I was under anesthesia when it wore off too early. I couldn’t open my eyes, but I heard my son’s wife tell the surgeon: “If something goes wrong, don’t call her lawyer. Call me first.”

tea.

Vanessa’s smile tightened instantly.

Malcolm kissed my cheek lightly. “You look inconveniently alive.”

“I’m trying new hobbies.”

Vanessa folded her arms. “She’s exhausted.”

“No,” I corrected softly. “She’s dismissed.”

The silence that followed was delicious.

Malcolm placed a folder in my lap.

Inside were forged signatures.

Wire transfers.

Emails between continue reading …