At 1 A.M., My Parents Demanded $20,000 for My Brother — By Morning, the Police Were at My Door

use that method.”

“So you knew,” I said flatly.

He looked older suddenly, diminished. “I didn’t think—”

“Don’t,” I interrupted. “Don’t say Mark’s name like it explains everything. I’m your child too. Did you forget that?”

Mark finally looked up, genuinely irritated. “You’re acting like someone died.”

I stepped toward him, and something in my face made him continue reading …