Document:

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                                                                     EXHBIT 10.8

                                   [AAG LOGO]

                              AAG SECURITIES, INC.
                  A SUBSIDIARY OF AMERICAN ANNUITY GROUP, INC.

                                   SINGLE PAY

                       AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

                        FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DIVISION

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

         This Single Pay Agreement for Brokerage Services ("Agreement") dated
as of May 13th, 1998, between AAG Securities, Inc., an Ohio Corporation
("AAGS"), and High Street Financial Services, Inc. ("Subscriber").

                                    RECITALS

         A. AAGS is a registered broker/dealer that provides securities
brokerage services to the general public, including depositors and other
customers of financial institutions.

         B. Subscriber desires to retain. AAGS to provide services on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                                   AGREEMENT

1. AAGS Centers. AAGS, a registered broker/dealer, provides certain securities
brokerage and investment advisory services through the operation of AAGS
service centers at locations of subscribing entities: As soon as practicable
following the date of this Agreement, AAGS and Subscriber shall consult with
each other and shall use all reasonable efforts to identify Subscriber's
locations at which AAGS shall open and operate AAGS service centers ("AAGS
Centers"). AAGS shall use all reasonable efforts td open and operate AAGS
Centers at each such location as may be agreed upon by Subscriber and AAGS.
Subscriber is not granted exclusive rights in any territory or location. AAGS
may enter into agreements with other subscribers and operate AAGS Centers at
any other locations selected by AAGS.

2. AAGS Program. The "AAGS Program" is a program owned and controlled by AAGS,
consisting of the services described in this Section.

2.1 Brokerage Services. Registered Representatives (as described below) of AAGS
at the AAGS Centers will execute purchases and sales of investment products
constituting securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, included in the AAGS Program
("Securities"). AAGS may retain one or more clearing brokers to perform for
AAGS such services as arc customarily performed by clearing brokers.

2.2 Registered Representative. Registered Representatives of AAGS may provide
advice and recommendations to persons who have' established a customer
relationship with AAGS ("AAGS Customers") in accordance with AAGS's procedures
and each AAGS Customer's suitability profile and investment goals.

2.3 Hours of Operation. Each AAGS Center shall be open for business during all
New York Stock Exchange trading hours which coincide with the business hours of
the AAGS Center location. In addition, any AAGS Center may be open for business
during such additional hours as Subscriber chooses, subject to approval by
AAGS.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

2.4 Modifications to Program. AAGS may modify the AAGS Program for purposes of
(i) meeting applicable regulatory requirements, or (ii) making the AAGS Program
more effective, efficient, economical or competitive, offering additional
services, adapting to new technology or conditions, or enhancing the reputation
or public acceptance of the AAGS Program.

2.5 Disclosures on Opening of Customer Account. At the time each AAGS Customer
account is opened, the Registered Representatives shall disclose orally and in
writing to the AAGS Customer the minimum disclosures, as defined from time to
time by1he regulatory authorities. In addition, the Registered Representatives
shall obtain from each customer at the time the account is opened a signed
statement acknowledging that the AAGS Customer has received and understands the
disclosures.

2.6 Exclusivity. Subscriber agrees that, during the term hereof, securities
brokerage services that arc competitive with the AAGS Program will not be
offered. by, or made available through Subscriber without the prior written
consent of AAGS.

3. Subscriber's Responsibilities. Subscriber shall:

         (a) provide facilities acceptable to AAGS for the establishment of
AAGS Centers, and, at the request of AAGS, enter into additional agreements for
the provision or sharing of space for AAGS or its affiliates in connection with
the AAGS Program;

         (b) allow AAGS supervisory personnel and representatives of any other
entity having jurisdiction over the operation of the .AAGS Centers and the
conduct of the Registered Representatives unimpeded access to the AAGS Centers,
to all records maintained in connection with the operation of the AAGS Centers
and to the Registered Representatives;

         (c) establish and observe appropriate policies and procedures
consistent with applicable law, rule, regulation and administrative statements
of policy; .

         (d) provide to AAGS reasonable access to customer account information
to the extent permissible under applicable law. Such information shall be
provided to the on-site Registered Representatives, and such. information shall
be used only in conjunction with the marketing of AAGS Program Services; and

         (e) use all reasonable efforts to provide the support personnel
necessary to cooperate with AAGS and to do all other acts and things necessary
or appropriate to give effect to this Agreement.

4. Staffing and Personnel.

4.1 Registered Representatives.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

         (a) AAGS Program Staffed by .Registered Representatives. Securities
transactions shall be effected and any related advice or recommendations shall
be disseminated only by Registered. Representatives of AAGS who shall be
registered and qualified with the National Association of Securities Dealers;
1nc. ("NASD"), and who shall undertake such affiliation with AAGS. Such persons
are referred to in this Agreement as "Registered Representatives."

         Each Registered Representative shall enter into an Independent
Contractor Agreement with AAGS in the form specified by AAGS, setting forth the
terms of the Registered Representative's affiliation as a representative of
AAGS; provided that Subscriber shall pay the compensation of the Registered
Representatives in the manner and in the amounts to be determined by AAGS with
the consent of Subscriber as set forth in Section 4.1(c) below. Prior to
execution by any Registered Representative of an Independent Contractor
Agreement, Subscriber's Board of Directors shall have. the right to review and
approve the form of Agreement.

         Subscriber or its affiliates shall not have any responsibility for
supervision of the securities brokerage services performed by Registered
Representatives or for compliance by the Registered Representatives with AAGS's
standards of conduct or procedures established for such persons.

         (b) Training. Prior to taking such examination(s) as may be required
to qualify with the NASD, each Registered Representative must successfully
complete certain training, including a prescribed pre-examination course, the
cost of which shall be borne by Subscriber. AAGS may provide additional
training of the Registered Representatives with respect to the AAGS Program, at
no cost to Subscriber. Subscriber shall make the Registered Representatives
available to fully participate in such pre- and post-qualification training as
AAGS tray provide.

         (c) Compensation. Subscriber shall pay the compensation of the
Registered Representatives in the manner and in the. amounts to be determined
by AAGS with the consent of Subscriber, and AAGS shall reimburse Subscriber for
such compensation payments. by means of Revenue Sharing Payments. The
Registered Representatives shall be treated as independent contractors of AAGS
for federal, state and local income tax withholding, FICA withholding and
employee benefit program purposes. For the purposes of this Agreement the
Registered Representatives shall be deemed "employees" of AAGS only as the term
is applied under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Registered
Representatives will be supervised. by AAGS only as provided in this Agreement.
In all other contexts it is agreed that the Registered Representatives will be
independent contractors as to AAGS. AAGS will not pay any, salary nor withhold
any employment taxes nor provide any benefits to such Registered
Representatives. The Registered Representatives will be compensated solely by
Subscriber in the manner and in the amount to be determined by Subscriber and
AAGS.

         (d) Control by AAGS. AAGS shall exercise' exclusive control of the
Registered Representatives with respect to their conduct of business for AAGS,
and their conduct in such capacity shall be governed in all respect by AAGS's
compliance and procedures manuals and all other manuals, procedures, rules and
instructions of AAGS, and by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Subscriber
shall strictly honor such control relationship and shall not have any
involvement whatsoever in, or any responsibility for, supervising any of the
securities brokerage services performed by the Registered Representatives.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

         (e) Discipline. The Registered Representatives shall be subject to
discipline by AAGS and by various federal and state regulatory authorities,
securities exchanges, associations of securities brokers and dealers. and
certain other entities having jurisdiction over the operation of the AAGS
Centers and the conduct of the Registered Representatives. Subscriber shall
cooperate with AAGS in all respects in connection with the enforcement of any
sanctions imposed by AAGS or by any of such entities against any Registered
Representative: Such disciplinary measures may include suspension or dismissal
of any Registered Representative as a registered representative of AAGS.

