“Paul!” Ethan shouted.

Paul Raskin came around the corner, holding two paper cups.

He saw the security guards and immediately set the cups down on a trash can.

“What is happening here?” Paul asked, walking quickly toward us.

“They are trying to take Lauren,” Ethan said. “Some local landlord bought Mary’s debt and filed a fraudulent neglect report.”

Paul took a leather-bound notepad from his pocket.

“On what grounds?” Paul asked Ms. Vance.

“Non-payment, lack of stable housing, and maternal incapacitation,” Ms. Vance said. “The petition was fast-tracked through the county clerk’s office an hour ago.”

Paul looked at the papers she held.

“Who is the petitioning creditor?” Paul asked.

“Brenner Properties,” Ms. Vance said.

Paul looked at Ethan and gave a single, sharp nod.

“We can clear the debt,” Paul whispered to Ethan. “Every cent. We can pay the hospital directly, right now.”

“Do it,” Ethan said. “Pay whatever they want. Wire the money to their corporate account.”

“Mr. Caldwell, a wire transfer takes time,” Ms. Vance said. “And the debt is only part of the petition. The neglect report must be investigated.”