More games

So I met with the branch manager. I wonder as I enter the bank what he was told - that I am difficult and uncooperative? That I am threatening litigation? Probably. I sit for ten minutes before someone approaches me. I worry that I won't get things taken care of in one short hour. More letters have come overnight, more fees.

The manager is pleasant and apologetic. I mention that I have more letters. We sort through things. It seems overwhelming. He suggests we deal with one issue at a time. First the stack of letters that say they will not take another check but require a money order. He sets those up. Then the batch that will take a check but there are stated fees. He reimburses me so I can write the check. Then the stack that doesn't say what the fees are. We call them. I start using my cell phone. A credit card company I had paid off. The conversation takes too many twists and turns to keep track of. The upshot is that they are charging me an additional $75 and if I don't do a check over the phone today for a $15 fee, then the amount of penalty fees will double.

I look at the manager. He gulps and says they will cover it. I give them the check information, then close the card permanently. They hassle me repeatedly, making me jump through tons of hoops to close the card. The manager watches the agony. (Elaine would have talked with them herself and not made me do it).

I hang up. It was not enjoyable. The manager looks at me, then quietly says, "I am canceling my card with that bank. I am sorry you are having to go through this."

Yes. Someone finally got it. My pain has been understood. After that, he let me use the bank phone so I won't get charged for cell phone minutes. We ended up dealing with all told 13 of the 24 problems. I went over my lunch time by a half hour. I make an appointment to come back Thursday - I am sure there will be more letters. He shakes my hand and says, "I hope you'll come back."

I smile. "You'll be seeing me, I'm sure of it." I feel better.