         Subscriber shall report to AAGS any violation of any law, rule or
regulation of any of AAGS's standards of conduct or procedures for registered
representatives of which Subscriber has knowledge or substantial suspicion;
provided, however, Subscriber shall not have any obligation to monitor the
activities of the Registered Representatives or to cause compliance with AAGS's
standards of conduct or procedures established for such persons.

         (f) Termination; Suspension. - AAGS will notify Subscriber of the
termination of any Registered Representative for cause by AAGS.

         (g) Conduct of Subscriber's businesses. The Registered Representatives
may conduct business on behalf of Subscriber when not acting as registered
representatives of AAGS. The conduct of Subscriber's businesses by the
Registered Representatives shall be consistent with, and subject to, the
provisions of Section 11.3.

         (h) Customer Complaints. .Registered Representatives shall be required
to promptly report all complaints by AAGS Customers to AAGS. AAGS shall
promptly provide information regarding the complaints to Subscriber.

4.2 Non-Licensed Personnel.

         (a) Limited activities. Employees of Subscriber who are not also
Registered Representatives ("Non-Licensed Personnel") may, to the extent
permitted by applicable law; rule or regulation distribute promotional
literature regarding the AAGS Program, direct persons to Registered
Representatives and provide certain other limited types of information and
assistance but may not engage in any investment-related activities on behalf of
AAGS. Subscriber shall monitor the activities of, and cause compliance by,
Non-Licensed Personnel with AAGS's standards of conduct established for such
persons. Non-Licensed Personnel shall not be entitled to receive any
compensation, cash, or non-cash, that is based on the effectiveness or the
success of referrals of customers of Subscriber to AAGS.

         (b) Training. AAGS shall make materials available to assist Subscriber
in training Non Licensed Personnel regarding standards of conduct and
permissible activities in connection with the AAGS Program. Subscriber shall
make Non-Licensed Personnel available to participate in such training.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

 5. Compensation and Expenses.

         5.1 Revenue Sharing Payments. AAGS shall make payments to. Subscriber
with respect to all securities transactions which occur pursuant to this
Agreement and are-attributable to the AAGS Centers operating at Subscriber's
premises ("Revenue Sharing Payments"), in accordance with the Schedules
attached to this Agreement. Revenue Sharing Payments represent reimbursement
for compensation of the Registered Representatives and payment for the use of
the facilities and equipment of Subscriber required for the operation of the
AAGS Centers. The Revenue Sharing Payments do not represent compensation for or
creation of a partnership or joint venture between Subscriber and AAGS. AAGS
shall make Revenue Sharing Payments to Subscriber on at least a monthly basis.
Each Revenue Sharing Payment shall be accompanied by a complete record of
transactions and, if applicable, a record of any costs, expenses, charges or
fees advanced by AAG that as the responsibility of the subscriber pursuant to
section 5.3 of this Agreement and deducted from such Revenue Sharing Payment.

         The Schedules attached to this Agreement may be amended from time to
time by AAGS, and shall be binding on AAGS, Subscriber and, to the extent
applicable, Registered Representatives. No payments shall be due from AAGS or
payable by Subscriber to any Registered Representative for sales of any
security product or service not approved by AAGS.

         AAGS may, at its discretion amend the Revenue Sharing Payments from
time to time. AAGS shall notify Subscriber not less than 30 days in advance of
any modification in the percentage of Revenue Sharing Payments, which
modification shall take effect on the date specified in such notice. Following
receipt of notice of modification in the percentage of Revenue Sharing
Payments, Subscriber may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of
termination to AAGS within 30 days receipt thereof. If Subscriber gives such
notice of termination to AAGS, this Agreement will terminate 30 days following
AAGS's receipt of such notice.

         5.2 Authorized Adjustments. AAGS reserves the right to deduct or to be
reimbursed by Subscriber from the Revenue Sharing Payments payable or paid to
Subscriber hereunder an amount equal to any charge-back that is levied against
AAGS by a broker/dealer or issuer who has paid a dealer allowance, or
commission to AAGS. With respect to any charge-backs described hereinabove,
AAGS shall use such efforts as are customary in the securities brokerage
business to mitigate such losses; costs or expenses prior to making any
deductions, or seeking reimbursement from Subscriber. AAGS shall also
charge-back Subscriber its Revenue Sharing Payment received from AAGS for
transactions by a customer for whom AAGS has not received information necessary
to complete its customer file, including information required by the NASD
Securities Dealers Rules of Fair Practice Article III, Section 2.

         AAGS and its subsidiaries and affiliates are hereby given a valid
first lien on all Revenue Sharing Payments under, this Agreement as security
for the payment of any and all debts or claims due, or to become due, to AAGS
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, for any reason including losses and
expenses in customer accounts as a result of Registered Representative's
actions. In the event of default of any debt, any claim or loss, AAGS and its
subsidiaries and affiliates arc authorized, without notice and without any
judicial action, to foreclose this lien by

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

crediting any and all payments accrued, or to accrue, toward the reduction of
such debt or claim. This lien hereby created shall not be extinguished by the
termination of this Agreement.

5.3 Subscriber Costs and Expenses.

         (a) Direct costs and expenses. Subscriber shall be responsible for the
costs and expenses associated with the following items in connection with the
operation of the AAGS Centers at Subscriber's locations:

         (1)      Any necessary furnishings or structural arrangement and
                  required minimum signage to comply with Section 11.3 of this
                  Agreement;

         (2)      News\quotc service and maintenance;

         (3)      Telephones and other operating equipment;

         (4)      Registered Representative compensation and costs, including,
                  without limitation, recruitment costs, salary and benefits,
                  travel, lodging, meals, cost of pre-qualification training
                  and prescribed pre-examination course, examination fees and
                  filing fees, and AAGS's corporate stationery and business
                  cards;

         (5)      Subscriber-sponsored advertising and promotion;

         (6)      Certain, pass-through costs which may arise, including,, but
                  not limited to, brokerage clearing costs, NASD assessments
                  and applicable insurance costs as described in Section 7 of
                  this Agreement; and

         (7)      All other costs associated with the operation of the AAGS
                  Centers at Subscriber's locations not specified in Section
                  5.4.

         Subscriber shall pay all costs and expenses set forth in this Section
directly to third-party vendors or to AAGS in accordance with AAGS's applicable
standard procedures. AAGS may, following notice to Subscriber, eliminate one or
more of Subscriber's direct costs or expenses.

         (b) Indirect Costs and Expenses. AAGS SHALL furnish. to peach AAGS
Center reasonable quantities of promotional literature as determined by AAGS.
Subscriber may request additional promotional literature at Subscriber's costs.

5.4 AAGS Costs and Expenses. AAGS shall be responsible for the costs and
expenses associated with the following items in connection with the operation
of the AAGS Program:

         (a) All costs associated with the operation of AAGS's national and
regional offices;

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

         (b) All costs associated with the recruitment, training, qualification
and employment by AAGS of all AAGS employees who are not also employees of
Subscriber;

         (c) Post-qualification training of Registered Representatives as
referred to in Section 4.1(b) hereof;

         (d) Reasonable quantities of promotional literature furnished to each
AAGS Center;

         (e) AAGS sponsored advertising and promotion of the AAGS Program; and

         (f) Compliance and supervision:

6. Advertising and Promotion.

6.1 Approval. Subscriber shall secure AAGS's written approval in advance of use
of all advertising and promotional materials prepared by or on behalf of
Subscriber which mention AAGS or the AAGS Program. All such advertising and
promotional materials shall make it clear that the AAGS Program is provided by
AAGS and not the Subscriber. AAGS shall secure Subscriber's prior written
approval of all advertising and promotional materials prepared by or on behalf
of AAGS which mention Subscriber. Subscriber shall also have the right of
review and approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld,
regarding any other advertising and promotional materials used at the AAGS
Centers.

