“Dr.

Vance said her gallbladder is getting worse and we’re already five weeks behind.”

“Vance is an alarmist,” Richard said.

“She’s got a stomachache.

You’re turning a simple bug into a huge medical emergency.”

“You took out the money the very day after you brought her to that clinic.”

Richard laughed, a loud, dismissive sound that bounced off the kitchen cabinets.

“I’ve got a dozen guys counting on my payroll, Ellen,” he said.