Chapter 2 - The Stolen Deed
I stared at the arrest warrant in the officer's hand, feeling the air completely leave my lungs.
Lewis had actually beaten us to the punch.
He and his mother had fabricated a story, inflicted injuries on themselves, and called the police while Chloe was fleeing for her life.
"My daughter didn't assault anyone," I said, my voice trembling with suppressed rage.
"She is inside right now, covered in bruises because this monster's mother beat her half to death."
Lewis let out a dramatic, heartbroken sob.
"She is delusional, Officer," Lewis lied smoothly.
"She fell down the stairs while trying to run away with the jewelry."
The taller officer pushed his way past me into the apartment, his hand resting on his weapon.
"We need to take her into custody right now," the officer announced.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Robert standing in the center of the room.
Robert tossed the brass fire poker onto the floor and pulled a business card from his tailored suit jacket.
"I am Robert Miller, CEO of Miller Holdings, and this is the direct line to the Police Commissioner, who I played golf with yesterday," Robert said calmly.
The officers exchanged a nervous glance, clearly recognizing my ex-husband's powerful name.
"My daughter is severely injured and currently under the care of a private trauma physician who is arriving in five minutes," Robert continued.
"If you attempt to move her without a medical clearance, I will personally see to it that you both lose your pensions by breakfast."
Lewis stepped into the room, his fake tears instantly vanishing when he saw Robert.
"This is a family matter, Robert," Lewis said, trying to sound authoritative.
"She is my wife now, and I have legal rights."
Robert walked slowly across the room until he was standing inches away from the young attorney.
"You are nothing but a dead man walking in an expensive suit," Robert whispered softly.
The police officers quickly realized they were in the middle of a war they could not afford to fight.
"We will hold off on the arrest warrant until she is medically cleared," the lead officer mumbled, practically dragging Lewis out the door.
Once the door locked behind them, I rushed over to Chloe.
"We need to find the deed to the condo," I told her frantically.
"If they are framing you for theft, they might try to claim the property as restitution."
Chloe reached a shaking hand into the small silk bridal purse she had carried all night.
She pulled out a crumpled stack of papers, her eyes widening in sheer panic.
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"Mom," she choked out, her face turning pale.
"The deed is gone, and in its place is a life insurance policy taken out on me yesterday."
