“Madam,” the woman on the other end said with cool indifference. “The paramedics were sent five minutes ago. I am merely trying to get additional information for the council. They like us to document regional emergencies so that they know better how to allocate funds designated for such events. You say this was not a suicide attempt, but how are you certain of that? Are you a family member?”
“No, I’m . . . I suppose you could say I’m his girlfriend. And what does that have to do with—”
“Would you say that this emergency is one that could be avoided with proper in-home safety measures?”
“No! Someone tried to kill Alden—”
“Would you agree that the city council has an obligation to investigate homes to ensure they are up to code, and that every protection is in place to eliminate the poss
