Chapter 2
Paramedics rushed through the front doorway with a rolling stretcher, swiftly kneeling beside the motionless body of little Lily. The lead medic attached an oxygen mask over the girl's face while monitoring her dangerously slow pulse rate.
"She's slipping into a deep toxic coma; we need to transport her to Mercy General Hospital immediately," the medic shouted over his equipment. Ethan gently touched Lily's small hand, feeling the icy coldness radiating from her skin before stepping back to let the professionals work.
"Go with her, Mr. Hayes; we will secure the crime scene and hold the suspect here," Officer Davis instructed firmly. Ethan nodded once, his eyes locking onto Eleanor one last time before following the stretcher out to the waiting ambulance.
The red and blue emergency lights flashed wildly against the walls of the quiet suburban cul-de-sac. Inside the kitchen, Eleanor tried to slip toward the back patio door while Officer Davis was occupied with the radio dispatch.
"Don't even think about stepping outside, Eleanor, or you'll face immediate felony obstruction charges," Officer Davis warned without turning around. Eleanor froze mid-stride, her face turning chalk-white as she realized her freedom had evaporated completely.
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"I demand to speak to my corporate attorney before you ask me another single question," Eleanor snapped with trembling authority. "You can speak to a public defender or a federal prosecutor downtown after the search warrant is executed," Officer Davis replied coldly.
More patrol cars arrived, sealing off the perimeter with yellow police tape under the watchful eyes of curious neighbors. The small US flag on the kitchen island stood as a silent witness to the betrayal unfolding within an American home.
