Hair Brained Read online

  Jeri, the fortyish blonde, was a more likely candidate than Ryan, the youngest member of the group. The two customer service reps were responsible for billing and claims. Could Jeri be collecting insurance premiums and putting them in her pocket? Maybe Ken got alerted by a customer who’d said his policy had lapsed but he had paid his bills. Or perhaps Ryan was padding his customers’ policies with endorsements they hadn’t ordered. He’d been the one to warn Marla earlier, but that could have been a smoke screen.

  Then again, an account executive could be involved. Shawna and Darryl both sold new policies, prospected for clients, and ran the referral program. They seemed sincere, but either one of them might have reasons to need money. She shouldn’t discount the financial planner, either. He could be selling bogus investments. She’d have to make it a point to meet the man.

  Jeri stood to greet Marla upon her arrival early that afternoon. They shook hands, while Marla gave a nod of acknowledgment to Ryan at the next desk over.

  The young man’s eyes gleamed, as though he wrestled for an excuse to talk to her. She surveyed the dark brown suit that matched his hair. From the superb cut of his clothes, he could have been working in a menswear shop instead of an insurance office. He probably made more money on commissions from customer policies than he would in a clothing store, though. And yet, it seemed a waste for him to sit behind a desk all day when he appeared so spiffy. Maybe he believed in the adage, Dress for Success, and hoped to move up in the world.

  “I didn’t expect to be back so soon,” she told Jeri, refocusing her attention. “As I said, Dalton and I are interested in a long term care policy. Sadly, we buried Ken yesterday in a private service. He wouldn’t have needed an LTC if they had one.”

  “Your husband notified us that Tally inherits the agency,” Jeri said, biting her lower lip. “What do we do until she’s ready to take over?”

  “We carry on as usual,” Darryl announced as he strolled into view. He wore a navy suit that contrasted to the icy blue of his eyes. “I hope she’ll consider me for the role of manager since I’m already acting in that capacity.”

  Jeri harrumphed, then turned to Marla. “She wouldn’t manage the place herself, not when she has another business to run. Isn’t that right?”

  “Yes, Tally owns the Dressed to Kill boutique. If she decides to keep the agency, she’d have to appoint someone else to take charge.”

  “Is there any more news about the accident?” Darryl stroked his jaw as he regarded Marla from the inner doorway.

  “Sorry, I haven’t heard much else. Have you?”

  “Unfortunately, no. The detective on the case has been here asking some pointed questions. I don’t care for his tone.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like, we’re guilty of causing the accident. How absurd. What would any of us have to gain? Ken was a good boss. We miss him.”

  “Amen.” Jeri sank into her seat and grabbed a tissue from a box on her desk. “Where’s the baby? I’d hoped to see him again. I feel so bad for him losing his daddy.”

  “Luke is having his first experience at day care. I should get moving so I can pick him up on time. Is Shawna available?”

  Darryl peeked into the inner sanctum. “She’s just getting off the phone. Come on in.”

  Marla proceeded inside to the account executive’s workspace. Shawna rose to shake her hand while Marla admired the woman’s makeup, especially the gold eye shadow that complimented Shawna’s warm mocha skin.

  “I love your nails.” Marla pointed to her gold metallic polish with little angel appliqués. A quick survey of Shawna’s bookshelves showed a collection of angel figurines amid various family photos. “I see you’re into angels. And are those two cute kids your children?”

  “Yes, they’re a handful.” A smile flitted across Shawna’s face.

  “Your husband is a handsome guy. What does he do?”

  The smile vanished. “His firm downsized, so he’s looking for new employment. What can I do for you today, Marla?”

  She must have touched upon a sore subject. Had the man been laid off or fired from his job? Either way, it put more pressure on Shawna to earn bread for the family.

  “I’m here to learn about long term care policies. I’m not even sure what they do. How is this different from disability insurance?”

  Shawna answered once they’d both taken seats. “Disability gives you a monthly check so you can pay your bills. Long term care provides coverage for chronically ill individuals, people with Alzheimer’s disease, or other conditions where you need help caring for yourself. But don’t think it’s just for old people. Adults between the ages of eighteen and sixty-four make up forty percent of those needing long term care services. You never know when something is going to strike, whether it’s a disease or an accident. It’s best to be prepared.”

  Marla visualized Tally lying limp in a hospital bed. “Most of my friends don’t want to think about these possibilities. That includes Pre-Need funeral plans. We’re all going to get sick or die at some point in our lives. Why wait for our loved ones to make those decisions when we can do it now, and it’s more affordable?”

  Shawna tapped a painted fingernail on her desktop. “Absolutely. Nobody wants to dwell on what might happen to them. Even if you’ve saved a nest egg, it would go pretty fast if you had to pay for nursing home care or a live-in home health aide. It saves your children from having this burden someday. Or, if you have no kids, it brings peace of mind that you have the means to get care in your old age. You can’t rely on Medicare. It doesn’t provide long-term solutions, nor do most other policies.”

  “How do you become eligible for benefits?” Marla asked, feeling ignorant on the topic.

