“According to our records, the account was reactivated four months ago through our online portal using your login credentials.”
The room tilts slightly. Not an impulse. Not a desperate moment. Four months of planning. Deliberate deception. From my own brother.
“There’s more,” Marcus continues, his voice gentler now. “We’ve found a pattern of smaller purchases dating back to when the account was reactivated. Electronics stores. Restaurants. Sporting goods.”
I press my eyes shut as memories flash through my mind like a sickening slideshow. The lease I co-signed for Spencer’s first apartment. The emergency loan when Reagan’s car broke down. The expensive birthday gifts I couldn’t afford but bought anyway because that’s what family does.
Twelve years of financial support, culminating in this.
“The total unauthorized charges, including the airline tickets, comes to $9,540.”
My breathing steadies as something hardens inside me.
“Thank you, Marcus. I want to pursue this to the fullest extent.”
“We’ll continue our investigation, Ms. Vale.”
My phone beeps with an incoming call. Mom. Again.
“I need to go,” I tell Marcus. “Please email me your findings.”
I switch to Mom’s call and put it on speaker as I stand and walk to my living room window. Rain patters against the glass, distorting the streetlights below into watery stars.
“Corinne, this has gone on long enough.” Mom’s voice fills my apartment, sharp with impatience. “Your father and I have been trying to reach you for days.”
“I’ve been busy.”
The rain intensifies, matching my mood.
“Too busy to respond to your family? Spencer and Reagan are devastated about their trip.”
“Their trip on my credit card.”
Dad’s voice cuts in.
“Honey, this is all just a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding,” I repeat, watching raindrops race down the window. “Is that what we’re calling this now?”
“You’re overreacting,” Dad says, his tone dismissive. “These things happen in families.”
“Theft happens in families? Good to know.”
Spencer’s voice joins the chorus.
“Cor, I meant to ask you first. Things got hectic with planning, and I just—”
“Just stole $9,000 from me?”
My voice remains steady, surprising me.
“It wasn’t like that.”
Reagan’s tearful voice pierces through.
“You’re ruining everything for everyone because you’re jealous. You always do this, make everything about you when we’re trying to be happy.”
I press my forehead against the cool glass.
“How long have you known Spencer was using my card, Mom?”
Silence stretches until Mom clears her throat.
“Well, he mentioned borrowing it for some small things. We assumed you were aware.”
