Chapter 3 - The False Allegations
The words hit me like a physical blow to the chest.
"Remove the children?" I repeated, absolutely refusing to step aside.
The CPS worker, who introduced herself as Agent Harris, held up a formal court order.
"We received certified medical records indicating that Owen has suffered unexplained bruising for months."
Claire pushed past me, placing herself directly in front of the stern agent.
"That is a complete lie, my son plays soccer and falls down, there is no abuse happening here!"
One of the police officers rested his hand on his duty belt, a silent warning for us to stay calm.
"Ma'am, we are just doing our job, please bring the children out or we will have to search the premises."
I looked at Claire, silently communicating that fighting the police would only traumatize Lily and Owen more.
I walked into the backyard, my heart breaking into a million pieces as I saw my kids sitting on the swing set.
"Lily, Owen, come here for a second," I called out, forcing the warmest smile I could manage.
They ran over to me, completely oblivious to the nightmare waiting inside the house.
I knelt down to their eye level and held their small hands in mine.
"Some nice people from the city need you to go with them for a little while, just to answer some questions."
Owen looked terrified and clutched my shirt.
"Did I do something wrong, Dad?" he whispered, his lower lip trembling.
"No, buddy, you did nothing wrong, I promise I will bring you home by tonight," I lied.
I walked them into the house and watched helplessly as Agent Harris escorted them to her sterile white car.
As the car drove away, Claire collapsed onto the floor in hysterics, screaming my name.
I helped her up, knowing that breaking down was a luxury we could not afford right now.
"I need to know who signed those fake medical records," I said, grabbing my car keys from the counter.
I drove straight to the family clinic listed on the paperwork Agent Harris had flashed at me.
I stormed past the receptionist and kicked open the door to Dr. Evans's private office.
Dr. Evans jumped out of his leather chair, dropping his pen in pure shock.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, reaching for his telephone.
I slammed the court order onto his desk, pointing at his forged signature.
"You signed off on fake abuse charges against me, and I want to know why."
Dr. Evans turned pale and looked nervously toward the closed office door.
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"Vanessa made me do it," he whispered, his voice shaking with fear.
"She told me if I didn't sign the forms, the cartel she owes money to would kill my entire family."
