Chapter 6 - CPS AT THE DOOR
Before Nora could reach the front door, heavy knocking echoed through the safehouse hallway.
Detective Jackson immediately unholstered his sidearm, signaling for Nora to step back into the bedroom with Ethan.
"Sheriff's department! Open up!" a harsh female voice demanded from outside.
Jackson peeked through the door viewer, recognizing a senior officer from the state Child Protective Services division.
He unbolted the lock, opening the door just a few inches. "Agent Brenda, what are you doing here at one in the morning?"
"We received an anonymous tip that an endangered minor, Ethan Vance, was taken from his legal guardian's home," Agent Brenda announced, pushing past him with two armed deputies.
"Nora Vance is his biological mother, Brenda," Jackson argued, blocking her path. "She rescued him from abusive conditions."
"Mrs. Eleanor Vance holds emergency temporary custody granted by the county judge two hours ago," Brenda countered, holding up a signed legal warrant.
Ethan woke up from the couch, crying out in fear as he saw the uniform officers entering the room.
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Nora rushed out of the bedroom, wrapping her arms protectively around Ethan. "You are not taking my son back to that monster!"
"Stand down, Mrs. Vance, or you will be arrested for felony custodial interference," Deputy Vance warned, reaching for his handcuffs.