6.2 Disclosures. All advertisements and other marketing, promotional and sales
materials for products sold through the AAGS Program shall display
conspicuously, the disclosures required by Section 2.5 of this Agreement.

7. Insurance. AAGS shall maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and
effect liability insurance and fidelity bond insurance covering each person
designated as a Registered Representative on the effective date pursuant to
this Agreement. AAGS agrees that it shall maintain or cause to be maintained
such liability insurance and fidelity bond insurance throughout the term of
this Agreement and shall obtain or cause to be obtained equivalent coverage for
each person, who may subsequently be designated as a Registered Representative
pursuant to this Agreement.

8. Tradenames, Etc. No party hereto shall use any service mark, trade name or
trademark of the other parties hereto without the prior written consent of such
other parties. The parties recognize and acknowledge that failure by any party
to comply with the provisions of this Agreement regarding permitted use by such
party of any other party's name, logo. and service mark may result in damage
to such other party for which monetary damages would be inadequate. The
parties therefore agree that either party shall be entitled to specific
performance of the other party's obligations pursuant to such provisions.

9. Events of Default.

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9.1 Defaults. Any of the following shall constitute a default by a party under
this Agreement: (a) if that party is in material breach of any obligation
hereunder and such breach is continuing following thirty days written notice by
the aggrieved party to the breaching party; (b) if any representation or
warranty of such party under this Agreement is materially breached; or (c) if
such party liquidates or dissolves or otherwise ceases to conduct business in
the ordinary course, or has a receiver, sequestrator or trustee appointed for
it or for all or a substantial part of its property.

9.2 Remedies on Default. In the case of any default under this Agreement, an
aggrieved party may (a) commence arbitration proceedings under this Agreement,
and, to the limited extent provided in that section, appropriate judicial
proceedings; (b) suspend performance under this Agreement until the breach has
been satisfactorily cured; or (c) terminate this Agreement under the applicable
provisions. The remedies provided in this Section are intended to be
cumulative.

10. Term and Termination.

10.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the date, of this Agreement and
continue until terminated in accordance with this Section.

10.2 Termination. In addition to any other provision in this Agreement
providing for termination, this Agreement may be terminated as follows:

         (a) Either party may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause,
upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party.

         (b) following a default under this Agreement, the aggrieved party may
at any time terminate this Agreement by written notice to the breaching party.

10.3 Effect of Termination. if this Agreement is terminated, with or without
cause:

         (a) Subscriber shall (i) immediately cease representing itself as
being part of the AAGS Program, discontinue use of all AAGS materials and all
materials bearing AAGS's name, logo or service mark; return to AAGS any
equipment, signs, materials, furnishing and supplies purchased by AAGS and
promptly remove AAGS's name, logo or service mark from any such items purchased
by, Subscriber; and (ii) return to AAGS all records relating to AAGS's
brokerage accounts, all AAGS procedures and compliance manuals and all AAGS
forms and documents and shall so certify in writing to AAGS within ten days of
the date of termination.

         (b) AAGS shall cooperate in the transfer of accounts in accordance
with the provisions of Section 65 of the Uniform Practice Code of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. if this Agreement is terminated and
Subscriber is transferring its securities business to another broker/dealer,
including a broker/dealer subsidiary of Subscriber, AAGS shall cooperate in
and the parties shall mutually agree on the orderly transfer of accounts from
the AAGS Program to the new broker/dealer. In the event this Agreement is
terminated and Subscriber is not transferring its securities business to
another broker/dealer, each AAGS Customer's account shall be transferred to
another AAGS location.

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11. Regulatory Compliance.

11.1 Compliance with Laws. Both parties recognize that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement arc subject to the Interagency Statement on
Retail Sales of Non deposit Investment Products, dated February 15, 1994, and
applicable laws, rules and regulations. Each party further agrees to act
consistently with the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the other in
connection with this Agreement and to otherwise cooperate to enable both
parties to comply with such laws, rules, and regulations.

11.2 Compliance Monitoring. To the extent required by the Interagency Statement
or other applicable laws, rules and regulations (a) Subscriber is hereby
authorized to monitor and periodically review the services rendered by AAGS
pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement for the purpose of verifying that AAGS
is complying with the terms of this Agreement; (b) Subscriber, and the federal
and state banking agencies having jurisdiction over Subscriber, are hereby
authorized to have access to such records of AAGS as necessary or appropriate
to evaluate compliance with this Agreement, including customer complaints, NASD
exams, and suitability of customers and products; (c) Subscriber shall allow
supervisory personnel of AAGS, and representatives of the SEC and NASD to have
access to the AAGS Centers in older to inspect the books and records and other
relevant information maintained by AAGS with respect to the AAGS Program; and
(d) Subscriber shall monitor the activities of Non-Licensed Representatives and
ensure their compliance with the limits on their permissible with respect to
securities transactions and broker/dealer services. The parties shall agree on
reasonable procedures for implementing monitoring programs by Subscriber.

11.3 Separation of Businesses. Subscriber shall maintain strict and total
separation of its businesses from the business conducted at each AAGS Center,
with appropriate signage specified in AAGS's Compliance Manual, including
separation of records and of physical facilities, and shall conduct their
businesses at all times so as not to lead to confusion between the businesses
conducted by Subscriber and the business conducted at AAGS Centers. Subscriber
shall comply in all respects with AAGS's Compliance Manual, as it may be
modified, and which is incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement.

12. Confidentiality.

12.1 AAGS Program. All information, records and any other documents associated
with the AAGS Program are confidential and proprietary in nature, and shall
not be used by Subscriber or disclosed to any person or entity by Subscriber or
its employees or agents except as necessary in operation of the AAGS Program or
as, required by applicable law.

12.2 Customer Information. AAGS agrees that all customer account information
obtained by AAGS from Subscriber is confidential and proprietary in nature and
that such information shall not be divulged by AAGS to any third parties or
entities or used in, any manner other than in connection with operation of the
AAGS Centers.

13. Indemnification.

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13.1 Indemnification of Subscriber. AAGS shall indemnify and hold harmless
Subscriber, and its officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, actions, costs or, expenses,
joint or several, to which they may become' subject (including any amounts paid
in settlement or compromise, provided that AAGS has given its prior written
approval of such settlement or compromise), insofar as such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, actions, costs or expenses arise out of or ate based upon
(i) any employee of Subscriber acting (whether under actual or apparent
authority, of otherwise) as a Registered Representative, or (ii) any employee
of AAGS.

13.2 Procedure. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action; such
indemnified party will notify AAGS in writing of such claim or the commencement
of such action. The indemnification is conditioned upon timely receipt of such
written notice, In case any such action is brought against any indemnified
party, and AAGS receives notice as provided in this section, AAGS shall
participate and may assume the defense of such action. Upon assumption of the
defense, AAGS will cease to be liable to such indemnified party under this
Section for any legal or other. expenses subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party.

14. Arbitration.

14.1 Binding Arbitration. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or to a breach thereof, including its
interpretation', performance or termination which is not settled in writing
within sixty days after it arises, shall be settled by arbitration before the
Arbitration Department of the NASD. Any demand for arbitration shall be in
writing and delivered to all other parties under this Agreement. The
arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules then in effect of
the NASD or, if such controversy is not arbitrable pursuant to the rules of the
NASD, then in accordance with the commercial rules then in effect of the
American Arbitration Association ("AAA").

         The NASD or the AAA, as applicable, shall administer the arbitration
and act as appointing authority, except that the parties may engage in
document and/or deposition discovery in accordance with the United States
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. All discovery shall be enforced by the
arbitrators. The arbitration, including the rendering of the award, shall take
place in the capital city of the state where the chief executive office of the
Subscriber is located; and shall be the exclusive forum for resolving any
dispute, controversy or claim hereunder.

