“What did he say?”
“That you borrowed money to keep Amber quiet.”
Brandon released the bars and stepped back.
“Dad…”
I held up the envelope.
“She was planning to take everything. Including me.”
His mouth opened, but no words came.
“That part surprised me,” I said. “Not because of Amber. Because of you.”
“I didn’t agree to that.”
“Your name is on the draft.”
“I didn’t sign it.”
“But you discussed it.”
He looked away.
There are moments when a parent wants a lie. A good lie. A beautiful lie. Something soft enough to sleep on.
Brandon gave me none.
“I was scared,” he whispered.
I nodded slowly.
“And last night?” I asked.
He wiped at his face. “I was drunk.”
“You weren’t too drunk to count my weakness.”
“I thought you were trying to shame me.”
“No, Brandon. I was trying to remind you that you still had a father before you made an enemy.”
