Page 212 of True Blue

Nana’s voice slips through my head so clearly that my mouth curves before I can stop it.

“Indie saw my Nana for who she was,” I continue, my voice roughening slightly with emotion. “A free-spirited, stubborn, sarcastic, strong, and witty woman. She saw her.”

Dr. Halloran leans forward, hands folded on the table.

“Would you describe their bond as genuine?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.

“Do you believe Dr. Miller encouraged an inappropriate attachment?”

“No. Indie maintained professional boundaries. My grandmother was like the sun, though,” I say, and my throat tightens around the words. “You couldn’t help but gravitate toward her warmth.”

“You sound very certain,” Dr. Minkus says.

“I am.”

“But you understand how a serious cancer diagnosis can change the human psyche,” he says, tone bordering on a sneer. “Even in patients who appear strong, they are still vulnerable. Especially the elderly. We have seen cases of patients being taken advantage of by young physicians seeking financial gain. Medical school is quite expensive⁠—”

“I understand that sickness can create vulnerability.” I breathe through the flash of anger that burns up my spine.

“Even though I’m just an artist,” I say, the corner of my mouth lifting slightly because Indie would be proud of me for saying it like that, “and I don’t have a fancy medical degree, I won’t pretend I know more than anyone at this table about the effect of illness on a person’s body or mind. But I know the difference between vulnerability and incompetence.”

Dr. Minkus shifts in his seat.

“My grandmother was not incompetent, and her opinion of Indie never wavered. Not once. Not even when my mother tried to poison it. Nana was her own person. She knew what she wanted, who she loved, and what she was doing when she made that will.”

Dr. Halloran studies me with sharp eyes, but her voice is soft when she asks, “Why do you believe Eleanor Ambrose left Dr. Miller an inheritance?”

“Because she loved Indie,” I say simply. “Because she saw her as family.”

“How was Dr. Miller’s behavior toward you while she was treating your grandmother?”

“Completely professional. Kind and compassionate, but professional.”

“Did she flirt with you?”

“No.”

“Did she ever discuss your grandmother’s money, assets, or estate?”

“No.”

“Did she ever ask about your family’s financial situation?”

“No.”

“Did she ever suggest that your grandmother should leave her anything?”

“No.”

“When did your relationship with Dr. Miller begin?”

“After Nana was no longer Indie’s patient.”

“And who initiated the relationship?” Dr. Minkus asks, though his expression tells me he thinks he already knows the answer.

“I did.”