Vance said.

“Paid in full before your thirty-second week.”

Caroline reached up and touched the thin silver chain around her neck.

The fourteen-thousand-dollar settlement from Grant sat in a new checking account on Elmwood Avenue, but rent, basic food, and early business expenses would eat up most of that balance within six months.

“Can the clinic set up a monthly payment plan for the specialist visits?” Caroline asked.

“The clinic can break down routine care,” Dr.