Chapter 2 - The Sealed AuthorizationI set my glass of scotch onto the marble console table, placing my arm protectively around Emily’s shaking shoulders.
“Mom, don't open it,” Emily sobbed softly. “He said he'd ruin your career... he said he has judges in his pocket!”
“He has state court judges in his pocket, sweetheart,” I whispered, kissing her forehead. “He doesn't own the United States District Court.”
Outside, Deputy Collins pounded on the wood again with the butt of his heavy flashlight.
“Mrs. Bennett, open this door immediately or I will breach it under an emergency welfare check!” Collins yelled.
I stepped up to the thick glass door panel, locking eyes with Derek Vale. He stood in a tailored suit, his hair slightly unkempt, a arrogant, mocking smile plastered across his face. He held his smartphone up, tapping the screen to show me a pre-written petition for emergency psychiatric custody over Emily.
“Open up, Victoria!” Derek shouted through the glass. “My wife is mentally unstable! She ran off in the middle of the night! I’m taking her to a private clinic for her own safety!”
“She’s not going anywhere with you, Derek,” I said clearly through the intercom. “And Deputy Collins, if you take one step onto my property without a federal warrant, I will have you stripped of your badge by sunrise.”
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Collins paused, glancing nervously at Derek.
“Don't listen to her!” Derek snapped at Collins. “She’s an old woman playing politics! Break the lock!”
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