"I went through six different pain management regimes before the Vicodin. Vicodin was the only thing that worked. I knew the risks when I started taking it, and two months ago, my liver started shutting down. Whether I want to take the pills or not is irrelevant, because I can't.

"I could sit here and tell you a thousand reasons why I want those god damn pills. Quite a few of those reasons would be legitimate. Some I'd pull out of the air just to appease you. But talking about it won't make a damn bit of difference for me or my leg or my liver."

He stood up then, pulling heavily on the cane. "This? Is a very bad idea, doctor." His eyes highlighted the file he'd given her. "Happy reading."