Now I heard the accusation beneath the words: if I didn’t give him money, I must not care about my granddaughter.

“Send me the bills,” I said.

“I’ll look at anything Emma needs.”

His expression narrowed.

“Since when do you need bills?”

“Since I’m helping plan a proper budget.”

For a moment he looked as if he might say something cruel.

Then Emma appeared at the door and he changed his tone.