Chapter 1 - YOU'RE DEAD
Diane Carter gripped the phone so hard her knuckles whitened.
“WHERE’S MY FIVE MILLION?!”
The insurance representative’s voice remained flat.
“Mrs. Carter, the claim is denied pending proof of death and resolution of material inconsistencies.”
Diane’s face twisted.
“She’s dead!”
“We cannot release the benefit.”
Diane hurled the phone across the living room.
It hit the floor.
The screen shattered.
She slapped both hands onto the table, grabbed the claim letter, and ripped it in half.
“SHE’S DEAD! PAY ME!”
Paper scattered across the rug.
“That money is mine!”
Then the front-door lock turned.
Diane stopped.
All the anger vanished from her face.
The door opened.
Claire Carter stepped inside carrying a small travel bag.
Her hair was shorter.
Her clothes were wrinkled from travel.
She looked tired.
Alive.
“Mom?”
Diane staggered backward into the table.
“No…”
Claire frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
Diane pointed at her.
Her hand shook.
“YOU’RE DEAD!”
Claire froze.
Her confusion hardened.
“What?”
Diane looked toward the torn insurance papers on the floor.
Too late.
Claire followed her eyes.
She bent down.
Picked up one half.
CARTER LIFE & CASUALTY.
CLAIMANT: DIANE CARTER.
INSURED: CLAIRE CARTER.
FACE AMOUNT: $5,000,000.
Claire looked at her mother.
“You filed a life-insurance claim?”
Diane’s mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
Claire lifted the paper.
“How long did you wait?”
Diane whispered:
“Claire, you don’t understand what happened.”
Claire stared at the broken phone.
Then at the words:
PRESUMED DEATH — AVIATION LOSS.
May you like
Her voice became cold.
“I think I’m about to.”
