Chapter 3 - The Corrupt County
The flashing blue and red lights filled the interior of the limousine.
“Do not pull over,” I ordered the lawyer, my voice suddenly finding a core of steel.
“If I don't, they will shoot the tires and flip this car,” he warned frantically.
He eased his foot off the gas and guided the heavy vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway.
I quickly shoved Garrett’s letter and the brass key deep down into the lining of my worn boots.
The cruiser screeched to a halt right behind us.
Arthur stepped out of the police car, wearing a perfectly tailored suit and a malicious smile.
A uniformed deputy followed him, resting his hand casually on his holstered weapon.
Arthur walked directly to my window and tapped on the tinted glass.
The lawyer rolled the window down just an inch.
“Well, Eleanor,” Arthur mocked, his voice dripping with fake sympathy.
“We were so worried when you wandered away from the estate.”
“I didn't wander away,” I stated firmly.
“You threw my suitcase onto the pavement.”
Arthur sighed dramatically and looked at the deputy.
“As you can see, officer, my stepmother’s dementia is progressing rapidly.”
“My father’s tragic death has completely shattered her fragile mind.”
The deputy nodded sympathetically, pulling a pair of handcuffs from his belt.
“We have a court order signed by a judge this morning granting Victoria and me full medical conservatorship over you.”
My blood ran completely cold.
They weren't trying to murder me on the highway.
They were legally stripping away my human rights so they could lock me in a psychiatric ward forever.
“Step out of the vehicle, ma'am,” the deputy commanded.
I looked at the lawyer, but he was staring at his phone, his expression completely unreadable.
He reached across the console and unlocked my door.
May you like
“I'm sorry, Eleanor,” the lawyer whispered, refusing to look at me.
“Arthur made me a much better offer.”
