Derek was filled with suspicion. “Dad, this could be a scam.”

“Why do you say that?” Gordon said, frowning.

“It has scam written all over it. That’s what all these Ghanaian and Nigerian guys are doing these days—you know that.”

Gordon winced. “That was kind of a racist comment, don’t you think? I wouldn’t have expected that from you, especially since your late mother was Ghanaian. You’re half Ghanaian, remember?”

“It’s not racist,” Derek said, setting his jaw. “It’s the dirty truth. And please leave Mama out of this. It’s got nothing to do with her. Fact is these scams are at an all-time high and a big chunk of them are out of Ghana and Nigeria. There isn’t a financial institution that doesn’t shudder at anything to do with Ghana or Nigeria.”

“There’s plenty of corruption right here in the United States,” Gordon said. “We have our own con men.”

Derek flipped his palms up. “Did I say we didn’t? You’re deflecting the issue, which is that you’re sending money to someone you don’t know. It’s a huge no-no.”

Gordon flared. “Two months, Derek. In fact, more than two months I’ve been talking to Helena. We’ve spoken on the phone, we’ve texted on WhatsApp, we’ve Skyped. I’ve seen her with my own eyes, live and talking to me. She didn’t even ask me for any money. I was the one who offered.”

Derek was unmoved. “You know what you should do? Ask this Helena or whatever her name is to take a selfie of herself and the so-called injured sister and see if she does.”

“Jesus Christ, Derek,” Gordon muttered.

“Dad, they’ve set you up. All that Skype stuff? They just use webcam software.”

“I know that,” Gordon said, annoyed. “And sure, I’m no Internet wizard, but I’m not stupid either and I think I can pretty much tell when something’s a hoax. Helena is not a hoax. I can guarantee you that.”

“When you Skyped with her,” Derek probed, “you didn’t have any strange pauses or inappropriate facial expressions or answers to your questions?”

Gordon shook his head. “We’ve only Skyped a little. More contact on the phone.”

“And when you call, she immediately picks up?”

“Yes, of course.”

For a moment, Derek entertained the possibility that this could be real. Could it be? No, he was certain his dad was being duped.

“Is that all you’ve sent her?” Derek asked. “The money, I mean. Is there more I don’t know about?”

“That’s all,” Gordon said sullenly. “And stop treating me like a child. I don’t like it.”

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Derek said. “I didn’t mean to. It’s just—” He finished with a sigh. “But can you promise me you won’t send any more money?”

“She told me her sister is doing better, so there’s not going to be much need.”

“Until the next thing,” Derek countered. “A funeral or some shit like that. You know them and their funerals.”

“I’m distressed by your tone,” Gordon said, shaking his head. “So much contempt.”