Chapter 4 - The Arrest
Police arrived before sunrise.
Grace was still asleep on the sofa.
Lily was curled beside her.
Nathan was sitting nearby.
When the front door opened, Grace woke immediately.
Two officers entered.
“Grace Miller?”
She stood.
“Yes?”
“You're under arrest.”
Lily began crying.
Nathan stepped forward.
“On what charge?”
“Child abduction.”
Grace went pale.
“What?”
The officer held up a photograph.
It showed Grace leaving an airport five years earlier.
Another showed her holding Lily.
A third appeared to show Grace purchasing a one-way ticket.
“This is fabricated,” Nathan said.
The officer looked uncomfortable.
“Mr. Cole, we have a warrant.”
Grace grabbed Lily.
“Please don't take my daughter.”
Nathan moved between them.
“She stays here.”
The second officer shook his head.
“Until the court determines custody, the child may be placed with protective services.”
Lily screamed.
“Mommy!”
Nathan's heart broke.
He crouched in front of her.
“Lily.”
She looked at him.
“Don't let them take Mommy.”
Nathan swallowed.
“I won't.”
Grace stared at him.
“You don't understand.”
“I understand enough.”
The officers took Grace.
Lily clung to Nathan.
As the police car disappeared, Nathan looked toward the mansion.
Victoria stood at an upstairs window.
Watching.
Smiling.
Nathan felt something inside him settle.
He no longer wanted explanations.
He wanted the truth.
And he would find it.
May you like
Even if the truth destroyed every person who had raised him.
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