Chapter 5 - The Legal Ambush
The flashing blue and red police lights reflected against the massive glass windows of Zoe’s penthouse.
"They tracked the burner phone," Zoe said, her voice tight with panic.
"They are coming up here to execute an emergency search warrant."
I looked at the forged pill bottle sitting on the bed.
If the police found those drugs in my possession, Mark would win instantly.
"Give them to me," Zoe demanded, grabbing the pill bottle and the burner phone from the mattress.
"What are you doing?" I asked frantically.
Zoe didn't answer.
She sprinted into the kitchen, threw the pills into the garbage disposal, and flipped the switch, grinding them into toxic dust.
Then she took the burner phone and smashed it violently against the granite countertop with a meat mallet until it was nothing but shattered plastic and glass.
She swept the pieces into a trash bag just as a heavy fist pounded on the front door.
"Chicago Police Department," a loud voice boomed.
"Open the door!"
Zoe smoothed her hair, took a deep breath, and opened the door with a perfectly calm expression.
Four police officers pushed their way inside, led by a grim-faced detective holding a piece of paper.
"Chloe Peterson?" the detective asked, locking his eyes on me.
"I am Chloe," I said, stepping in front of the bedroom where Lily was hiding.
"We have an emergency court order signed by a judge," the detective said, handing me the paper.
"Your husband has been granted immediate, temporary sole custody of your daughter due to allegations of severe drug abuse and violence."
"He is lying," I said, my voice trembling.
"You need to hand over the child, ma'am," the detective ordered, placing his hand on his holster.
"You have the right to challenge this in court on Monday, but right now, she comes with us."
Lily peeked her head out from behind the bedroom door, her eyes wide with fear.
"Mommy?" she whimpered.
My heart shattered into a million pieces.
I had no choice.
If I fought the police, they would arrest me and use it against me in court.
I knelt down on the hardwood floor and pulled Lily into my arms, holding her so tightly I memorized the smell of her shampoo.
"You have to go with these nice officers for a little while, baby," I choked out, tears finally spilling down my face.
"Daddy is going to pick you up."
"I want to stay with you," Lily cried, clinging to my neck.
An officer gently pulled her from my arms, and she screamed for me as they carried her out the door.
I collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably as the door clicked shut.
Zoe knelt beside me, her jaw clenched in pure fury.
"We are going to destroy him, Chloe," Zoe vowed.
Suddenly, a loud knock echoed from the door again.
Zoe opened it to find a delivery man holding a thick, manila envelope addressed to me.
I tore it open.
May you like
Inside was a single piece of paper with a handwritten note.
"If you want to save her life, log into your husband's old laptop right now."
