Any further attempts would be documented.
I sent it by email and certified mail.
My father reacted first.
You got a lawyer? Are you insane?
My mother followed.
How could you make family legal?
Jake sent only one line.
You always wanted to be better than us.
I did not reply.
Three days later, a call came from the financial aid office at Jake’s new school.
“Hello, is this Ryan Miller?”
“Yes.”
“This is Dana from Westbridge College. I’m calling regarding a family contribution form submitted in connection with Jacob Miller’s enrollment.”
My stomach tightened.
“What form?”
She hesitated. “We have documentation listing you as a supplemental sponsor for anticipated payment.”
“I did not submit that.”
A pause.
“Would you be willing to confirm that in writing?”
“Yes.”
I called Ellis immediately after.
His voice sharpened. “Send me everything.”
The form arrived by email.
My name.
My address.
My estimated income.
A signature that was not mine.
It was not even a good forgery. Jake had always been lazy with details. The R looked wrong. The date format was not one I used. The email listed for me contained an old variation I had abandoned years before.
