Vance said.

“It’s a routine operation, but with this much inflammation, we’ve completely run out of time.”

He gave his pen two more clicks.

“I’ve got an open surgical block this Tuesday morning,” Dr.

Vance said.

“But the hospital’s legal department flagged her file.

They won’t let me operate because your husband signed a formal refusal-of-care waiver.”

“He faked my signature on that waiver,” I said.