“Banks don’t require a two-hundred-fifty-thousand-dollar death policy on a six-year-old to secure a business loan,” I said.

“They do when the real estate market is down,” Julian said, his tone turning quick and sharp.

“It’s standard corporate procedure.”

“Then why did you sign the applicant line three days ago?” I asked, pointing to his blue signature dated Tuesday.

“Because the loan officer set me a Friday deadline,” Julian said, reaching for his pen.

“I’m not signing this,” I said, pushing the document back across the table toward him.

“Mom, it’s just a formality,” Julian said, stepping closer to my chair.