way, helping became financing.”
Richard lowered his head.
Benjamin’s eyes were wet.
I wasn’t sure whether they were tears or frustration.
Maybe both.
Then Richard opened another folder.
“There is one more issue.”
Benjamin looked at him.
“What?”
Richard removed several pages.
“Your business account.”
Benjamin froze.
“What about it?”
“Some of the payments made from Mrs. Kelley’s accounts were categorized as family support.”
He paused.
“Others were categorized as business investments.”
I looked at my son.
“What business?”
He didn’t answer.
Richard did.
“A company Benjamin established three years ago.”
I stared.
“You told me you were unemployed for six months.”
Benjamin’s jaw tightened.
“I was.”
“You started a company.”
“It wasn’t doing well.”
“So you used my money.”
“I intended to pay you back.”
“When?”
He had no answer.
I nodded slowly.
“That is the first honest answer you’ve given me today.”
The room went quiet.
Then Benjamin
