“Every tax payment for ten years came straight from my military account.”

“I gave your grandfather cash reimbursements before he died,” my father said.

He didn’t look up from the pine table.

“I kept the property running while you were overseas in the Persian Gulf.”

“There are no cash deposit receipts in Grandpa’s oak desk,” I said.

My mother reached across the table and laid her hand over mine.

Her skin was warm, but her fingers trembled slightly against my knuckles.

“Evelyn, please.