“I was able to get a lot from the police report, but there’s still paperwork we’ll need to fill out. Photographs. Forms. First though, do I have permission for myself and the adjusters to take photos and catalog the specifics of the damage?” Mr. Crestfall asked.
“Sure. Whatever you need to do.” She pulled out a few sheets of paper from her briefcase. “In fact, I’ve already printed out the building specs plus the MRO…I mean the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul inventory list. I can email you those files, also.”
The insurance agent reviewed the paperwork, then handed it over to one of the adjusters. “Be sure to get documentation in photos, also.”
The woman nodded and started working down the list. The man stood nearby as if waiting for further instructions.
Betsy’s brow wrinkled. “What do we do about the customers’ vehicles that were damaged? I don’t know how to document those for insurance coverage.”
Mr. Crestfall motioned to the other adjuster. “Can you take photos of the damage and get the VINs, the vehicle information numbers? We’ll have to work from that for now.”
Cain offered to show the adjuster the layout of the vehicles and shop. “Of course, they trashed the computers, too.”
She pulled an iPad out of her case and handed it to him, then turned to Mr. Crestfall. “As you may remember, I had Cain Connery’s name added to our employee coverage a few weeks ago. He’s in town on some personal business, and also working with the police as a consultant. I hired him part-time for extra help this winter. I completely trust him with my business records.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Cain made sure to stay within earshot of the conversation going on between Mr. Crestfall and Betsy. Considering the insightful meeting with JB this morning, and everything that had happened yesterday, nothing about this case was normal. Robberies normally could be categorized, but first of all, this hadn’t been a robbery. Second, his gut told him this was more than just an outside job, so he’d keep watching for signs of an inside connection.
Who, how and why were still the top questions on his list.
“Is Mr. Millerton still your service center manager,” the insurance agent asked.
Professional to the core, she looked Mr. Crestfall in the eye with every answer she gave. “He’s still on disability. I’ve promoted Derek Johnson to that position. Should I call him in to help, also?”
The insurance agent glanced around the building. “Why don’t we see how far we get today? We also need to examine the showroom and administrative offices, right?”
“Yes. I have a whole different set of MOR paperwork on that.”
“Good. Will Papa Carrington be joining us today?”
“No, he’s still in the hospital. In fact, I just stopped by to see him this morning.” She looked in Cain’s direction. “Mr. Millerton was there visiting. And a couple of other men I didn’t know.”
The insurance agent made a note, then checked a text that had just binged. “Did you get the idea he would be able to join us tomorrow?”
Betsy straightened and shot a stone-cold serious stare in Mr. Crestfall’s direction. “Are you insinuating you’d rather speak with Papa C than me? Because I’m the controlling shareholder in this business. Or is it because I’m a woman?”
“No. No, not at all.” Mr. Crestfall fidgeted. Stuttered with his answer. Sucked in a shoulder-raising breath, then blew out loudly before he glanced at Cain. “It’s just…”
Cain turned away from the adjuster he’d been assisting and moved a bit closer to Betsy’s conversation. Being sure to take the iPad with him. “It’s just what?” he asked.
Mr. Crestfall faced Betsy head on. His expression a mix of respect and compassion and a little bit of I’m-caught-in-the-middle nerves.
“You know me. You know I would never demean you, or any other woman,” the insurance agent said. “The thing is that, besides the two adjusters with me today, the regional office is sending a couple of senior adjusters to look at this case. They plan to meet with you and the police. And they’ve requested a conversation with Papa Carrington, also.”
“Why?” she asked.
Cain wanted to ask the same question, only in a totally different way. One that involved a whole different set of legal and law enforcement questions than what Betsy would ask. But he’d wait.
Mr. Crestfall motioned toward the back door, then whistled to the two adjusters working in the service center. “You all keep working on this. When you’re finished here, head over to the offices and showroom.”
Turning back to Betsy and Cain, the insurance agent glanced back and forth between them once, twice, three times. Finally, he lifted his arm in the direction of the squeaky door. “How about the three of us take a walk outside? Get a little fresh air before we start in your office.”
Cain had been involved in a lot of walk-and-talk conversations in his career. Most times it gave everyone a chance to relax. Hopefully that’s what this was about. Betsy needed something good happening after the past few days.
For a few minutes the three of them walked casually around the perimeter of the Peyton’s lot. A break in the clouds gave them a chance to enjoy the warmth of the winter sun for a moment. And for once in the past twenty-four hours, the wind had died down to an occasional breeze. Any other time, this would have been a perfect time to take Betsy’s hand. Right now, this was still about business, so he followed the insurance agent and Betsy’s lead.
Gradually Mr. Crestfall slowed. “You asked why the main office wants to speak with Papa Carrington?”
