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.”

“Then I’ll happily sit here and watch her sleep,” Malcolm replied calmly.

“You can’t just walk in.”

“My dear,” he answered, “I’ve entered federal courtrooms with less resistance than this foyer.”

He walked into my room wearing his old gray suit and an expression that told me immediately he already suspected everything.

I was sitting upright drinking 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.”