“Why?”

“Because I was finished subsidizing the fantasy.”

He stared.

“What fantasy?”

“That your mother owns whatever you tell her belongs to you.”

PART 22 — THE DETECTIVE IS NOT SECRETLY RECORDING

My phone rang.

Detective Elena Ruiz from the financial-crimes unit.

I had spoken with her earlier that week regarding the unauthorized transfers after my accountant and attorney advised me to report them.

I answered.