         This agreement to arbitrate is self executing, and the arbitrators
shall be empowered to determine the scope of arbitration, including what is and
what is not subject to arbitration, and shall have the power to make an award
due to the default of a party under the arbitration proceedings. Unless
otherwise agreed by the parties, a parcel of three arbitrators shall be
appointed to hear any matter submitted to arbitration here under, and shall be
chosen in accordance with rules of the NASD or the AAA, as applicable.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

14.2 Decision Final and Binding. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final
and binding upon the parties and the expense of the arbitration (including
without limitation the award of attorneys' fees to the prevailing party) shall
be paid as the arbitrators determine.

14.3 Injunctive Relief, Etc. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
each party shall. have the right to institute judicial proceedings in order to
enforce the instituting party's rights hereunder through reformation of
contract, specific performance, injunction or similar equitable relief to the
extent the arbitrator is not empowered to grant such relief.

15. Miscellaneous

15.1 Notices. All notices, consents or other communications required to be
delivered under this. Agreement shall be in writing, delivered personally; by
facsimile, or forwarded by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the address, set
forth. below and shall be deemed duly given when personally delivered or
transmitted by facsimile, or three business days after the date of deposit in a
mail box or other U.S. Postal Service depository outside the control of the
sender. Either party may designate in writing any other address to which such
notices, consents and other communications shall be sent. Until any such
change, such notices, requests and other communications shall be sent to the
address set forth on the final page of this Agreement.

15.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to it$ subject matter and supersedes any prior
agreement, written or oral in force between AAGS and Subscriber. This Agreement
may be amended only in writing singed by the parties.

15.3 Assignment Prohibited. No party may assign this Agreement without the
prior written consent of the other party.

15.4 Successors .and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties.

15.5 Limitation on Damages. NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR
SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OR IN CONNECTION WITH
ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT.

15.6 Captions. The captions of the paragraphs and subparagraphs of this
Agreement shall not affect its interpretation.

15.7 Severability. In the event that any court of competent: jurisdiction
declares invalid any provision of this Agreement such invalidity shall have no
effect on the other provisions hereof, which shall remain. valid and binding
and in full force and effect.

15.8 Amendments to Comply with Laws, Etc. The parties. agree to meet and
negotiate in good faith for the purpose of adopting appropriate amendments to
this Agreement to comply with new or amended laws, rules and regulations
applicable to any of the parties in connection.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

with this Agreement, including, without limitation, rules or other
promulgations of self regulating organizations.

15.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the of Ohio, without regard to conflicts of law
principles.

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                  SINGLE PAY AGREEMENT FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AAGS and Subscriber have executed this Agreement as
of the date set forth above.

         SUBSCRIBER:                High Street Financial Services, Inc.

                                    By: /s/ J. Edgar McFarland
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                    Title President & CEO
                                         --------------------------------------
                                    Address: l310 Hendersonville Rd.
                                             Asheville, NC 28803
                                            -----------------------------------
                                    Attn: Christopher Frierd
                                         --------------------------------------
                                    Fax #: (828) 277-4525
                                          -------------------------------------

         AAG SECURITIES, INC.

                                    By: /s/
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          -------------------------------------

                                      73
<PAGE>

                                         Effective Date   5-13-98
                                         Subscriber       High Street Financial
                                                          Services, Inc.

[AAG SECURITIES, INC. LETTERHEAD]

                          BROKERAGE SERVICES AGREEMENT

                     SCHEDULE A - Revenue Sharing Payments

            For Subscription Accounts with Non-Affiliated Companies

Revenue Sharing Payments are defined as 80% multiplied by 100% of the dealer
reallowance, concession or commission received by the Firm with respect to the
sale of specific securities, products and services.

              For Subscription Accounts with Affiliated Companies

Revenue Sharing Payments are defined as 80% multiplied by 100% of the
commission received by the Firm with respect to the sale of specific securities
products issued by the Firm's affiliated insurance carrier, Annuity Investors
Life Insurance Company.

                     For Pershing Accounts Revenue Sharing

Payments are equal to 80% of the balance of the commission or mark-up charged
to the customer less the appropriate ticket charge (as published from time to
time) levied against the Subscriber. If the balance of the commission or
mark-up charged to the customer less the applicable ticket charge is a negative
balance, then the Subscriber is solely responsible for the entire difference.
The negative balance may be offset by any other earned Revenue Sharing Payments
in the Subscriber's account. Commissionable events Include only purchases or
sales of securities and any Rule 12b-1 asset trailers and similar commissions.
A redemption fee on certain securities may be charged to the customer. however
the Subscriber shall not earn Revenue Sharing Payments on any such redemption
fee.

SUBSCRIBER:                         AAG SECURITIES, INC.

/s/ J. Edgar McFarland              /s/ J. L. Henderson
------------------------------      -------------------------------------------
(Signed Name)                       (Signed Name)

J. Edgar McFarland                  James L. Henderson/President
------------------------------      -------------------------------------------
(Printed Name)                      (Printed Name/Title)

President & CEO
------------------------------
(Title)

                                      74<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

              STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
              COUNTY OF BUNCOMBE                              LEASE AGREEMENT

         This LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Lease") is made and entered into in
duplicate originals as of this 12 day of April, 2000, by and between
SHE-CAN, CO., VICTOR C. SHEALY, JR. AND PATRICIA K. SHEALY,
general partners, a North Carolina General Partnership (the "Landlord"),
and HIGH STREET BANKING COMPANY, A NORTH Carolina Banking Corporation
formed pursuant to the laws of the State of North Carolina (the "Tenant");

                                   WITNESSETH:

         The Landlord, for and in consideration of the rents, covenants,
agreements and stipulations hereinafter mentioned, reserved and contained; to be
paid, kept and performed by the Tenant, has leased, let and demised, and by
these presents does lease, let, and demise unto the said Tenant, and the Tenant
hereby agrees to lease, let, and demise and take upon the terms and conditions
which hereinafter appear, the property located at 918 Merrimon Avenue, US
Highway 25, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, described on a survey
dated 20 March 2000 entitled "Revised Survey for SHE-CAN COMPANY" by Webb A.
Morgan & Associates, P.A., and described more particularly in Exhibit A attached
hereto and by reference thereto made a part hereof; together with the
improvements, equipment, fixtures, installations, and appurtenances to be
placed, installed, and constructed upon said property in accordance with the
plans, drawings, and specifications (hereinafter "Plans") attached hereto as
Exhibit B and by reference thereto made a part hereof; all of said real and
personal property being sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Leased
Premises."

         TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and singular the Leased Premises unto the
Tenant for the terra hereinafter specified upon the conditions, terms and
covenants set forth in this Lease.

         This Lease is made subject to the following further conditions, terms,
covenants, and agreements which are mutually agreed upon by and between the
parties hereto, to wit:

1.       Conditions Precedent and Landlord's Representation.

         A. Condition Precedent.

                  (i)      An environmental audit of the improvements now
existing on premises to be leased shall be made by Landlord at its expense which
shall be added as Unfit Expense under the

                                        1

<PAGE>
terms of the Lease to be paid as a part of Rent by Tenant, and the results of
the audit must be satisfactory to Tenant. If the results of the environmental
audit are not satisfactory to Tenant, then Tenant has the right to immediately
terminate this Lease, in which event it shall be void, or to accept the Premises
"as is."

         (ii) Lessee, prior to beginning of any construction and renovation of
the premises to be leased hereunder, shall have the right to inspect, bore,
test, analyze and investigate the soil, fill, compaction, and sub-surface
conditions of the real property to be leased to determine if said real property
can be used without substantial additional site preparation costs for the
purposes described. In the event Lessee's inspection, investigation, etc.,
determines that there exists on or beneath or within said property conditions
which require extraordinary site preparation, environmental "cleanup," or other
site preparation in addition to that described in the Plans, the Lessee has a
right to immediately terminate this Lease in which event it shall be void, or to
accept the Premises and Temporary Premises "as is".

