Chapter 5 - The Kidnapping
My heart completely stopped beating inside my chest.
"Melissa is not on the authorized pickup list!" I screamed at the principal.
The police officer stepped forward and held up a manila folder.
"Your sister presented emergency temporary custody papers signed by a family court judge," the officer stated calmly.
"That is impossible, I never received any notice of a custody hearing!" I fired back.
"The papers claim you and your wife are suffering from severe substance abuse issues and are unfit parents," he explained.
My own mother and sister had kidnapped my children using the exact same forged legal network they used to steal my house.
I pulled out my phone and called Laura, quickly explaining the terrifying situation.
She broke down in hysterical tears, begging me to go get our babies back immediately.
I did not wait for the police to sort through the bureaucratic paperwork.
I drove my SUV recklessly across town, breaking every speed limit until I reached my parents' house.
Melissa's shiny car was parked in the driveway exactly where it had been on Sunday.
I did not bother knocking on the front door this time.
I kicked the heavy wooden door with all my strength, splintering the frame and bursting into the hallway.
My father jumped out of his armchair, his face pale with sudden, genuine fear.
"Where are my children?!" I roared, grabbing him roughly by the collar of his shirt.
Melissa stepped out of the kitchen, holding a steaming mug of coffee and smiling wickedly.
"They are perfectly safe at a private location, Jack," she said smoothly.
"You have exactly one hour to bring them back before I burn this house to the ground with you in it," I threatened.
May you like
Melissa simply chuckled and pulled a small, black remote control from her pocket.
"Smile for the cameras, Jack, because you just gave me all the evidence I need for a permanent restraining order."
