Page 28 of The Arrangement

“Oh my God,” I groan, stopping in my tracks and looking up at the darkening sky. “Can you just reinstate it then?”

“That is possible, yes. But, because this policy was terminated for nonpayment, we’d need the remainder of the balance to do that. And, unfortunately, there are fees associated with the nonpayment.”

Tears fill my eyes. “How much are we talking?”

“That’s six hundred forty-two dollars and thirteen cents.”

I gasp. “You’re saying I need to pay six hundred-whatever dollars before you reinstate my insurance?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I blow out a wobbly breath.

“Would you like to make that payment? I can take it and get you back on track if you’d like.”

The thought of shelling out most of my savings because the postal service apparently chose to deliver my payment via the Pony Express makes me nauseous. My chest burns, tightening so fiercely that I press on it to try to relieve the pressure.

I have scrimped and saved every nickel to get us out of this hellhole. Even though my salary at Brewer Air is good, money doesn’t go far—especially when rent is sky-high, there are bills to pay, and every month presents a new unforeseen expense like tires for my car and a hospital visit for Mimi’s bronchitis three months ago.

That six hundred-whatever dollars is a quarter of my savings. That could be the difference in getting out of here in six months … and not.

A solitary tear trickles down my cheek.

There’s no use in shopping around for prices. This was by far the cheapest company for the bare minimum coverage.

“Yeah,” I say, my voice cracking. “Please take it out of the bank account on file ending in 1122.”

She reads off a script, and I confirm payment.

“That does it,” she says. “You’ll receive an email confirmation shortly. Please read it, as there may be forms you need to fill out and return to us.”

“Lovely.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Goodman?”

I shake my head in frustration. “No. Thank you for your help.”

“You’re very welcome. Have a good night.”

“You, too.”

Blowing out a breath, I pull myself back together. “This wasn’t the energy I was supposed to be attracting.”

The ridiculousness of the statement makes me laugh. One of the men standing beside the door yells something my way, but I ignore him.

It will take me months to catch up to where I was fifteen minutes ago. All for nothing.

The temperature drops as the sun makes its final descent behind the horizon. The voices coming from the newly formed shadows are louder, and the sirens seem to get closer. At least if someone jumps me, I could get a few punches in. I could use an outlet tonight.

I move toward the building, and as I take my first step, my phone rings.

“Hello,” I say, not bothering to glance at the screen first. I keep my eyes up and scan the area.

“Chloe? Hey, it’s Jason. I hope it’s not too late.”

My steps falter at the bottom of the steps.Shit. “Hi, Jason. No, it’s fine. What’s up?”

“I was hoping you could pull a few reports for me as soon as you get into the office and email them to me. I’ll send you a list of what I need. The finance meeting is at Gannon’s office in the morning, and I’m going to head straight there before coming into the office.”