CHAPTER 4
The silence that followed was broken only by the hum of the automatic gates as a neighbor’s Lexus pulled into the community.
Marcus kept his hand resting casually near his belt, making sure Maxwell didn't attempt to push past us toward the driveway of my two-million-dollar Mediterranean home.
"Maxwell Morales," a stern voice boomed from behind the Mercedes as a black unmarked police sedan pulled up to the curb.
Two plainclothes detectives from the Orange County Sheriff's Department stepped out of the vehicle, displaying their gold badges prominently on their belts.
"Are you Maxwell Morales?" the lead detective asked, his sharp eyes scanning Maxwell's expensive suit and terrified expression.
"Yes... why?" Maxwell stammered, taking a step backward until his back hit the hood of his car.
"We have a warrant for your arrest regarding grand theft, identity fraud, and attempted illegal transfer of real estate property," the detective announced calmly.
Samantha covered her mouth with both hands, letting out a sharp shriek as she backed away from Maxwell as if he carried a contagious disease.
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"Mom! Tell them it's a mistake!" Maxwell screamed, tears finally spilling down his cheeks as the second detective pulled his hands behind his back. "Tell them you gave me permission! I'm your son, Mom! You can't let them take me!"
"I spent thirty years protecting you from the world, Maxwell," I said, standing tall as the cold metal handcuffs clicked around his wrists. "But today, I am protecting myself from you."
