Page 40 of Silken Chains
“Hello. Yes… yes… this is Laura Anne Thompson speaking.”
The line crackles before a brisk, professional voice answers. “Good afternoon, Ms. Thompson. This is Rachel Green from First Assurance Insurance. I’m calling in regard to your claim for Thompson Tales of Fifth Ave.”
My heart skips a beat. “Yes, about that…” I trail off, unsure what to expect.
Before heading off to Club V last night, I had already submitted the insurance claim online.
“Well, Ms. Thompson, we received an inquiry about a claim. However, we’ve noticed there have been no payments on your policy since March of last year.”
I freeze.
March?
My mind races back. That’s when David said he’d handle the insurance payments. My stomach churns. “You’re saying… there have been no payments since then?”
“That’s correct. We’ve sent multiple emails and physical letters to your address. The last was sent on June 15th, and another on August 3rd addressed to Laura Anne Thompson. We’ve had no response.”
I feel like throwing up.
Emails, letters… all while I was drowning in book orders and trusting David.
I bite my lip, tasting blood. “I… I never received them. I was scammed.”
There’s a pause on the line. “I’m very sorry, Ms. Thompson, but without the payments, your policy was terminated. We cannot cover your bookstore’s damages.”
No, don’t say it!
My mind whirls. This can’t be happening. I’m on the brink of losing everything.
“But… there must be something we can do?”
Rachel’s voice is sympathetic but firm. “I’m afraid our hands are tied without an active policy, Ms. Thompson. I truly am sorry.”
My throat tightens, a sense of dread washing over me. “Is there any way to reinstate it?
“To reinstate, you’d owe back payments plus a reinstatement fee. That’s around fifty-eight thousand dollars. With the penalty, lawyer fees, and other charges, you’re looking at a total of one hundred and twenty-eight thousand dollars.” Rachel’s voice is sympathetic but firm.
“One… one hundred and twenty-eight grand?” My voice cracks. “I can’t… I don’t have that kind of money.”
Rachel’s tone is cautious, almost hesitant. “Yes, Ms. Thompson, but even if you reinstate the policy, we can’t cover the fire damage. It happened when your coverage was terminated.”
A lump forms in my throat, choking off my words.
Her voice has a tinge of sympathy, but it’s the kind that doesn’t change a damn thing. “I’m really sorry, Ms. Thompson. This is a tough situation.”
Tears blur my vision, unshed and burning.
“So, I lose my store, and there’s nothing I can do?” I murmur.
“Ms. Thompson. I wish there was more we could do. If you need any assistance or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.” Her words, meant to be comforting, feel like salt in an open wound.
I hang up, my back sliding down the wall as I sit on the floor.
I’m to blame.
That’s it.
Game over.
