The state launched an official investigation. It turned out to be a massive, systemic billing fraud that had been going on for over four years, totaling more than one hundred and forty thousand dollars in illegal surcharges from local seniors.

The regulatory board issued a heavy fine, and Tyler was quietly let go from his position, along with Mrs. Vance. The corporate office was forced to send out refund checks to dozens of families in Macomb County. Some of those families called me, crying, thanking me for noticing what they had missed.

I should have felt some grand sense of triumph when the certified letter arrived confirming the settlement. I keep waiting to feel that way. But mostly, I just drove to the small, older nursing home three towns over where I ended up placing Martha.

It does not have a fountain or a fancy lobby, and the carpets are a bit worn, but the staff actually know her name and they wash her yellow cardigan every Friday. I sat by her bed yesterday, watching her sleep, and realized that you win these battles but nothing really changes. It was just another Tuesday, and I still had to drive home in the rain.