  “You have to be certified in writing by a doctor that you’re unable to perform a minimum of two ADLs, or activities of daily living, for at least ninety days. Or you have to require supervision due to cognitive impairment.”

  “Activities of daily living? What does that mean?”

  Shawna stared at her as though she’d grown a hair out of her nose. “The six ADLs include dressing, eating, toileting, bathing, mobility, and continence.”

  “Okay,” she said, not quite sure what they all meant. “So does this cover you only if you’re in a hospital or nursing home, or also if you’re able to live at home?”

  Shawna folded her hands on the desk. “The nursing care portion covers a nursing home, assisted living facility, Alzheimer’s or hospice facility. The community-based care covers treatment in your home by a licensed nurse, therapist, or home health aide. It may include homemaker services, but only if done by one of these people at the same time they’re providing health care. A Care Coordinator will decide what level of care you need.”

  “How long do these benefits last?” Marla pressed her lips together. What if Dalton ever had a stroke and was permanently disabled? Or if he got shot in the line of duty? Or if one of them was in a car accident like Tally?

  Shawna rolled a pen on her desk back and forth. “You can select a one year limit, three years, five years, or longer. Naturally, the longer the term, the higher the premiums will be. In addition, do you want a cost-of-living rider? This helps you keep tabs on inflation by providing for annual increases in the daily benefit at a rate of five percent compounded each year.”

  “That sounds like a smart choice.”

  “Also, consider how much daily benefit you might need. Like, do you want one hundred dollars or one hundred and fifty? Do you want the same amount for community based-care as for a nursing home facility, or less?” Shawna slid back in her chair, reached inside a drawer, and brought out a brochure. “Here, this explains our qualified long term care plans. Qualified means the premiums are tax deductible medical expenses. Also, the benefits are not taxable.”

  Marla put the brochure in her lap under her purse. “How often do these premiums have to be paid?”

  “It’s an annual payment, unless you choose our monthly payment
plan. You’re smart to consider this now while you and your husband are healthy. People who wait until they’re in their sixties and have some ailments aren’t as likely to get a policy, or else it will cost a bundle. I can give you an estimate based on your age.”

  “I’m thirty-seven and Dalton is forty-six.”

  The account executive did a calculation and rattled off some numbers. “That’s simply an example. The actual premium would depend on which variables you choose.”

  “So with a sixty day elimination period, a ten year term, a one hundred and fifty dollar a day benefit, and an inflation rider, it would cost us each less than two thousand dollars per year. That’s not bad.” She and Dalton could easily afford that amount out of their annual budget.

  Shawna gave her an indulgent smile. “Why don’t you and your husband look over that brochure? You can make an appointment to come in together and fill out your applications.”

  “Will we need medical exams?”

  “The underwriters will make that determination. Since you’re so young, it’ll depend on the responses you give on the health questionnaire.”

  “This is great information. Thanks so much. By the way, was Jeri able to find any information on Ken’s policies? Like, did he have this kind of coverage for Tally?”

  A forlorn look spread over Shawna’s face. “Unfortunately, no. Tally is covered under our group health policy. Her auto policy has medical benefits, too. But they didn’t have LTC plans. I believe Jeri called your husband with these details.”

  “Dalton mentioned Ken’s life insurance, but he must have forgotten about the rest. What other policies does Tally have?”

  “She has life insurance, but its benefit amount is a lot less than Ken’s. They added it after Luke was born. A woman may not think she contributes much, but add in the loss of her work income plus the cost of hiring a nanny, and it’s a considerable sum.”

  “Would you know if Tally has a separate group health policy for her employees?”

  Shawna tapped a finger on her desk. “If she has only two or three people working in her shop, she might treat them as independent contractors. Have you spoken to the staff? They could tell you about their insurance coverage. I imagine they’re upset about Tally’s accident.”

  Marla’s skin flushed with guilt. “I haven’t been there yet. It’s on my agenda for today.”

  “It’s scary how fast our lives can change, isn’t it? I still expect Ken to walk through the door, say hello, and pour himself a cup of coffee like he did every morning. It’s not the same around here. He had a strong presence that we all miss.”

  “It must be difficult to deal with his absence along with the uncertainty of what will happen to your jobs.”

  Shawna put on a brave face but her eyes showed grief and a modicum of doubt. “We’re carrying on as best we can. It’s not easy with investigators breathing down our necks. First it’s the police detectives, and then someone from the Florida Department of Financial Services shows up. I don’t understand their involvement.”

  Marla gave her an oblique glance. Hadn’t anyone told these guys about the dead woman in the warehouse, and that Ken was presumably on his way over there? If not, it wasn’t her place to reveal this information.

  “What did they want?” she asked in an innocent tone.

  “They asked questions and searched Ken’s desk. The state finance folks wouldn’t normally be involved when an agency owner dies. They must know something we don’t. Otherwise, I can’t imagine why they’d be interested in our office.”

  Oh, no? Somebody forces Ken off the road. A dead body is found. He’s implicated in a case of insurance fraud by virtue of the victim’s identity. Was he also an accessory to the woman’s murder?

