The court will throw out their medical claim the second we put our evidence in.”

I thanked him for his time and ended the call, setting the phone down next to the open legal packet.

The cheap apartment air conditioner came on in the hallway with an abrupt, rattling hum, pushing cool air over the floorboards.

“Why would Spencer take the chance of giving a fake doctor’s note to an estate attorney?” Helen asked, rubbing her left wrist where the rain always made the joint hurt.

“Because Patricia told him to do whatever it took to win,” I said.