"James Stevens! Get to this hospital. Now!"
The voice on the other end sounded surprised. "Dad? Is Linda throwing another fit about going to the hospital? Ever since she got pregnant, she's been paranoid, always convinced something's wrong with the baby."
"It's just pregnancy. A friend of mine was unclogging toilets, changing lightbulbs, and hauling packages when she was months along."
"Linda is just too delicate."
Each word was an accusation. My father's rage finally boiled over. His voice came out through gritted teeth: "If you don't get here right now, the Hayward family will never let this go."
James had built his company himself, but many of his connections had come through my father. There was a hesitation on the other end of the line.
But just then, a woman's startled cry came from the other end of the line.
"Oh no! James, Charlie just threw up..."
"Let me see!" James's voice turned urgent, then hurried: "Dad, you really need to stop spoiling Linda so much. Something's come up here—I have to go. I'll talk to her properly tonight."
Click.