Jared staggered up the bank's front steps, chest heaving, muscles burning from the sprint. He pressed his hand to the glass door as a woman snapped the lock and turned to leave.
"Wait—please, I need to exchange currency!" he panted.
She shook her head sympathetically. "I'm sorry. We're closed. Come back tomorrow."
"Tomorrow doesn't work!" Jared's voice cracked. "I owe someone money tonight!"
Her expression hardened. "I really can't help. Good luck." She slipped into her car and drove away, leaving Jared blinking in the gathering dusk.
He ran a shaky hand through his hair. The unfamiliar Technation notes fluttered uselessly in his grip.
Shit. Now what?
He checked his watch—9:02 PM. He had to reach Zo-Zo City, five kilometres away, for a midnight meeting with Osa in the back alley. Being late wasn't an option.
Jared squared his shoulders, stuffed the bills into his pocket, and set off down the street, every step echoing the pounding of his heart as the clock ticked down.