Chapter 2 - The Legal Trap
The guests erupted into chaotic whispers as Ryan signaled for the country club security.
I held Lily tighter against my chest, determined to protect her from this monster.
"You lied to everyone, Ryan!"
"My sister is alive, and I know exactly what you did to her!"
Ryan adjusted his ruined tuxedo jacket and walked slowly toward me.
"Emily died in that horrible car crash eight months ago."
"You are suffering from a severe psychotic break, James."
Two massive security guards in black suits rushed into the ballroom.
"Grab that lunatic and get him away from my daughter," Ryan ordered them.
I tried to stand up and run toward the exit with Lily in my arms.
One of the guards tackled me hard from the side, forcing me to drop her safely onto the carpet.
Lily screamed for me as the second guard pinned my arms behind my back.
Vanessa rushed over and yanked Lily away by the wrist.
"Get your filthy hands off her!" I shouted, struggling against the heavy guards.
Ryan walked up to me while I was pinned helplessly against the floor.
He kneeled down so that only I could hear his next words.
"You should have just stayed home and mourned like a good brother."
"Now I am going to have you locked in a padded cell for the rest of your life."
The wail of police sirens began to echo from the front gates of the country club.
I realized with pure dread that Ryan had planned for every single contingency.
The police burst through the doors and immediately placed me in cold steel handcuffs.
"He assaulted me unprovoked and tried to kidnap my child," Ryan told the lead officer calmly.
The officer yanked me up to my feet and read me my rights.
I looked frantically around the room for anyone who would believe my story.
Lily was crying hysterically in Vanessa's tight, unforgiving grip.
May you like
As the police dragged me out the door, Ryan leaned in close to my ear.
"By the time you make bail, Emily will actually be in a grave."
