He hadn’t asked whether her laparoscopic surgery went well, or whether the specialist had managed to save her ovary.

“You forged my signature on an Against Medical Advice discharge form to avoid paying a doctor’s bill,” I said, keeping my voice low and even.

“The credit card collection agency was calling my cell phone every fifteen minutes, Rebecca.

You don’t understand how corporate finance works when debts get complicated.”

“I’m not selling my daughter’s right to be safe for the deed to a four-bedroom house,” I said.

Daniel’s jaw tightened, the skin around his mouth going stiff.