"It's a control thing."
Eve nodded as if she knew too well what I meant. "Right. Well, your father is on both of your accounts."
"I guess I knew that. It's been a while since he opened those accounts for me. Back when he still trusted me enough to tuck some money in them. Does that mean I can't spend it without him signing?"
"No, you can still spend it, and you can invest some, but you can't move the money to another account. You can't close these out and start new accounts without him signing off."
"Hmm, I think that'll work as long as you can point me in the direction of some smart investments. Hold on—can I make those investments under just my name? So he can't touch them?'
"Yes, we shouldn't have any problem doing that. Your dad was pretty careless dropping the money into your regular checking and savings accounts. Those don't come with nearly as many guardrails. I guess he was in a hurry."
"I think you're right. And that's why I'm here now. I'm sure my accounts were just a very temporary hiding place until he got something offshore arranged."
She sat back in her chair and tilted her head in question. "He has no idea that you know about the money, does he?"
"I've been acting quite oblivious, much more agreeable than normal. He thinks he finally broke me." I smiled, and she returned the same smile.
"So, he'll be somewhat shocked when he finds that some of the money has been spent?"
"I don't think shocked is quite the word. And I don't just want to spendsomeof it." I pulled out the long list I'd been working on and handed it over. "How fast do you think we can distribute the money to these recipients?"
Eve perused the list, and her smile grew more. "I think you and I are going to get along splendidly. Shouldn't be hard at all. Much easier to send money than to receive it."
"Great, and that bottom stuff, those are personal needs. I'd like to get those going too. And then we can talk about these investment prospects."
Eve nodded enthusiastically. "Might take a few hours. Are you sure I can't get you something to drink? Maybe a glass of wine? I keep some on hand for celebrations, and this feels like one to me."
"You're right. I'll take a glass of wine. Let's celebrate."
CHAPTER 23
JAXON
"Cru, it's me, where are you at? Listen, that asshole security guard has orders to start pushing you guys around. Lay off the surf for a few days until we get this sorted out. Maybe we can talk to a lawyer or something, eh? Just keep away for now. Call me when you get this message."
I hung up and tried Theo's number next. "Theo, where are you? Where's Cru? You gotta stay away from Croft Beach. We'll figure out something. Just stay clear for now. And if you two are ignoring my calls because you're playing a fucking video game, I'm gonna rip that gaming system out of the wall. Got it? Call me back."
Mom came out of the office. "Heading down to the bar. Where's your dad?" The rumble of a motorcycle answered her question. "I knew he'd want to try that vintage Indian out."
My phone rang. "Cru?" My urgent tone grabbed Mom's attention. I decided to mellow it out, but my intuition was telling me something was up. "Where are you?"
Crusoe didn't answer at first. A weird groan came through the phone. "Think they broke some ribs."
Mom had lasered in on the conversation, even though I was trying to look like it was no big deal.
"Uh, then you didn't get my message in time?" I asked and smiled weakly at Mom. She wasn't buying it.
"I was—out on—the water." Every word was a struggle.
Definitely broken ribs. "Where are you?"
"I'm at—home. LaLa is—on her way."
"Right. Be there soon."
Mom crossed her arms. "All right. I need to know what the hell is going on with your brother."
"He got in a scuffle with some of the security on Croft Beach. I told him to stay away, but you know Cru." I used the word scuffle hoping to tamp down her worry. "LaLa is going to the house to check on him. I'm going to head home too."