741 V2 ch213 (1/2)

”Did you overhear me in Jake and Noah's room?”

”I did. Not much, but enough to know that you're being used.”

I heard a small gasp from behind me. I turned to see the twins and Noah all right behind me, also eavesdropping. Noah put his finger to his lips to signal for silence.

”It's not like that.” Jeremy sounded defensive. ”This is family. You help family when they're in need.”

”Jeremy,” Dad sighed. ”We both know that's not true.”

”You don't understand. That's my uncle. He took me in after my dad died. I'm not just going to leave him out there to dry.” We heard a grunt, a car door slam, then the engine starting. Jeremy had pulled out of the driveway and left, his taillights shining bright in the dark.

”Shoot!” Dave was the first to rush away.

”Let's go before Dad catches us!” Kyle ran away after him.

I glanced at Noah. He stood right behind me, waiting.

”Boys.” Dad said.

I turned to look out the door and saw Dad heading for us.

”Do you really think his uncle is using him?” Noah blurted out.

Dad sighed. ”I do. No parent would willingly take their kid's money. Not so much. All at once. There's a lot of wrong going on.”

”He's not his parent though.” I whispered.

Dad looked at me with a sad smile. ”I know. That's what makes it even more concerning. But, Jeremy is an adult. He has to make his own decisions. You don't have to worry about this, okay?”

I nodded slowly.

Dad came inside and closed the door behind him. He guided Noah and I to the stairs. ”One of you need to go shower and the other needs to start on laundry. Can you guys guess which is which?”

Noah wrinkled his nose. ”I might need a shower after dealing with our dirty clothes. Nothing but dirt and sweat.”

”Take a second shower if you must.” Dad laughed.

Noah frowned. ”I was just kidding.” He went up the stairs first.

I hesitated for a second. Then looked to Dad. ”Do you blame Jeremy? For giving his money to Uncle Jack?”

Dad shook his head. ”I don't blame him. He's an adult and his own person. I wish he thought more for himself.”

”I understand where he's coming from.” I told him suddenly. Dad looked surprised. I looked down at my hands. ”If I got rich and you guys needed help, I would give it all to you as well.”

Dad reached out and held onto my shoulder. ”And we would turn it down. Your money is yours to keep.” He gave me an extra squeeze before letting go. ”Hurry up and shower. You guys still have one more day of camp to go.”

I nodded, then hurried up the stairs.

”Thanks.” I told him. I went to the bathroom with pjs in hand and showered.