Chapter 6 - The Law Arrives
A tall, broad-shouldered police officer stepped out of the cruiser. He adjusted his utility belt and walked up the driveway. Madison immediately burst into tears. It was an incredible performance. Within seconds, she looked small, fragile, and terrified. "Officer!" she cried, running down the steps. "Thank God you're here! My stepmother has gone crazy! She's trying to throw us out on the street! We live here!" The officer held up a hand to stop her frantic babbling. He looked at me. "Are you the homeowner, ma'am?" "I am," I said. "She's only half-owner!" Evan shouted. "Her husband invited us to stay. She can't just kick us out!" The officer looked between the three of us. "Okay, let's calm down. Ma'am, do you have proof of ownership?" "I do," I said. I pulled the folder from my tote bag—the same folder I had placed on the kitchen island two days ago. I handed the officer the deed. He reviewed it. "Your name is Laura?" "Yes." He turned to Evan and Madison. "How long have you been staying at this residence?" "Months!" Madison lied smoothly, wiping a fake tear. "We receive mail here. This is our legal residence." I pulled a second document from my folder. It was the background check and public record search I had printed at the office. "Officer," I said calmly. "Here is the official eviction notice from their previous landlord, dated four days ago. They arrived at my house late Tuesday night. They have been here exactly sixty-four hours. They do not receive mail here. They have no lease. And they have paid no rent." The officer took the papers. He read the eviction notice. He looked at Madison's tear-streaked face, his expression hardening. "Ma'am, lying to a police officer is a terrible way to start a conversation," he said sharply. Madison dropped the crying act instantly. Her face contorted in anger. "My father owns this house! He wants us here!" "Your father owns half this house," the officer corrected. "And as a co-owner, this lady has the right to deny entry to guests. You haven't established residency. You are officially trespassing. You need to pack your things and leave." "We're not going anywhere without talking to Robert!" Evan yelled. Just as the words left his mouth, Robert's sedan pulled into the driveway.
