I looked at Brandon, who was still shivering in his wet coat.

“You knew about this?” I asked him.

“I didn’t know he’d freeze your account, Ava,” Brandon said, his voice barely a whisper. “But I need the signature. The bank is going to call the police if the collateral isn’t verified.”

“Your collateral is a lie,” I said. “You used my name. You used my signature.”

“It was just a temporary measure,” Brandon said, his voice rising in defense. “I was going to pay it back before anyone noticed.”

“You stole my identity, Brandon,” I said, the words ringing clearly in the quiet hallway.

My mother gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Ava, don’t use such harsh words,” she said. “He is your brother.”

“He is a thief,” I said.

I turned to Arthur, whose face had gone pale and rigid.

“Arthur, can we file an injunction?” I asked. “Can a judge force the bank to release my savings?”

Arthur looked at my father, then back to me, his expression grave.