“The hospital board discontinued payment arrangements for uninsured multiple births last winter,” Mrs.

Gable said without looking up from her ledger.

“The policy requires the deposit in full before admission.”

“Who issued that directive?” Caroline asked, keeping her tone flat and measured.

“The finance committee,” Mrs.

Gable replied, closing the blue folder.

“If the balance isn’t cleared by the time of delivery, the billing department sends the account directly to a collections agency on day thirty.”

Caroline touched the silver chain around her neck, feeling the smooth metal link against her collarbone.