Chapter 3

The smell of burgers and cheap beer filled Dad' s backyard. Labor Day.

Grandma Helen sat on her throne, a lawn chair under the only shady tree, holding court.

Uncle Rick was by the grill, flipping burgers, a little too much swagger for a guy whose businesses always failed.

His son, RJ, my cousin, lounged nearby, scrolling on his phone, looking bored.

I saw Dad first. He gave me a nervous smile.

"Mike, good to see you."

Before I could bring up the LLC, Grandma Helen' s voice cut through the air.

"David! There' s my wonderful boy!"

She beamed at Dad. "Everyone, did you hear how David helped his brother out of that little jam last year? Such a good son. Always looking out for family."

My stomach clenched. That "little jam" was another of Rick's failed ventures. And Dad had "helped" using the money he' d saved for my college fund. I ended up with more loans because of it.

Dad just smiled, basking in her praise. He wouldn't stand up for me now.

I walked over to Uncle Rick.

"Uncle Rick, we need to talk about Thompson Family Ventures LLC."

He barely glanced at me, spatula in hand. "Busy now, Mike. Later."

"No, now," I said, my voice firmer than I intended. "There are unpaid taxes and loans in my name."

Rick finally turned, his smile gone. "It's just paperwork, kid. Don't get your panties in a twist."

"It's affecting my credit. I could lose my apartment in Austin."

"So? Get another apartment. Austin's full of 'em." He laughed, a short, ugly sound.

RJ snickered from his chair.

Dad shuffled over, prodded by a sharp look from Grandma Helen.

"Mike," Dad said, his voice low. "Don't make a scene. We're family."

"He used my name fraudulently, Dad!"

"Now, that's a strong word," Rick said, stepping closer. "Your dad agreed it was fine."

"He didn't tell me I'd be an officer or liable for anything!"

"Mike, please," Dad pleaded. "Just let it go for today. For family peace."

Grandma Helen chimed in, her voice dripping with disapproval. "Michael, your uncle is trying to build something. You should be supportive, not cause trouble. Your father trusts him."

Trust. That was the problem. Dad trusted too easily, especially when it came to Rick.

I looked at my father. He wouldn't meet my eyes.

Betrayal, sharp and cold, settled in my chest.