Chapter 2 - The Unwanted Guests
The doorbell rang with a sharp, piercing sound that made everyone in the living room jump.
Alexander looked at me, severe confusion and panic warring in his eyes.
"Mom, what is going on?" he asked, taking another step away from Bianca.
I kept my posture completely straight, refusing to show any weakness to these vultures.
"I am protecting you, my son," I answered simply.
Heavy knocks followed the doorbell, demanding immediate attention from whoever was inside.
Ewald rushed to the front window and peeked through the closed blinds.
"There are two cruisers parked on the lawn," he hissed, turning to glare at me with pure hatred.
"What did you tell them, you crazy old woman?" Lydia screamed, her sophisticated mask entirely shattered.
I did not have to answer, because Alexander was already walking slowly to the door.
He pulled it open to reveal two uniformed police officers looking stern and professional.
"Are you Alexander Morgen?" the taller officer asked, stepping heavily into the foyer.
Alexander nodded slowly, his hands visibly shaking at his sides.
"We received a verified tip about a potential grand larceny and elder abuse taking place at this residence," the officer stated clearly.
Bianca rushed forward, pasting on a fake, sickly-sweet smile that made my stomach turn.
"Officers, this is just a terrible misunderstanding," she chirped nervously.
"My mother-in-law is a bit confused in her old age and she gets highly dramatic over small family squabbles."
She tried to touch the officer's arm, but he immediately stepped back.
"Ma'am, we were informed that twenty-five thousand dollars was forcibly taken from an elderly woman," the second officer said.
He pointed a flashlight directly at the thick stacks of cash scattered across the expensive living room rug.
Ewald quickly tried to kick some of the hundred-dollar bills under the sofa with his expensive leather shoe.
"That is my money," Ewald lied smoothly, stepping in front of the cash.
"I brought it here to help my son-in-law with some investments, and the old lady knocked it over in a fit of rage."
I scoffed loudly at the ridiculous lie, knowing my smart son would never go along with it.
I turned to Alexander, waiting proudly for him to tell the authorities the truth.
"Tell them, Alexander," I urged him gently.
"Tell them exactly who that money belongs to."
Alexander looked down at the money, then at his glaring wife, and finally back at me.
He swallowed hard, heavy beads of sweat pooling on his forehead.
"The money belongs to my father-in-law," Alexander whispered, refusing to meet my eyes.
My heart shattered into a million painful pieces right there in the hallway.
"Alexander, what are you saying?" I gasped, stepping toward him in disbelief.
Bianca smirked in absolute triumph, wrapping her arm tightly around her husband's waist.
"You see, officers?" Bianca said with a sickeningly smooth tone.
"She is just a confused, bitter old woman who desperately needs medical psychiatric help."
The lead officer frowned deeply and pulled out a heavy pair of metal handcuffs.
"I am sorry, ma'am, but we are going to have to ask you to come with us for an evaluation," he said to me.
As the officer reached out for my arm, Ewald leaned in incredibly close to my ear.
May you like
"I own the chief of police in this town," Ewald whispered, smiling wickedly.
"You are never getting out of that psychiatric ward."
