Chapter 5 - Ambush in Plain Sight
"Julian Reyes! Step away from the child and place your hands behind your head!"
Two state troopers stood in the doorway, sidearms unholstered, flanked by a stern-faced woman in a gray business suit holding a court-stamped folder. Behind them stood Marcus Kane, Vance’s ruthless lead fixer, smirking beneath an expensive haircut.
Leo woke instantly, shrinking back against the headboard, his eyes wide with renewed terror. "Daddy! Don't let them take her!"
Clara threw herself across her son, using her frail body as a shield. "You cannot have him! Get out!"
Julian stepped between the officers and the bed, his posture disciplined, shoulders square. "You're executing an illegal custody transfer based on an unverified emergency petition. The patient is under medical evaluation for systemic assault."
"The court order is signed by Superior Judge Sterling," the woman from Child Protective Services stated coldly. "The child is in protective state custody pending a full psychiatric review of the biological mother. Move aside, Mr. Reyes, or you will be charged with felony obstruction."
Marcus Kane took a step forward, leaning in toward Julian with a whisper meant only for him. "Mr. Vance sends his regards. He said you can keep the woman once she’s broken completely, but the boy comes home. The trust requires a living heir to disburse the assets."
Julian’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched along his cheek. He glanced at Maya, who was already holding her phone high, recording the entire confrontation live to a cloud server.
May you like
"Officer," Maya announced loudly, projecting her voice down the corridor, "you are currently trespassing on an active medical quarantine wing, violating HIPAA federal regulations, and assisting in the cover-up of felony unlawful imprisonment. This stream is currently broadcasting to three hundred independent legal monitors."
The two troopers hesitated, their eyes flickering to Maya’s phone, then to the terrified child shivering beneath his mother’s hospital gown. In the court of public opinion, the optics were disastrous.
