Chapter 10
The following day, when Micky Mantoparte's recommendation came in that Randall Forrest's claim be paid, Carol didn't realize that in spite of Mike Leechman's claim, the company would have done nothing against her, simply because she, for the most part, seemed to be looking out for the company's good-or so it seemed. Carol believed Leechman, and so when she saw Micky's recommendation, she put in a counter-recommendation, calling for a hearing.
The company preferred having a private hearing rather than bringing everything up before the State Insurance Board, and so asked that Mr. Forrest, Miss Mantoparte, and Miss Mallatesta be present at the home office inquiry to be held the following week. Carol agreed.
The following week, Carol was surprised when Randall Forrest turned up himself, rather than send an attorney. He, along with Micky Mantoparte and Carol, sat before the board, then presented their evidence. The board listened, and knew they didn't have a chance in hell of getting away without paying. A court battle would only mean having to pay court costs, as well. So they finally agreed to make the payment.
When it was all over, the men from the insurance company shook hands with Randall Forrest, assuring him of their honest intent all along, and promised a check would be forthcoming in the mail within the week. Rand smiled and assured them he held no grudges.
"I'm surprised you didn't ask them to pay for your time in coming down here," Micky said as they walked out of the hearing room. "They probably would have compensated you for this, as well."
"Well, I'll tell you," Rand smiled. "I'm going to be compensated by you, dear girl. Suppose you and I spend the rest of the day compensating one another and we can call it square."
"I don't think it's quite fair," the girl replied. "I mean, your time is extremely valuable. Would you think it more reasonable if I stayed a weekend?"
"Hmmm... sounds fair to me," Rand nodded.
In the hallway they confronted Carol who was standing there, waiting for Rand Forrest to come out. She stared defiantly at him and said, "You think you've pulled something on the insurance company, is that it, Mr. Forrest? Well let me tell you, by the time I'm finished sending the word around to the other insurance companies what a cheat you are you'll never be able to get a nickel's worth of insurance again."
"Come now, Miss Mallatesta," Rand shrugged. "You were wrong and you know it. Why not 'fess up to it, shake hands, and forget it?"
"You bastard! I know what you're going to do, now. You're going to reward Miss Mantoparte here for her testimony, right? What's more we both know how you're going to reward her. Well I have a vacation coming up starting Monday, but when I get back, next month, I'm going to see to it Micky loses her seniority. If possible I'll see to it she loses her job. Thieves like you are the reason why insurance rates go so high."
"Dear Miss Mallatesta, I'm the one who should be taking this personally, not you," the man said quietly, authoritatively. "I would advise your leaving Micky alone, since she did a fair and honest job."
"Hah!" Carol snorted. "Well just see. Enjoy the next month, Micky, because when I return, I'm going to make trouble for both, you and this horse-cock friend of yours."
Rand said nothing more, realizing that words were fruitless. He merely ushered Micky away from Carol, but there was a definite gleam in his eyes as he said, "Micky, let me show you the special cellar I've designed."