“It may require replacement collateral.”
“That could be almost four hundred thousand dollars.”
“I know.”
“We don’t have that.”
“I know.”
His eyes hardened.
“How could you let us sign something like that without telling us you could withdraw?”
“I didn’t let you sign it.
You signed it.”
“You knew what it meant.”
“So did the attorney who prepared it.
So did the bank officer.
I explained that my pledge was temporary support, not a permanent guarantee.”
“You said it was a formality.”
“I said the paperwork was routine if the company performed well.”
He leaned back, looking wounded.
“You really kept track of everything.”
“I’m an accountant.”
“You kept track of us.”
“I kept track of my obligations.”
He lowered his voice.
“Were we an obligation?”
I watched him for a long moment.
“No,” I said.
“You were my son.
That was why I kept saying yes.”
