Baird’s Insurance

 

Mr. Richfield entered the darkened alley under Mad Alice Lane looking for the old back entrance to Alleycats, unaware that was bricked up months ago.  “ Hello?  Is…is anyone out there? I’m looking for a…rather large bear fellow. I heard the entrance to Alleycats was down this way? “

Cyan appeared from the shadows with a wrench in hand, cautiously approaching the older gentleman, “Hello”

Surprisingly, Mr. Richfield ran pretty fast for a fat man.

Putting his wrench away Cyan called out, “Sir, I’m not going to hurt you or anything.  You were looking for Baird?”

Mr. Richfield stopped running and returned to the cub very slowly  “Ah, yes.  Hello!” he said creeping back.  “Forgive my caution. You did jump out at me,” he paused before adding, “and this is not the most reputable of locals.”

 

“Sorry the walkways through here do tend to hide comings and goings” Cyan replied.

Looking uncomfortable the man attempted to introduce himself properly, “ My name is Mr. Richfield, of the Baronne Insurance Agency.”

Remembering the agency Cyan replied, “I am Cyan Rayna. I’m sure you’ve insured my uncles brewery a few times.”

“ Ah….yes. I am…familiar with your case files.” Mr. Richfield said almost cheerfully, “And your uncles. Very familiar. His threats are becoming rather…inventive.”

“ Yes well my uncle… after the multiple losses of the brewery kind-of lost it, which is why I think Mr DuBois purchased it.”

“ Yes, well he’s the one I need to speak to now, it’s about his claim.”

“I think he is in the bar at the moment.  Let me go get him for you,” Cyan said as he walked out of the Cheshire Mews and around to the new front entrance to Alley Cats Pub. Mr Richfield followed slowly behind him and waited near the door.

The bar hadn’t fully be opened after the remodel, so Baird was the only one there restocking the bar.

“ Oh dear…” Mr. Richfield says as he sees the bear waving at him.

“ Hello there, Mr. DuBois…my but you look bigger and more dangerous…every time. ..we meet.” Mr. Richfield coughs.  Baird roared in amusement.

Cyan walks up to the bar and leaned against it  “He doesn’t talk much so you might as well tell him about his claim.”

“Well, I think I should tell you that despite all evidence to the contrary I approved your claim for insurance… despite the obvious villains involved.”  Baird and Cyan both looked a little surprised before he continued, “Unfortunately, my superiors in the Baronne insurance agency then re-evaluated it and refused the claim based on the villainy involved…”

Mr. Richfield backs away closer to the door, “ I did my best…you and your friend are both very…intimidating…I mean persuasive…”  Coughing lightly, Mr. Richfield changed the subject abruptly, “ Would you like a new hat?  Maybe I can buy you a new hat over lunch?”  Mr. Richfield crept back through the door slowly as he spoke.

Cyan asked, “Friend?”

“Scary wolf fellow.. Gave me a false name, months ago. Was looking for Hally Xiang.”

Baird motioned to Cyan and wrote something down for him, “Oh Mr. Wright… I didn’t realize he did that. I’m sorry that he bothered you like that.”

“Yes, well, I hope you will keep the Baronne Insurance Agency in mind for your non villainous losses.” Mr. Richfield seemed to feel safer in the freezing snow than inside the pub.

“ We also realized after the first few times that the brewery wouldn’t be covered.” Cyan said as Mr Richfield stepped outside.

“ Ah yes, it would be in the proper circumstances, of course. Good…good day gentlemen!”

Baird sighed but was relieved it’s resolved nonetheless.  Mr. Richfield shut the door and ran to catch up with an approaching tram.