Sometimes all it takes is a little coercion. So I left a message:

“Hi, unless I hear back from you today your mother’s power will be shut off and it’s still 105 degrees here in Vegas.

She doesn’t want to bother you after all these months but I’d rather not read about her in the weekend paper.

Here’s my number. Together, I believe we can keep it on. Thanks”

My phone rang in 11 minutes.