Chapter 13 - The Black Binder

I forwarded Jason's email to Ruiz without replying.

Ten minutes later, Jason called.

I let it ring twice, then answered.

"Why did you send me that?"

His voice was low. "Because this got bigger than I thought."

"You helped make it bigger."

"I know."

That was the first time anyone in my family had said those words.

Not I was trying to help.

Not family supports family.

I know.

"What's in the binder?" I asked.

"Copies of your stuff. Tax returns. Old bank statements. Your divorce papers. Credit reports. Password hints."

My skin prickled.

"Password hints?"

"Mom wrote down answers to security questions. First pet. Elementary school. Street you grew up on."

I stood and walked to the far side of Layla's room.

"How long has that binder existed?"

"I don't know."

"Jason."

"Years, maybe."

I closed my eyes.

"Why are you telling me now?"

His voice cracked slightly.

"Because Dad told Mom to burn it."

I looked at the door as if Ruiz might appear instantly.

"Do not touch it. Do not move it."

"I already took it."

"What?"

"It's in my car."

"Jason, call Detective Ruiz."

"No."

"This isn't optional anymore."

"If I give them the binder, I'm admitting everything."

"You already admitted enough on the loan application."

"You don't understand."

"Then explain it."

He was quiet for several seconds.

"I didn't open the older accounts. Mom did. Dad knew. I only used the new loan because they told me you'd approved it."

"You told me Mom said I would never agree if you asked first."

Another silence.

"Yeah."

"So which lie do you want me to believe?"

He exhaled shakily.

"I knew you didn't approve the new one. I didn't know about the house."

I felt no victory in hearing him confess.

Only exhaustion.

"Bring the binder to Ruiz."

"If I do, Mom will never forgive me."

I looked at Layla asleep with Beep the rabbit under her arm.

"Jason, Mom stole from a four-year-old's emergency fund. Maybe forgiveness is not the first problem you need to solve."

He said nothing.

Then I heard a car door slam on his end.

"Too late," he whispered.

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"What?"

"Dad just found me."