"The pain this morning was in her rectum and the lower part of her belly."

"I remember!" Craig said. How could he forget? Bloating, gas, and problems with elimination described in disgustingly exquisite detail were the usual complaints. "Where is it now?"

"She says it's in her chest. She's never complained of pain in her chest before."

"That's not quite true, Jordan. Last month there were several episodes of chest pain. That's why I gave her a stress test."

"You're right! I forgot about that. I can't keep up with all her symptoms."

You and me both, Craig wanted to say, but he held his tongue.

"I think she should go to the hospital," Jordan repeated. "I believe she's having some difficulty breathing and even talking. Earlier, she managed to tell me she had a headache and was sick to her stomach."

"Nausea is one of her common afflictions," Craig interjected. "So is the headache."

"But this time she threw up a little. She also said she felt like she was floating in the air and kind of numb."

"Those are new ones!"

"I'm telling you, this is altogether different."

"Is the pain visceral and crushing, or is it sharp and intermittent like a cramp? "I can't say."

"Could you ask her? It may be important."

"Okay, hold the line!"

Craig could hear Jordan drop the receiver. Leona came out of the bathroom. She was ready. To Craig, she looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine. He indicated as much by giving her a thumbs-up. She smiled and mouthed: "What's happening?"