Chapter 10
The rhythmic flash of red and blue light painted long, sweeping patterns across the white living room walls, courtesy of the police cruiser idling in the driveway. The low rumble of the engine filtered easily through the open front door. Marcus flinched violently, taking a nervous step backward until his legs hit the edge of the coffee table.
"Police?" Marcus whispered, his face losing what little color it had left. "Who called the police? I didn't call the police!"
Elena adjusted Leo securely against her hip, her stern expression returning as she turned toward the entryway. She didn't look panicked; she looked calculated, like a general assessing an unexpected battlefield maneuver.
"You didn't need to," Elena said evenly. "The moment the smart home perimeter registered a forced entry attempt and a municipal legal delivery simultaneously, the automated protocol synced directly with local dispatch as a standard security precaution. It’s hardcoded into the property's municipal safety compliance profile."
Marcus stared at her in utter disbelief. "You automated a police dispatch for a standard mail delivery? Are you completely out of your mind? They’re going to see the financial records, they’re going to ask questions about the lien—"
"They’re going to investigate an unauthorized lien and a forged signature on a municipal title transfer," Elena corrected sharply, cutting him off. "Which means you are the one who needs to worry about what questions they ask."
Heavy footsteps crunched on the gravel walkway outside, followed by two distinct, authoritative knocks on the open oak door frame.
"Police! Is everything alright inside?" a firm male voice called out from the porch.
Clara let out a long, weary sigh, walking slowly toward the door. She reached out and pulled it open all the way, revealing a tall, seasoned police officer standing under the porch light, his hand resting casually near his duty belt. He looked past Clara, taking in the tense posture of Elena holding the toddler, and Marcus cowering near the sofa.
"Evening, folks. We received an automated security breach and distress ping originating from this address," the officer said, his eyes scanning the room professionally. "Can I get some identification and an explanation of what's going on here?"
Marcus opened his mouth, stepping forward as if to speak first, eager to spin a narrative that would save his skin.
"Officer, let me explain—this is a misunderstanding, my partner here—" Marcus started, his voice pitching high with desperation.
"Officer," Elena interrupted smoothly, her voice cutting through Marcus's panicked stammer with absolute authority. She stepped forward, holding Leo with one arm while sliding her corporate ID badge and municipal property deed out of her blazer pocket with the other. "I am Elena Vance, the sole property owner. The individual attempting to speak is Marcus King, an unverified resident currently under internal financial audit for corporate and real estate fraud."
The officer’s eyes flicked from Elena’s badge to Marcus, whose face turned an ugly shade of crimson.
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"Hey, you can't just—she's railroading me, officer, it's a civil dispute!" Marcus shouted, lunging forward.
Before Marcus could take another step, the front door rattled as two additional backup officers stepped up onto the porch, blocking the exit entirely.
