Gabriel, listen to me before you assume the worst.”
Through the glass I could see my parents waiting. GetParenting Tips
“What does that mean?”
“Most of the spending I can see isn’t luxury spending.”
I listened without answering.
“Mortgage-related fees, groceries, utilities, insurance, vehicle payments, medical expenses. There are withdrawals I need explained, but this doesn’t look like somebody emptied the account and bought a sports car.”
“That makes it better?”
“No. It makes it more complicated.”
I disliked complications because they made anger harder to sustain.
“Can you come tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there by ten.”
Back inside, Dad was returning the papers to the box.
“Accounts are restricted,” I reported. Mom immediately looked worried.
“Gabriel, Derek needs money for—”
“For what?”
She fell silent; Dad supplied the answer.
“His business.”
“What business?”
They exchanged another look, and an incredulous laugh almost escaped me.
“How many secrets are there?”
“Not
