Chapter 3 - The Interrogation
I looked from the police officers to the Child Protective Services worker in total disbelief.
"She fell from her treehouse," I said, my voice trembling with fresh panic.
"The wooden railing snapped while she was playing."
The state worker crossed her arms and offered me a cold, patronizing smile.
"That is not what your parents reported to the authorities fifteen minutes ago," she said.
"They filed an emergency affidavit claiming that Marcus intentionally pushed Emma out of a second-story window."
Marcus stepped forward, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were completely white.
"That is an absolute lie!" he shouted.
One of the police officers instantly rested his hand on his duty belt and told Marcus to step back.
"Your parents also provided financial records showing that you two are completely bankrupt," the CPS worker continued.
"They claim you are abusing your child to collect charity donations online."
I felt the room spin violently around me as their wicked plan fully materialized in my mind.
They had drained our bank accounts to make us look financially desperate and unstable.
They were framing us for child abuse so that the state would strip us of our parental rights.
If they gained temporary custody of Emma, they could legally make all of her medical decisions.
They could order the doctors to turn off the life support machines and collect the half-million dollar insurance payout.
"You have to look at this insurance policy," I begged, shoving the manila folder toward the investigator.
"My parents are the ones trying to kill her for money!"
The CPS worker barely glanced at the papers before shaking her head.
"Anyone could have printed that document," she said dismissively.
"Until we conduct a full investigation, neither of you are allowed to make medical decisions for this child."
"You cannot do this to us," I cried, reaching out to touch Emma’s small hand through the bed rails.
The police officer stepped between me and the hospital bed, physically blocking my path.
"You need to leave the hospital premises immediately," the officer ordered.
"If you refuse to leave, you will be arrested for interfering with a state child welfare investigation."
Josh, who had been standing silently in the corner, suddenly grabbed Marcus by the shoulders.
"Do not fight them here, man," Josh whispered urgently.
"If you go to jail, we cannot protect her."
Marcus let out a broken sob and kissed Emma’s forehead one last time before stepping away.
We were escorted out of the intensive care unit like violent criminals.
As the elevator doors closed, Josh pulled a set of car keys from his hoodie pocket.
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"I am going to your house right now," Josh said, his eyes burning with intense determination.
"I am going to find the broken piece of that treehouse railing and prove this was not an accident."
