josh already knew who was calling.
Alvin.
He had spent far too much time at the bank, and his boss was beginning to suspect that something was wrong.
"Talk of the devil," Josh muttered. "I knew it was him. It just had to be."
He stared at the ringing phone with dread.
"I'm doomed! What am I going to tell him? He's probably worried sick about why I'm taking so long."
Despite the air conditioner blowing at full blast, sweat trickled down Josh's forehead.
Connard noticed his distress.
"Why did you ignore the call?" he asked. "You're only making things worse. The best thing you can do is answer the phone and—"
"And do what?" Josh interrupted.
He turned toward Connard, frustration written all over his face.
"No, you tell me. What exactly do you expect me to say to Mr. Alvin? That I misplaced his one-million-dollar check? Do you honestly think he's going to applaud me for doing such an impressive job?"
He shook his head.
"Think about it."
Connard sighed.
"Then what are we going to do? Time is already running out."
Alvin called several more times, but Josh refused to answer even once.
He would rather deal with the consequences after finding the missing check than pick up the phone and give his boss an excuse. Alvin had always despised flimsy explanations, and Josh knew better than to test his patience.
"Honestly, I'd be lying if I told you I knew how to handle this situation," Josh admitted. "I'm just as confused as you are."
He slumped into the chair, overwhelmed.
Connard approached him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"You need to take a breath. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Josh slowly looked up.
"Think carefully. What is the last thing you remember after your boss handed you the check?"
Connard leaned closer.
"Try to retrace your steps from the moment you left the office. Every little detail could be important."
He paused before adding,
"Please, think carefully. It could help us figure out what happened to the check."
His head was spinning after the emotional roller coaster he had been through. At that moment, Josh wished the ground would simply open up and swallow him whole. The weight of the situation was becoming too much for him to handle.
"Okay, this is how it happened," Josh said, closing his eyes as he desperately tried to retrace his steps.
He remained silent for a few moments, searching his memory.
Then his eyes suddenly widened.
"Yes! I have a clue!" he exclaimed.
It took him several minutes, but he finally remembered what had happened shortly before the check mysteriously disappeared.
"Yes, let's hear it," Connard encouraged. "It could give us the answer we're looking for."
He leaned closer.
"Take your time. Relax and clear your mind. I'm sure you'll remember everything."
Josh took a deep breath.
"As I was approaching your office, a middle-aged woman suddenly bumped into me and knocked my briefcase to the ground."
Connard listened carefully.
"Remember, I told you that I was certain the check was still in my pocket before I entered the bank. I don't know if I'm wrong, but I don't think that woman stole it. What do you think?"
"We can't say for certain," Connard replied. "But there's only one way to find out."
He reached for his phone.