The screen flashed with a confirmation message: *Email Sent Successfully.*

I leaned back against the stiff hospital pillows, waiting for the storm to break.

My phone screen lit up again.

The caller ID on my screen showed an unfamiliar local number.

I swiped the screen and put the call on speakerphone.

“Natalie Brooks,” I said.

“Mrs. Brooks, my name is Arthur Vance,” a smooth, deep voice said.

“I am representing your mother-in-law, Margaret.”

Rachel stepped closer to the bed, her face tightening as she listened.

“I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Vance,” I said.

“I strongly suggest you do not hang up, Natalie,” Vance said.

“I am calling to offer you an opportunity to resolve this matter before it becomes incredibly painful for you.”

I rested my bandaged arm on the stiff hospital sheet.

“Are you threatening me?” I asked.

“I am stating legal facts,” Vance replied.

“We have reviewed your personal and medical history.”

“We are fully prepared to present a defense that characterizes you as highly unstable.”

“The narrative is quite simple, really.”