“Medication. Appointments. Household accounts. Insurance correspondence. Payroll related to his leave.”
“And what have you shown Noah?”
“His medical schedule. Some household information.”
“Not the yard finances,” Noah said.
The room tightened.
Dr. Whitcomb looked at me.
I told the truth.
“The yard is under strain.”
“How much?” Noah asked.
Dr. Whitcomb lifted one hand.
“One question at a time.”
He shut his eye.
His frustration was immediate.
I continued.
“Work slowed while I was at the hospital. Several customers moved jobs elsewhere. The insurers have not paid the business-interruption or workers’ compensation claims yet.”
“Are wages covered?”
“Yes.”
“Mine?”
“Yes.”
“Are you paying me?”
“Yes.”
“With money the yard doesn’t have?”
“Not exactly.”
My answer was too careful.
Noah heard it.
“Show me.”
“I brought summaries.”
I opened the folder in my bag.
Dr. Whitcomb stopped me before I placed it on the desk.
“Not all of it.”