         B.       Landlord's Representation. Landlord acknowledges to the best
of Landlord's knowledge:

                  (i) The Leased Premises is now free from contamination by
Hazardous Materials, and said premises and the activities conducted thereon to
the best of Landlord's knowledge do not pose any significant hazard to human
health or the environment or violate any Environmental Laws. There is no
evidence of any existing release of Hazardous Materials at said premises.

                  (ii) There has been no generation, treatment or storage of any
Hazardous Materials at the Leased Premises, nor any activity at said premises
which could have produced Hazardous Materials.

                  (iii) There are no surface impoundments, lagoons, waste piles,
landfills, injection wells, underground storage areas, tanks, storage vessels,
drums, containers or other man-made facilities which may have accommodated
Hazardous Materials at the Leased Premises. Neither Landlord not to Landlord's
knowledge has any third person, has stored, placed, buried or released Hazardous
Materials at the said premises including the soil, surface water and ground
water.

                  (iv) There has been no treatment, storage or release of any
Hazardous Materials on land adjacent or near to the Leased Premises which may
constitute a risk of contamination of said premises or surface water, or ground
water flowing to said premises.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                  (v) No inspection, audit, inquiry or other investigation has
been or is being conducted by any Governmental Authority or other third person
with respect to the presence or discharge of Hazardous Materials at the Leased
Premises or the quality of the air, or surface or subsurface conditions at the
said premises except for the environmental audits, if any, performed on behalf
of Tenant or a lender, copies of which will be delivered to Tenant pursuant to
this Agreement. Landlord has not received any other notice that any such
inspection, audit, inquiry or investigation is pending or proposed. Neither
Landlord nor to Landlord's knowledge, any previous owner of the said premises
has received any warning, notice, notice of violation, administrative complaint,
judicial complaint or other formal or informal notice or REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
ALLEGING that Hazardous Materials have been stored or released at said premises
or that conditions at the said premises are in violation of any Environmental
Laws or requesting information regarding the use, storage, release or potential
Release of Hazardous Materials at the Property.

                  (vi) For purposes herein, "Environmental Laws" shall mean any
federal, state or local statute, regulation or ordinance or any judicial or
administrative decree or decision, whether now existing or hereinafter enacted,
promulgated or issued, with respect to any Hazardous Materials as defined in the
Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act. "Hazardous Materials"
shall mean each and every element, compound, pollutant, chemical mixture,
contaminant, mixture, waste or other substance which is defined, determine or
identified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law.

2.       Commencement and Term. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that this Lease
for the Leased Premises described in Exhibit A be for an initial term, referred
to as the "Initial Lease Term" of fifteen (15) years. The Initial Lease Term
shall begin (herein the "Commencement Date") on the first day of the calendar
month after notice to Landlord and Tenant by Tenant's Architect of substantial
completion of the building and site improvements pursuant to the Plans.
Provided, however, pursuant to mutual agreement of the Parties, Tenant may
occupy the Leased Premises (building and site) prior to or after notice of
substantial completion and, if said occupancy is otherwise allowed by law, the
said date of such occupancy shall become the Commencement Date.

         Following the Initial Lease Term, and provided Tenant is not then in
default, Tenant, at its option, may renew and extend the Lease for three (3)
additional terms of ten (10) years each, (herein the "Extended Term or Terms")
provided however, written notice of such renewal and extension shall be given
Landlord no less than six months before the end of the Initial Lease Term and
each Extended Term.

                                       3
<PAGE>

3.       Rental.

         A.       Rent for the first five lease years of the Initial Lease Term
shall be determined as follows: Prior to any alteration, renovation and
improvement to the Leased Premises according to the Plans, the existing building
and site has been appraised by a qualified MAI appraiser at the then fair market
value of $300,000.00 which is agreed to by the parties. Such fair market value
of the then existing premises (herein the "Value Basis") shall be added to the
sum of direct improvement costs, fees, permits and expenses paid by Landlord
which arise out of construction improvements to the building and site according
to the Plans (herein, the "Upfit Expense"). The sum thus determined shall then
be multiplied by. 10 (10/100ths). The quotient thus determined (herein, the
"Base Annual Rent") shall be the annual rent for each of the first five years of
the Initial Lease Term. Such Base Annual Rent shall be paid in twelve equal
monthly installments (herein "Monthly Rent") during each lease year of said
first five years of the Initial Lease Term. By example, the following formula
shall express the determination of Base Annual Rent and Monthly Rent:

         Value Basis + Upfit Expense = SUM
         .1 x SUM = Base Annual Rent
         Base Annual Rental / 12 = Monthly Rent

         B.       Beginning with the first month of the sixth year of the
Initial Lease Term and beginning the first month of each lease year thereafter
during the Initial Lease Term, Annual Rent shall increase by two percent (2%) of
the prior lease year's Annual Rent. Such Annual Rent shall be paid in twelve
equal monthly installments during each remaining lease year of the Initial Lease
Tenn.

         C.       Rent for each lease year of each Extended Term hereunder shall
be the then prevailing fair market rent as agreed to by Landlord and Tenant. If
Landlord and Tenant cannot agree to the then fair market rent, then each shall
select a qualified MAI appraiser who shall determine the then fair market rent
for the First Lease Year of the Extended Term. The cost of each such appraisal
shall be paid by the party who retains the appraiser. In the event the MAI
appraisals differ, then the mean of the two appraisals shall be the rental for
the First Lease Year of the Extended Term. Annual Rent for each lease year of
each Extended Term shall be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments of
the lease year beginning on the first day of the first month of each lease year
of each extended term.

         Rent for the second through tenth year of each Extended Term shall be
the then prevailing fair market rent as agreed to by Landlord and Tenant at the
beginning of each such lease year based

                                       4
<PAGE>

upon then customary annual adjustments to rent in commercial properties
similarly situated to the Leased Premises located in Asheville, N.C. If the
parties cannot agree to an annual adjustment thirty (30) days in advance of the
beginning of each such lease year, then each shall select an MAI appraiser who
shall determine the adjustment in Rent for such Lease Year. The cost of such
appraisal shall be paid by the party who retains the appraiser. In the event the
MAI determined adjustments differ, the mean of the two adjustments shall be the
adjustment to Annual Rent for the next Lease Year.

         D.       Tenant covenants and agrees to pay to the Landlord, its
successors and assigns, all the Monthly Rent aforesaid in advance, the first
month's installment of the Initial Lease Term being due on or before the
Commencement Date and subsequent installments on the first day of each and every
month during the Initial Lease Term and Extended Lease Terms.

         E.       In the event Upfit Expense is not finally determined by
Landlord and Tenant on the Commencement Date, then the actual costs incurred by
Landlord as of the Commencement Date shall be the basis for calculation of rent.
Thereafter upon Upfit Expense being finally determined, Annual Rent shall be
adjusted accordingly.

         F.       As provided herein, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord rent based
on Upfit Expenses expended by Landlord in Tenant's behalf associated with the
construction of the building and site improvements according to the Plans.
Landlord and Tenant agree to keep each other informed of such Upfit Expenses
during the construction of improvements, additions and site improvements at the
Leased Premises.

4.       Construction of Improvements Additions Site Improvements

         A.       Promptly after the execution and delivery of this Lease or
prior thereto if the parties so agree, Landlord and Tenant shall take all steps
necessary to obtain the permits required for construction of improvements,
additions, site improvements, etc. upon the Premises in accordance with the
Plans, said planned improvements being herein referred to as "the Facility."
Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant in obtaining such permits and to take
such reasonably necessary actions requested by Tenant to obtain such permits
from the issuing authorities.

