“I can’t book that appointment today, Mrs.

Miller.”

“Dr.

Vance told us yesterday that she needs the scan this week.”

The receptionist clicked her mouse twice, her eyes running over a block of bright red text on the screen.

“The patient’s account has been flagged by our finance department,” she said.

“Flagged for what?”

“There’s a hard hold on any new scheduling for Hannah Miller,” the receptionist said.