That’s when Graham’s composure finally broke.
He jabbed a finger at me. “You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to ambush me at a family dinner with some out-of-context article and act like you’re some kind of investigator. You’re an IT guy. You fix computers.”
I didn’t flinch.
“I’m a cybersecurity professional who was hired to investigate your firm’s digital records,” I said. “I don’t fix printers, Graham. I find the things people like you try to hide.”
That line landed like a thunderclap.
Evan looked away, and I’m pretty sure it was to hide a smile. Karen squeezed my knee under the table so hard it hurt.
Then my father spoke for the first time.
“An hour ago,” Dad said slowly, “you asked my wife how much was in her 401(k).”
Every head turned toward him.
“And you asked me about taking my pension as a lump sum.” Dad’s voice was quiet and flat. “You wanted to come to this house in December and look at our statements.”
Graham opened his mouth. “Mr. Hollis, that was just friendly—”
“Friendly,” Dad repeated. He didn’t say anything else. He didn’t have to.
Paige was shaking. She wasn’t angry at me. It was something worse. It was realization.
“Graham,” she said quietly. “Is this true?”
He turned to her, and his whole demeanor shifted. The arrogance evaporated like steam off a pot. He reached for her hand.
“Paige, babe, listen to me. It’s complicated. There were partners involved. I was the fall guy. The media twisted everything. I was going to tell you. I just needed the right time.”
“You’ve had four months,” she said.
Her voice cracked on the last word.
“Paige, please. I can explain everything. Can we just go somewhere and talk privately?”
He glanced around the table as if the rest of us were the problem, as if we were the ones who had lied.
My sister looked at him for a long time. Then she looked at me.
For the first time in years, she didn’t look at me like the little brother who fixed computers. She looked at me like I’d just pulled her off the tracks a second before a train she never saw coming.
“I think you should go,” she said to Graham.
He started to argue. He actually reached for her arm.
My dad stood up.
He didn’t say anything. He’s six-foot-two and two hundred twenty pounds, with hands that spent thirty-five years pulling wire and bending conduit. He just stood up and looked at Graham.
That was enough.
Graham grabbed his sport coat off the back of the chair, snatched his precious bottle of Pinot Noir off the kitchen counter, and headed for the front door. Before he left, he turned back to me. His face was red and his jaw was clenched.
“You think you’re clever, buddy? You just ruined your sister’s holiday.”
I looked him dead in the eyes.
“No, Graham. I just saved her from you.”
The front door slammed hard enough to rattle the picture frames in the hallway.
Nobody moved for about ten seconds.
Then my mother, the most beautifully unfazed woman on this planet, picked up the pie server and said, “Well. Who wants more pie?”
Honestly, it might have been the best slice of pecan pie I’ve ever had.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.