Chapter 5 - Midnight Eviction
The hospital lobby had transformed into a battleground by the time Jenna and I burst through the sliding doors.
Arthur Vance stood at the nurse’s station, looking immaculate in a tailored charcoal wool overcoat and a cashmere scarf. Beside him stood a man in a sharp navy suit carrying a thick leather briefcase—Harold Vance, Arthur’s longtime corporate fixer and cousin.
Two private security guards stood flanking the entrance to the pediatric hallway.
“I am her grandfather,” Arthur was saying to a flustered young receptionist, his tone oozing patronizing warmth. “The mother suffered a psychological break this morning, assaulted my son, and fled the premises. As the child’s primary financial benefactor and biological grandfather, I have a duty of care.”
“Step away from that desk, Arthur,” I shouted, my voice cutting through the lobby like a blade.
Arthur turned slowly. He didn't look angry; he looked amused, like a cat watching a mouse run into a corner.
“Claire,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Look at yourself. Soaked in dirty water, screaming in a public medical facility. You’re only proving my petition correct.”
Harold, the attorney, stepped forward, holding out a manila envelope. “Mrs. Vance, we are serving you with an emergency petition for temporary protective custody under Section 1028. We have documented evidence of erratic behavior, neglect, and domestic instability culminating in this morning’s chemical incident.”
“You mean the chemical he put on her slippers?” Jenna spat, stepping around me.
Arthur’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his daughter. “Jenna. You broke into my home. You stole personal property. The police have already been dispatched to arrest you for felony burglary.”
“Let them come,” Jenna challenged, holding up the tiny silver flash drive. “Let them look at the surveillance folders labeled ‘Incident One’ and ‘Incident Two.’ Let them read the draft you sent Harold at 6:00 AM before the presents were even unwrapped.”
Harold blinked, casting a quick, uneasy glance at Arthur. Arthur’s jaw tightened—the very first crack in his polished mask.
“A draft?” Harold muttered quietly. “Arthur, you told me that incident occurred spontaneously at nine.”
“Shut up, Harold,” Arthur said smoothly, his eyes never leaving mine. He took two slow steps toward me, lowering his voice so only Jenna and I could hear. “You think a flash drive saves you, Claire? You think a local judge is going to take the word of an unhinged, jobless woman and a disgraced daughter over mine? By sunrise, Lucy will be sleeping in my guest room. And you will never see her again without a court-appointed guard watching your every breath.”
Before I could strike him, heavy boots echoed down the corridor.
May you like
Two uniformed police officers and a plainclothes detective rounded the corner, their hands resting near their duty belts.
***
