Spencer knew I had recently received a substantial payment for a financial consulting project, which I was saving to expand my small firm.

He also knew I had refused his request to lend his mother money the previous week.

I turned toward him.

“That’s why you brought me here tonight.”

He said nothing in response.

Gertrude answered instead.

“We brought you because you’re family, and families help one another.”

“Families don’t ambush each other with unexpected bills,” I countered.