She took a handwritten message slip from the side pocket of her red folder.

“He told the insurance coordinator that tomorrow’s procedure is an elective cosmetic service,” Paula said.

“He formally canceled the family policy authorization for her stay.”

I pressed my lips together before I spoke firmly.

“He’s trying to get the hospital to turn her away before tomorrow morning.”

“The automated intake system flagged her file five minutes ago,” Paula said, handing me a white billing sheet.

“Without policy approval or a four-hundred-dollar initial intake deposit, the hold on the pre-op suite expires at noon.”