Chapter 16: Three Questions

The doctor's statement said I had shown "grandiose delusions" at a public gala.

It said he recommended inpatient observation, and that a judge had signed an order for an evaluation on Monday.

On Monday at noon, three black cars stopped outside the shop.

I was behind the pastry counter in my apron.

I had asked every customer who came in that morning one favor, and nobody had said no.

Thirty phones were up before the doctor reached the door.

He came in with the leather bag, two aides in gray scrubs, and a man in a deputy's uniform who looked at his boots.

The old lawyer came in right behind them.

He was eighty if he was a day, he had ridden the subway with an umbrella, and he took the stool next to mine.

"Mrs. Stroud," the doctor said. "This is a court-ordered evaluation. Your cooperation will be noted."

"Then let's note it." I folded my hands on the counter. "Go ahead."

"Is there somewhere quiet?"

"Here is fine. These people have been very concerned about my health."

One of the aides set a clipboard on the counter and uncapped a pen.

"Three questions," the doctor said. "The first. What is today's date, and where are we?"

"Monday, February sixteenth," I said. "Hearth and Honey, on the corner. I work here."

He nodded without looking up.

"The second. In your own words, what do you own?"

"Fifty-two percent of the voting stock in Stroud Capital. It came from my grandfather."

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