2:57 p.m. Exactly 3 minutes remaining. You seem remarkably calm for someone who just got caught red-handed.
Wellington observes with predatory satisfaction. Circling David slowly like a shark sensing blood in the water.
Most criminals panic completely when their elaborate scam falls apart spectacularly. "Do they really?"
David responds quietly, his deep voice maintaining an eerily calm tone as his eyes follow Wellington's theatrical movement. Oh, look everyone.
He actually speaks. Wellington announces triumphantly to his growing audience of customers and online viewers.
Ladies and gentlemen, the sophisticated criminal has something intelligent to say. Please, by all means, enlighten us all with your creative excuses and fabricated stories.
The elderly Chanel customer moves closer to the action, her equally well-dressed companion following obediently behind. I've never witnessed anything quite like this in 40 years of banking, she whispers loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear clearly, burning the fraudulent evidence right there on the floor.
Absolutely brilliant strategy. A balding businessman in an expensive three-piece suit joins the growing circle of spectators.
You should seriously run for mayor, Marcus. This entire city desperately needs more people with your kind of backbone and decisive action.
Wellington pins visibly under the mounting attention and praise, adjusting his silk tie again and smoothing his perfectly styled hair. Just performing my civic duty to protect honest, hard-working citizens.
Can't allow these criminal elements to think they can waltz into respectable financial establishments. And David's phone buzzes insistently in his pocket.
He glances discreetly at the illuminated screen. Urgent.
Emergency board meeting starting now. Where are you?
Turn that device off immediately. Wellington snaps with growing irritation.
Your partner in crime can wait indefinitely for your coordination call. "Actually," David says calmly, rising slowly from his seated position.
"I really do need to take this particular call. It's quite important."
Both security guards step forward immediately, hands instinctively moving toward their equipment. "Sit back down right now, sir," the first guard orders firmly.
"You're not going anywhere until police officers arrive to process you." The live stream viewer count hits 1,500 and continues climbing rapidly.
The woman filming provides enthusiastic live commentary. Oh my god, everyone.
He's actually trying to leave. The scammer is attempting to escape before the cops arrive.
Wellington throws his head back and laughs harshly, gesturing dramatically at the burned remains scattered across his floor. Look carefully at that pathetic pile of ashes on my pristine marble floor.
That pile of carbon was your big meal ticket, wasn't it? Your elaborate payday scheme.
Now it's absolutely nothing but carbon particles and public humiliation. Sarah Mitchell shifts uncomfortably behind the customer service counter, her professional instincts screaming that something doesn't add up correctly.
Marcus, maybe we should take a moment to verify certain details before Wellington cuts her off dismissively. "Verify exactly what?"
The counterfeit check is completely destroyed. The stolen wallet is properly secured.