Am I In Trouble? What To Do?

Almost 2 Years Ago (April 2004) 3 Checks Were Written To A Vendor HE WANTED ME TO GO AHEAD AND BUY AND HE WOULD HOLD THE CHECKS INDEFINATELY (FLIRTINGLY). I SHOULDN'T HAVE, BUT DID TAKE HIM UP ON HIS OFFER.
My Business Is Now Closed. The Checking Account The Checks Was Written On WAS CLOSED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO. HE KNEW ALL OF THIS. I LET HIM PUT HIS ANTIQUES IN MY STORE AND GO 50/50 (WHICH I NEVER GOT MY 50%). I REALLY THINK HE HAS GOTTEN HIS MONEYS WORTH OUT OF ME.
NOW THAT I CLOSED THE STORE-HE HAD TO MOVE-
I Received A Letter From His Lawyer Demanding Payment FOR THESE 3 OLD CHECKS. HE NEVER WANTED IT UNTIL NOW!
Do They Have A Case? Should I Pay These Stale Dated Checks?
Is There A STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS For Bank Checks - Are They Void After A Certain Time Frame....in Alabama?
CAN YOU HELP ME?
WHAT DO I DO?????????????????????????????????