         B.       Promptly after obtaining the necessary permits, the architect
and contractor approved by Tenant and Landlord shall commence, and diligently
proceed with, the construction of the facility and installation of such other
items as may be required in the Plans, and complete the same in

                                       5
<PAGE>

accordance with the Plans. The architect shall be required by Tenant to give
Tenant and Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the
anticipated date of Substantial Completion of the work in accordance with the
Plans. "Substantial Completion" shall have the meaning set forth in AIA Document
A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, current as of the
date of the signing of this Lease, the architect for such purpose to be the
architect responsible for preparation of the Plans. Landlord and his
representative shall inspect the work at reasonable times during the
construction period.

         Within ten (10) business days after Landlord and Tenant are notified of
Substantial Completion, a representative of both parties together with the
architect and the contractor shall inspect and survey the Leased Premises for
the purpose of determining which items of work in accord with the Plans remain
to be completed, which they shall reduce to an itemized agreed "punch list."
Landlord and Tenant shall cause the Contractor to complete these items within a
reasonable time thereafter.

         C.       During construction, Landlord and Tenant shall each give full
cooperation to complete a quality project. Landlord or its representative shall
be available upon reasonable notice from Tenant to consult, as necessary, if
problems arise during construction.

         D.       No change in the Plans shall be permitted, except with the
agreement of Landlord and Tenant, which neither shall unreasonably withhold. Any
request for change shall be in writing, approved by the Architect, signed by
Tenant or its representative and must be agreed to (in writing) by Landlord
before being implemented.

         E.       The parties agree that for purposes of the Agreement between
Owner and Architect and other contractual documents (construction agreement(s))
which are part of the Plans, both Tenant and Landlord shall be included as
"Owner", therein, and both shall have the duty and responsibility to carry out
the activities of owner under said contractual documents and Plans with the
exception of actually paying for construction of the improvements and site
improvements which shall be the sole responsibility of Landlord. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Tenant shall be exclusively responsible for paying Architect's
fees pursuant to the agreement between Owner and Architect. For purposes of
payment to contractors and subcontractors, and for payment to suppliers for
materials, etc., under the construction agreements, payment shall be timely made
by Landlord after submission of the appropriate AI A form which has been signed
by Architect, Tenant and Landlord. Upon payment Landlord shall immediately
notify Tenant with a copy of the payment voucher or

                                       6
<PAGE>

check. Upon the building and site improvements being completed, Tenant shall
have the right to inspect, audit or otherwise verify Total Costs incurred by
Landlord.

         F.       Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall
have the right to choose and install at its own cost, decorative items to the
improved building on the Lease Premises, said decorative items including carpet,
wallpaper, window treatment and curtains, etc. Tenant shall make direct payment
for such items without the same being included in the cost of Upfit Expense.

5.       Net Rental Provisions - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs and Maintenance.

         A.       It is the intention of the Landlord and the Tenant that the
Annual Rent hereinabove specified shall be net to the Landlord in each year
during the Initial Lease Term and Extended Terms, if any, and that, except as
otherwise provided in this Lease Agreement, all costs, expenses, and obligations
of every kind relating to the Leased Premises (including specifically real
estate taxes and insurance premiums) which may arise or become due during the
Initial Lease Term and Extended Terms of this Lease shall be paid by the Tenant.
Tenant shall furnish Landlord with satisfactory proof of payment of any of such
items within a reasonable time after Landlord's demand.

         B.       The Tenant shall pay all taxes and assessments upon the Leased
Premises, and upon the buildings and improvements thereon, which are assessed
during the Initial Lease Term and Extended Terms, if any. All taxes assessed
prior to the Commencement Date of the Initial Lease Term, payable after the date
of this Lease Agreement, and all taxes assessed during the Initial Lease Term
and any Extended Term but payable after the expiration of the Lease, or any
extension thereof, shall be adjusted and prorated, so that the Landlord shall
pay its prorated share for the period prior to the Commencement Date of the
Initial Lease Term and for the period subsequent to the expiration of the Lease
and the Tenant shall pay its prorated share in accordance with the terms of this
Lease.

         C.       The Tenant, during the Initial Lease Term and Extended Terms,
if any, of this Lease, shall pay all premiums for fire and extended coverage
insurance on the Leased Premises, and vandalism and malicious destruction
insurance, which Tenant shall secure for the benefit of Landlord and Tenant as
named insured as their interests appear (or if the Leased Premises is subject to
a mortgage or deed of trust, including customary mortgagee clauses in favor of
mortgagee or trustee) and shall request the insurer to give Landlord thirty (30)
days notice prior to cancellation of such insurance.

                                       7
<PAGE>

         The amount of such insurance to be paid for by Tenant shall not be less
than one hundred percent (100%) of the full insurable value of the Leased
Premises and such insurance to be with companies acceptable to Landlord. The
Tenant shall provide contents casualty insurance for its said premises located
at the Leased Premises, as Tenant deems appropriate. Certificates of insurance
shall be made available to Landlord upon request.

         D.       The Tenant agrees to keep in force liability insurance
policies covering public liability, claims for personal and bodily injury,
including death, and property damage, under a policy of general public liability
insurance policy with limits of not less than $2,000,000.00 single limit
coverage naming the Landlord as an additional insured party and shall request
the insurer to give Landlord thirty (30) days notice prior to cancellation of
such insurance.

         E.       The Tenant shall, as of the Commencement Date and throughout
the Initial Lease Term and Extended Term(s), at its sole expense, keep and
maintain the Leased Premises (including the structural portions) in good order
and repair. The Tenant shall deliver up the said Leased Premises to the Landlord
at the end of the last term (including the Initial Term and Extended Terms, if
any) of this Lease, or upon sooner termination, in as good order and repair as
the same is at the time of the commencement of the Tenant's occupancy (the
Commencement Date of the Initial Lease Term), ordinary wear and tear expected.

         F.       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other
provisions of this Lease, the Landlord and the Tenant covenant and agree that:
(i) Each is hereby released from liability to the other on account of any loss
or damage occurring during any term of this Lease to the extent that such loss
or damage is coverable by insurance whether or not the same is caused in whole
or in part by, the Landlord or the Tenant and whether or not attributable to the
negligence of the Landlord or the Tenant; and (ii) there shall be no subrogation
of any insurer; provided, however, that the mutual release of liability and
provision for no subrogation shall not be operative in any case where the effect
thereof is to invalidate any insurance coverage or increase the cost thereof.

6.       Fire or Other Casualty Losses - Restoration of Leased Premises. In case
of damage to or destruction of the Leased Premises by fire, windstorm, or other
casualty to such an extent as to render them untenantable, the Tenant or
Landlord may, by written notice to the other given within thirty (30) days after
such damage or destruction, (i) elect to terminate the Lease, or (ii) they may
jointly elect to have Landlord repair or rebuild the improvements subject to
receipt of insurance proceeds necessary for such construction. If the damage is
not such as to render the Leased Premises untenantable or if the parties elect
to rebuild, the Landlord at its expense shall repair the

                                       8
<PAGE>

damage with reasonable dispatch; and if the damage has rendered the Leased
Premises untenantable, in whole or in part, there shall be an abatement and
apportionment of the annual rental (until the damage has been repaired) to the
extend that the Tenant's activities are curtailed in the damaged portion of the
building upon the Leased Premises. In determining what constitutes reasonable
dispatch, consideration shall be given to delays caused by strikes, adjustments
of insurance, and other causes beyond the Landlord's control.

