Wayne told him the settlement would be smaller than expected because of legal complications.
He used phrases like “tax strategy” and “financial restructuring.”
And he told Russell not to discuss anything with Mama or me because it would only create unnecessary worry.
Russell believed him.
Wayne was the authority figure in the house.
Russell was barely an adult.
When I turned eighteen and Wayne announced that the money was gone, Russell immediately sensed something was wrong.
But by then, admitting his suspicion meant admitting he’d participated in keeping Wayne’s earlier conversation secret.
Russell felt ashamed.
So he said nothing.
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