He is not flashy. He is your age, bald, compact, and has the temperament of a locked safe. He handled Lupita’s estate after she passed and has been telling you for years to formalize boundaries with Luis.
THEY SERVED YOU DOG FOOD AT YOUR OWN 70TH BIRTHDAY—SO YOU CANCELED THE CARDS AND EXPOSED THE SECRET YOUR SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND WERE HIDING
You did not listen.
Today, you will.
He sits at your kitchen table while Luis and Karla stand like teenagers called into the principal’s office.
Arriaga places two documents on the table.
“First, notice of termination of permissive occupancy. You have thirty days to leave the property. Second, demand for reimbursement review regarding unauthorized use of Don Ernesto’s credit accounts.”
Luis scoffs.
“He’s my father. You can’t charge family.”
Arriaga looks at him over his glasses.
“Family can commit fraud. Happens every day.”
Karla sits down hard.
Luis glares at you.
“You planned this?”
You look at him.
“No. You did. I’m just reading the papers you forgot I know how to prepare.”