7.       Eminent Domain. If the Leased Premises, or any part thereof, shall be
taken in any proceeding by the public authorities by condemnation, threat of
condemnation or otherwise, for any public or quasi-public use, the Tenant shall
be entitled to an abatement of rent hereinabove reserved to the landlord based
upon the extent to which such taking causes curtailment of the Tenant's business
and activities upon the Leased Premises. If such taking shall render the Leased
Premises unusable by Tenant as determined by Tenant for the purposes of its
business then, and in that event, the Tenant may at its option forthwith cancel
this Lease as of the date upon which it was required to cease business upon the
Leased Premises. All compensation and damages for the taking of the any portion
of the Leased Premises shall belong to the Landlord, without prejudice, however,
to such rights, if any, as the Tenant may have to claim from the condemning
authority any damage suffered by it to its leasehold interest or leasehold
improvements as the result of such taking.

8.       Assignment or Subletting. The Tenant may not sublet the Leased Premises
or any portion thereof or assign this Lease for the whole or any part of any
term hereof without Landlord's written consent which will not be unreasonable
withheld. In the event of any such subletting or assignment, the Tenant shall,
nevertheless, be and remain bound for the payment of all rentals as and when
each shall become due and payable hereunder and of the carrying out and
performing of all of the covenants and agreements on the part of the Tenant to
be done and performed hereunder, unless the Landlord shall specifically agree to
the contrary. In the event Tenant requests permission to assign or sublet
Landlord may, at its option, terminate the Lease Agreement. Upon assignment or
subletting by Tenant any increase in rent over that provided for herein shall
belong to Landlord.

9.       Use of Premises; Compliance With Regulations. Ordinances. Etc. The
Tenant shall, throughout the term of this Lease and any extended term(s)
promptly comply, or cause compliance, with all laws and ordinances and the
orders, rules, regulations and requirements of federal, state, county, and
municipal governments and appropriate departments, commissions, boards, and
officers thereof, necessitated by the Tenant's occupancy and use of the Leased
Premises.

                                       9
<PAGE>

10.      Utilities Charges and Permits. The Tenant agrees to pay or cause to be
paid all charges for gas, water, sewer, electricity, light, heat, power,
telephone, or other communication service or other utility or service used,
rendered, or supplied to, upon or in connection with the Leased Premises during
the Initial Lease Term and each Extended Term of this Lease Agreement.

11.      Alterations. Subject to Landlord's written consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, Tenant may, at its own cost, make alterations and
expansions of improvements (building and site-improvements) on the Leased
Premises. Tenant may also make non-structural improvements to the interior of
the building on the Leased Premises.

12.      Security Interest and Lien on Tenant's Improvements. Landlord or its
assignee shall have a first lien paramount to all others on every right and
interest of Tenant in and to the Leased Premises under this Lease, or any
building or improvement thereon and which hereafter may be placed on the Leased
Premises. The lien is granted of the purposes of securing payment of all sums
due under this Lease and of securing performance of all of Tenant's obligations
under this lease. The lien shall be in addition to all of the rights granted to
Landlord under present or future laws of North Carolina.

13.      Subordination of Existing Mortgages or Deeds of Trust. This Lease is
subject to and subordinate at all times to any lien of existing and future
mortgages or deeds of trust on the Leased Premises, provided that Landlord shall
deliver to Tenant a recordable subordination, nondisturbance and attornment
agreement signed by the mortgagee providing in substance that as long as Tenant
shall discharge its obligations under this Lease, the tenancy shall not be
disturbed and shall not be affected by any default under the mortgage or deed of
trust, and in the event of foreclosure, the rights of Tenant shall survive and
the Lease shall continue in full force and effect, including any renewal term(s)
contained herein. Subject to the foregoing, Tenant shall execute any instrument
which may be required to effectuate such subordination.

14.      Warrant of Title and Quiet Enjoyment. The Landlord covenants and
warrants that it is lawfully seized of the Leased Premises and has lawful
authority to enter into this Lease for its full term that the Landlord has
terminated the certain Encroachment Agreement described in Deed Book 837 at Page
239, Buncombe County Registry; and that the Landlord will put the Tenant in
actual possession of the Leased Premises described on Exhibit A on the
Commencement Date of the Initial Lease Term. The Landlord further covenants and
agrees that the Tenant, on paying the monthly rent and observing and keeping the
covenants, agreements, and stipulations of this Lease on its part to be kept,
shall lawfully, peaceably, and quietly hold, occupy, and enjoy the Leased
Premises during the Initial Lease Term and all Extended Terms thereof without
hindrance, ejection, molestation.

                                       10
<PAGE>

Landlord agrees to provide Tenant with a copy of its title insurance policy for
the Leased Premises to allow Tenant, at its cost, to obtain title insurance
coverage for its Leasehold interest. Landlord further agrees to execute a
memorandum of this Lease Agreement in form satisfactory to Tenant to be recorded
in the office of the Register of Deeds for Buncombe County, North Carolina.

15.      Tenant's Fixtures and Equipment. Tenant may install at its cost such
fixtures and equipment (including but not limited to, safe deposit boxes,
shelves, drawers, security equipment in the vault, an automatic teller machine
and kiosk, etc.) in the building and grounds upon the Leased Premises as it
desires, so long as such do not affect the structural integrity of the
buildings, and installation is done in a workmanlike manner in keeping with the
original construction, and such fixtures, equipment and installation is in
compliance with all laws, rules, regulations, and requirements of all
authorities having jurisdiction thereof. Any such fixtures and equipment shall
remain the exclusive property of the Tenant, and the Tenant shall have the right
on termination of this Lease Agreement and at any other time, provided it is not
in default under this lease, to remove any and/or all of such fixtures and
equipment; provided, however, that the Tenant shall repair any damage to the
Leased Premises occasioned by the removal of its fixtures and equipment and
shall restore the Leased Premises to substantially the same condition in which
it was at the time Tenant took possession, normal wear and tear expected. Tenant
shall keep the premises free and clear of any liens on account of repairs,
alterations, or improvements to the premises.

16.      Inspection of Premises. The Landlord and its representatives shall be
permitted to enter the Leased Premises after notice to Tenant and at reasonable
times for purposes of inspecting the Leased Premises, making any necessary
repairs to the Leased Premises, performing any work therein that may be
necessary under the terms of the Plans and this Lease, or exhibiting the Leased
Premises for sale, lease, or mortgage financing.

17.      Parties. All covenants, conditions, agreements and undertakings
contained in this Lease shall inure to, and be binding upon, the Landlord and
the Tenant, and their respective successors, heirs, and assigns.

18.      Remedies of Landlord. In the event that during the Initial Lease Term
of this Lease and all Extended Terms hereof, any of the following Events of
Default shall occur:

         A.       Tenant shall fail to pay any installment of rent by the fifth
(5th) day of the month in which payment is due, no notice being required, and
any other sum herein specified to be paid by Tenant by the fifth (5th) day after
notice from Landlord;

                                       11
<PAGE>

         B.       Tenant shall fail to observe any of Tenant's covenants,
agreements, or obligations hereunder, other than rental, and such failure is not
cured within thirty days after Landlord shall have given to Tenant written
notice specifying such failure or failures, or if such failure is not
susceptible of cure within such 30 day period, Tenant fails to diligently pursue
such cure; or

         C.       Tenant is adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or

         D.       A receiver is appointed for all or substantially all of
Tenant's business or assets on the ground of Tenant's insolvency; or

         E.       A Trustee is appointed for Tenant after a petition has been
filed for Tenant's reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act of the United States,
or any future law of the United States having the same general purpose; or

         F.       Tenant shall make an assignment for the benefit of its
creditors;

                  then, subject to paragraph 22 below, Landlord shall have the
right, at its election, at any time thereafter, while any such Event of Default
continues, to reenter and take complete and peaceable possession of the Leased
Premises and any and all improvements then forming part of the Leased Premises,
and to declare the term of this Lease ended, whereupon this Lease and all the
right, title and interest of Tenant hereunder shall terminate and be of no
further force or effect. In the event of such declaration, Landlord shall have
the right to sue for and recover all rents and other sums accrued up to the time
of such termination, and subject to mitigation, future rentals may be provided
for in any final judgment entered in such suit, as well as all other damages
allowed by law on account of any breach on the part of the Tenant. Landlord
shall also have the right, without reentering the Leased Premises, of
terminating this Lease, to sue for and recover all rents and other sums,
including damages, at any time and from time to time accruing hereunder and,
subject to mitigation, future rentals, may be provided for in any final judgment
entered in such suit.

