“The state prosecutor is waiting for my call,” David said quietly, adjusting his wire-framed glasses.

“With the physical evidence, the canceled medical insurance, and the fraudulent transfers, they’ll move forward with felony elder abuse charges.”

I looked through the wide doorway toward the kitchen.

Mark sat alone on the barstool, staring down at the face of his gold wristwatch.

“If you sign the criminal complaint, he faces formal indictment and probable jail time,” David said.

“If you sign the civil settlement, the financial return is binding, a permanent restraining order takes effect immediately, and the criminal referral is set aside.”