After the family reunion, I checked my bank account — it was empty. (7 of 9)

“I did.”

“You called the police?!” she shrieked.

I turned to Mom. “Still think this is just ‘family business’?”

Then came the knock. Three hard, heavy pounds against the front door. Sarah went pale. Seth shot to his feet. Mom gasped.

“Open up!” a voice shouted. “Financial Crimes Unit!”

“Mason,” Seth hissed, “tell me you’re not serious.”

I walked to the door and opened it. Three agents stepped in. “Mason Carver?” one asked. I nodded. “Thank you for your cooperation. We’ll take it from here.”

Mom covered her mouth. Sarah dropped into a chair like her legs had given out. One of the agents turned to them. “You’re listed as parties of interest in an open case of financial fraud and identity theft.”

“Identity theft?” Mom cried. “He’s our son!”

“Family ties don’t make illegal activity legal, ma’am.”

“We didn’t steal anything!” Sarah cried. “We had a right! He always helped us!”