Chapter 3 - The Psychiatric Ploy
I slammed my foot on the gas pedal and sped toward the family estate.
The winding mountain roads were slick with fresh snow, but I did not slow down.
I could not let my father lock Grandma away in a padded cell.
I pulled through the massive iron gates of the Whitaker estate and parked on the snowy grass.
Two white medical transport vans were already parked near the front steps.
I sprinted up to the massive wooden doors and pushed my way inside the grand foyer.
My father was standing by the fireplace with a smug expression on his face.
Grandma sat completely silent in her wheelchair while two large orderlies stood closely behind her.
"What do you think you are doing?" I screamed at my father.
My father slowly turned to face me with a look of pure disgust.
"My mother is clearly suffering from severe dementia and needs immediate institutional care," he said coldly.
"She is not crazy, and you know it!" I yelled while stepping toward her.
My cousin Brittany stepped in my way with a cruel smirk.
"The medical professionals have already signed the commitment papers, Claire," Brittany sneered.
"No doctor would sign off on this without a proper psychological evaluation," I argued desperately.
My father chuckled darkly and pointed toward the grand staircase.
"Actually, we found a highly respected doctor who was more than happy to expedite the paperwork."
I looked up at the top of the stairs and felt all the blood drain from my face.
A tall man in a tailored suit slowly descended the steps holding a clipboard.
It was Derek, my abusive and manipulative ex-husband.
He smiled at me with the exact same toxic grin that used to haunt my nightmares.
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"Hello, Claire," Derek said smoothly as he tapped his pen against the clipboard.
"It seems insanity runs deep in your family, and I have the authority to lock you both away forever."