19.      Remedies of Tenant. If Landlord defaults in observing or performing any
of Landlord's obligations under this Lease, Tenant may remedy the default after
giving thirty (30) days written notice to Landlord, setting forth the default of
Landlord, and in connection therewith may pay expenses and employ counsel,
except that Tenant may remedy Tenant's default without notice in case of
emergency. Landlord shall reimburse Tenant on demand for all sums expended or
obligations incurred by Tenant to remedy such default. If Landlord fails to
provide such reimbursement, Tenant,

                                       12
<PAGE>

in addition to any other rights and remedies, may deduct such amount from rental
thereafter becoming due to Landlord.

20.      Cumulative Rights. No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved
to Landlord or Tenant is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy
herein or by law provided, but each shall be cumulative and in addition to every
other right or remedy given herein or now or hereafter existing at law or in
equity, or by statute.

21.      Notices. Whenever under this Lease a provision requires notice of any
kind, it shall be deemed sufficient notice and service thereof if such notice is
in writing, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and
addressed; if to Tenant, at its offices at the premises leased herein or any
address which Tenant may designate for such purpose, and if to Landlord, at the
last address where rent was paid hereunder, or in the event of assignment of
this Lease by the Landlord, to the latest known address of the assignee as well
as the Landlord.

22.      F.D.I.C. Requirement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the parties agree that this Lease Agreement is conditioned upon approval of the
F.D.I.C., the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks, and all other commissions,
agencies, divisions, and governmental authorities of any kind which regulate
banking within the State of North Carolina (herein collectively "Regulatory
Authority"). If for any reason such Regulatory Authority refuses to provide
approval of this Lease Agreement then it shall be void.

         Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Lease Agreement,
in the event (a) Tenant or its successors or assignees shall become insolvent or
bankrupt, or if it or their interests under this Lease shall be levied upon or
sold under execution or other legal processes, or (b) the depository institution
then operating on the Leased Premises is closed, or is taken over by any
depository institution supervisory authority (Authority), Landlord may, in
either such event, terminate this Lease only with the concurrence of any
Receiver or Liquidator appointed by such Authority; provided that in the event
this Lease is terminated by the Receiver or Liquidator the maximum claim of
Landlord for rent, damages, or indemnify for injury resulting from the
termination, rejection or abandonment of the unexpired Lease shall by law in no
event be greater than in an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid rent to the
date of termination.

         Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event Tenant
ceases to be in the business of banking then this Lease Agreement may, at the
option of Tenant, be terminated, provided Landlord has notice of such
termination one year in advance of such termination.

                                       13
<PAGE>

23. Signage. Subject to the ordinances and requirements of the City of
Asheville, Tenant shall have the right to erect free standing signage on the
Leased Premises for the exclusive use of Tenant. Landlord agrees to cooperate
with all governing authorities to assist Tenant in obtaining all necessary
approvals, if any, for such exclusive signage.

24. Easement. In addition to the Leased Premises described herein, and as part
of this Lease Agreement, Landlord gives, grants, bargains and conveys with the
Leased Premises, anon-exclusive right of egress, ingress and regress from U.S.
Highway 25 (Merrimon Avenue) across the lands of Landlord to the Leased
Premises, said easement in accord with Exhibit A attached hereto and to which
reference is made as if fully set out herein.

25. Governing, Law. This Lease Agreement shall be governed by the Law of the
state of North Carolina.

26. Entire Agreement. This Lease contains the entire agreement of the parties
relating to the subject matter and supersedes any previous understandings or
agreements, write or oral, between or among the parties. It may be modified only
by an agreement in writing, signed by both parties, expressly purporting to
modify this Lease.

27. Right of Refusal. The parties agree that in the event Landlord, during the
Initial Lease Term and all Extended Terms(s) of this lease and while Tenant is
in possession of the Leased Premises, either (i) receives a bona fide offer
(from a third party, which offer Landlord is willing to accept) to purchase the
premises described on Exhibit A, or (ii) intends to sell the premises described
on Exhibit A at the fair market value thereof without having received a bona
fide offer to purchase, then Landlord shall immediately notify Tenant in writing
of its intent to accept the third party offer or to sell at the fair market
value and Tenant shall then have the right for a period of 10 days immediately
following receipt of Landlord's written notice, to purchase the described
premises on Exhibit A at the bona fide offer price or at a fair market value
price which shall be determined by two or more MAI qualified appraisers to the
satisfaction of the parties and appropriate regulatory authority. The parties
hereto acknowledge the period of duration of this right to purchase is
reasonable and shall expire, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
within the applicable statutory rule against perpetuities under N.C.G.S.
ss.41-15.

28. Reservations of Rights and Restrictions on a Portion of the Leased Premises.
The Landlord reserves the right unto itself, successors and assigns to go upon
that small portion of the leased premises lying south of the southernmost line
of the property conveyed to First Citizens Bank & Trust Company by Shell Oil
Company by deed dated March 26, 1974, and recorded in Deed Book 1098 at Page 269
in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Buncombe County, North Carolina, for
the purpose of using and maintaining improvements including any vent pipes, oil
tanks, curbs,

                                       14
<PAGE>

driveway and the concrete pad as shown on a survey of the leased premises
prepared by Webb A. Morgan & Associates, P.A., Job File No. 92006-D-256, revised
on April 10, 2000. Said portion of the leased premises shall not be obstructed,
built upon or disturbed in any manner by the tenant without the written consent
of the Landlord which may be withheld for any reason, except Landlord agrees
Tenant may construct and maintain such paving, curbing and site improvements,
including planting, as are part of the Plans and as identified in Exhibit "C",
attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Landlord and the Tenant have caused this Lease
to be duly executed by the property persons, under seal as is their intention,
all as of the day and year first above written.

                                    SHE-CAN, CO., a North Carolina
                                      General Partnership       (SEAL)

                                    By: /s/                               (SEAL)
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                          General Partner

                                    By: /s/ Patricia K. Shealy            (SEAL)
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                          General Partner

                                    HIGH STREET BANKING COMPANY

                                    By:                                   (SEAL)
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                          Executive Vice President

Attest: /s/ Sharon R. Brown
       ----------------------------
Asst. Secretary

(CORPORATE SEAL)

                                       15
<PAGE>

State of North Carolina
County of Buncombe

         The undersigned, a Notary Public for said County and State, does hereby
certify that Victor C. Shealy, Jr. and Patricia K. Shealy personally appeared
before me this day and acknowledged that they are General Partners of SHE-CAN,
CO., a North Carolina General Partnership, and that by authority duly given and
as the act of the partnership, the foregoing instrument was signed by them as
General Partners.

         Witness my hand and official seal, this 18th the day of April, 2000.

                                               /s/ Constance B. Sandford (SEAL)
                                               -------------------------
                                                     Notary Public

Official Seal
My Commission Expires 11/3/2000
                     ----------

                            ************************

State of North Carolina
County of Buncombe
         -----------

         The undersigned, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that Sharon R.
Brown personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged that he/she is
Asst. Secretary of High Street Banking Company, a corporation, and that by
authority duly given and as the act of the corporation, the foregoing instrument
was signed in its name by its E.V. President, sealed with its corporate seal and
attested by him/herself as Asst. Secretary.

         WITNESS my hand and Notarial Seal, this 12th day of April, 2000.

                                             /s/
                                             --------------------------------
                                             Notary Public (SEAL)

Official Seal
My Commission Expires 2-24-03
                      -------

                                      16

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