  Marla was surprised the authorities hadn’t interrogated his colleagues more thoroughly. Did they believe Ken was a minor player in a bigger operation? They could have been hoping he’d lead them to the kingpin, unless he occupied that role. Having a baby might have tipped the financial scales where he was concerned. Kids were expensive to raise. Had he devised a scheme to make more money?

  “According to the babysitter, Ken allegedly received a work-related phone call the evening of the accident,” Marla said. “Are you certain it wasn’t anyone from here?”

  “Oh, please. The cops must have checked our phone records to verify our statements. Nobody from our place made that call.”

  So why do you look so uneasy? Did Shawna suspect that her fellow workers weren’t being truthful? Or did the account executive have something to hide?

  Marla crossed her legs, seeking a topic that would help her learn more about them. “Tell me, how well do you guys know each other outside of work? Do you socialize after hours?”

  “We’ll go out for a drink sometimes or have lunch at a restaurant to celebrate a birthday. Jeri and Darryl have more in common with each other.”

  “In what way?”

  Shawna gave a snort of laughter. “Isn’t it obvious? They’re middle-aged white folks. Ryan is a kid who’s green behind his ears. He’s got potential, but he’s weighted down by his mamma, poor thing.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The lady has Alzheimer’s, and he’s her only child. His father is deceased. So the burden of care falls on him.”

  “That must be tough.” And expensive, too. Was he using his parents’ savings, or did most of his salary go toward his mother’s caregivers? Maybe he wasn’t as well off as he appeared. “Does he have a girlfriend? I presume he’s still single.”

  “Ryan doesn’t share that part of his life with us. I found out about his mother when I overheard him talking to someone on the phone about her.”

  Marla vowed to speak to the guy on her way out. “Tell me about Darryl. Is he married? I’ve noticed his family pictures show two young people but no older woman who might be his wife.”

  “He’s divorced. Those two are his son and daughter.”

  “He seems to like boats, judging from the photos of yachts on his wall.”

  “That’s because he dreams of owning one someday. Darryl loves going to boat shows.” Shawna spoke in a derogatory tone, as though she felt better choices could be made with leisure money.

  Marla racked her brains for something else to keep the conversational ball rolling. “I’d like to meet the financial planner. When does Ronnie come into the office?”

  Shawna shoved her chair back and rose. “You’ll have to make an appointment to see him. Shall I check his schedule for you?”

  “Let’s wait until Dalton and I review our assets. We’ll need to plan for the future.”

  “Oh?” Shawna’s gaze dropped to Marla’s belly as she stood and prepared to leave. “You’re not—?”

  “No way. Thanks for the information on the long term care policy. I’ll show this brochure to my husband.”

  In the front office, Marla noted Ryan had a free moment, so she took the liberty of dropping into the chair opposite his desk.

  “Hey, I wanted to have a word, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure, what can I do for you?” The young man darted a glance at the entry. Jeri had stepped outside, where she was visible through the window speaking on her cell phone.

  “If my husband and I decide to apply for a policy with your agency, I’d like to know your team has our best interests at heart.”

  “Of course, we do. We’re here to serve your needs. You can’t foresee what might happen, so it’s best to get the broadest range of coverage you can afford.”

  “What led you into the insurance business?”

  His mouth tightened, and a pained look entered his eyes. “I got firsthand experience. My father died when I was twelve. If not for his life insurance, our family would have had difficulty keeping our heads above water, so to speak.”

  “How did your mother manage? Are you her lone child?”

  “Yes, I am. I’d always missed having a sibling, but it would have been even harder on her. She got a job in a
fancy department store as a buyer, and I became a latchkey kid.”

  Marla pointed to his suit. “Is that where you got your taste in clothes? You dress so well, you could be a model.”

  His teeth gleamed white as he grinned. “It’s important to convey the image of success in the business world.” Ryan’s wristwatch pinged, and he paused a moment to press a button on it.

  Marla squinted to get a better view. Was that one of those computerized watches? It appeared Ryan liked wearable technology as well as fancy suits. He had expensive tastes.

  “What are your goals?” she asked out of curiosity. “Do you want to rise up the ranks at this agency?”

  “That’s one step I’d like to take, but I don’t plan to work at this job forever. It’s just a start for me.”

  She plunged into the opening he’d provided. “How about working for the state’s Department of Financial Services? Wouldn’t that be an advance from this office?”

  The crease lines deepened on his brow. “Funny you should mention them. Their department reps came by to question us, but they wouldn’t reveal what’s going on.”

  “Do you have any theories?”

  He gave a furtive glance at the inner doorway. “Ken was mixed up in something, but they were tight-lipped about it.”

  “I thought you knew more. You warned me off the other day.”

  “Not about Ken. I think he was—” Ryan cleared his throat as Darryl strode into the front office. His voice raised a notch in pitch as he carried on. “As I was saying, based on my personal experience, I decided that when I grew up, I’d help other people make provisions for their loved ones. Most folks don’t face the reality that someday they’ll either die or be disabled. They don’t share their final wishes, nor do they set up trusts in the event they’re incapacitated.”

  “That’s so true.” Marla gathered her purse and rose. She wouldn’t accomplish anything more at this point. “Thanks for your input. It’s good to hear a younger person’s viewpoint about these issues.”