Chapter 17 - The Call From the Bank
Before anyone spoke again, Mark's phone rang.
He stared at the screen.
Unknown Number.
He almost ignored it.
Rachel glanced at him.
"You should answer."
He reluctantly accepted the call.
"Hello?"
A professional voice replied.
"Mr. Dawson, this is Karen Mitchell from First National Commercial Bank."
Mark swallowed.
"Yes?"
"I'm calling regarding your overdue commercial obligations."
"I asked for an extension."
"The credit committee reviewed your request this afternoon."
Hope briefly appeared in his eyes.
"And?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Dawson."
"The request has been denied."
His shoulders slumped.
The banker continued.
"Effective tomorrow morning, the bank will begin formal recovery proceedings against the pledged business assets."
Mark closed his eyes.
"I understand."
"There is one additional matter."
His breathing slowed.
"What now?"
"We have discovered discrepancies between the collateral listed in your application and the assets legally registered under your name."
Rachel and Vanessa exchanged a quick glance.
The banker continued.
"Our legal department will require clarification."
Mark looked toward the apartment around him.
Toward the walls he believed he could reclaim.
Toward the home he had already lost.
"What kind of clarification?"
"The apartment listed in your previous financial disclosures..."
"...does not appear to belong to you."
No one spoke.
The banker continued professionally.
"Can you explain that discrepancy?"
Mark opened his mouth.
No words came out.
May you like
Because for the first time in years...
There wasn't a single convincing lie left to tell.
