741 V2 ch213

"The same goes for you, Jeremy." Dad said. "We may not have as much to work with compared to you, but if you need a bailout, we can work something out. Don't try to take on everything by yourself."

"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.