I was buying a house and needed a loan, so I went to the bank where my accounts have always been.  I asked a teller, Cindy, about a loan.  She grimaced and pointed at the bank manager’s office.  Karen, the bank manager, told me to wait outside her office until she had the time to talk with me.  So there I sat, for one hour.

Finally, Karen called me into her office. In my pantsuit, I had to sit uncomfortably in the one broken chair, while Karen was in her large executive lounger.  “What can we do for you today,” Karen said. “Well, my name is Joan.  I just signed papers legally obliging me to purchase a house and I need a loan.  I’ve had accounts at this bank for many years.”

Karen asked me for my Social Security number, birthdate, current address, and my boss’ name/email address at my workplace.  The door to her office was open and she repeated all the information I gave her loudly so it seemed everyone in the bank could hear.

As Karen looked over my past record, a negative expression appeared on her face.  “It seems there was a problem a couple years ago,” Karen said.  “I don’t remember any problems,” but I did.  Karen called the teller Cindy and asked her to come into her office.  “Do you remember Joan?” she said to Cindy.  “Yes I do,” Cindy said angrily, “I overpaid her $1000 in change once and got into a lot of trouble.  I had to pay back the error out of my own paycheck, and then couldn’t rent the apartment I wanted.” And Karen then added, “and I got called to corporate and was admonished as well.  It’s on my permanent record and held me back from a promotion.”

“Joan, did you know that you received $1000 excess change.”  Two pairs of eyes were glaring at me.  Other people in the bank looked in since their voices had gotten quite loud, the door was open, and the office was glass-sided.  My voice shook and I mumbled, “yes, I did.”  “And you expect us to give you a loan,” Karen said.  “Well, I really need the money.  I’m in a legal bind with this house I have to pay for by tomorrow.”

“I don’t think we can help you Joan,” Karen said.  “Well, I’m sorry about not mentioning the excess $1000 change right away.  I’ll pay it back.  What more can I do?”  Karen and Cindy looked at each other.  The moment of revenge against Joan had finally come.  Cindy stood in front of me and demanded an apology.  Karen had been recording the proceedings on the security camera and increased the resolution to the highest setting.  I looked up at Cindy and apologized, but she said that was not good enough.

Other customers and bank staff were now closely watching through the office windows, camera phones rolling.  “Joan, get on your knees and beg Cindy for forgiveness.” Karen said.  There was no way out, I was sweating, nervous, and defeated.  I dropped to my knees, “I’m so sorry Cindy.  I 'll do anything to make it up to you.”  People watching from outside the office were astonished.  They had never seen such a public moment of capitulation.

“For starters, there’s financial repayment,” Karen said.  Still on my knees with Cindy staring down at me I said, “of course, of course, I’ll sign anything to right my wrong.”  Karen drafted two $10,000 checks drawn on my account.  One for her and one for Cindy.  “Sign both these checks and don’t you dare look at them,” Karen said.  I did as I was told.

“Is that enough Cindy,” Karen said.  “No,” Cindy said, “we need pictures to send around to all banks across the country so that Joan never gets away with this again.”  Karen agreed.  “Joan, remove your blazer and shoes.  Then stay on your knees and look directly into the security camera.”  Meanwhile, Joan was talking with the security department asking them what else they needed.

“Now Joan, remove your blouse and face the inside office window.”  I slowly unbuttoned my blouse while a crowd of people watched from the other side of the glass.  On my knees with just my dress pants and bra on, I prayed this punishment was over.  Cindy, Karen, and the Security department agreed that more revealing pictures were needed.  Cindy told me to remove my pants.  I started to question her request - wow, that was a mistake.

On my knees in this public setting wearing just my bra and panties.  I needed the loan and was helplessly at the mercy of Cindy and Karen.  And then it got worse.  “Joan,” Cindy said, “remove your bra and panties.” and I did as told.  “Now put your wrists into this restraining device we use on bank robbers - after all, that’s what you are Joan - you robbed us of $1000.” 

Naked, on my knees, and bound by wrist shackles, Karen took many pictures.  She emailed them to my workplace boss (who forwarded the pictures to the entire company).  Pictures were also sent to banks across the country.  And my name, address, Social Security number, birthdate, and naked/defeated pictures were released to the internet.

“Joan, we cannot approve your loan request.  There has been questionable activity in your accounts and they are $20,000 short of the minimum to be considered.  Your boss also just emailed me that your employment has been terminated due to your theft and naked pictures.

I looked at Cindy and, pleading, “I’m so sorry Cindy.  I’m at your mercy forever.  Please don’t punish me anymore.”  Another mistake.  Cindy and Karen escorted me out of the bank, naked and vulnerable, told me to lie down on a bench next to the grocery store, and taped my ankles and arms to the bench.  I was left there for days and over 1000 people took pictures.  My financial and naked demise was now public record.  And Cindy and Karen had the best day ever.