Chapter 13: The Courthouse Steps
The grand granite steps of the county courthouse loomed ahead under a bright, unforgiving midday sun. Connor parallel-parked the sedan illegally near a fire hydrant, killing the engine before rushing around to help Clara out of the passenger seat. She adjusted the baby carrier one final time, her expression resolute and entirely devoid of fear. They walked swiftly up the stone stairs, pushing through the heavy glass doors into the bustling security checkpoint.
Security guards eyed the baby carriers with mild curiosity, but Connor flashed his identification and pushed past toward the probate division on the third floor. Every second counted; if Helen’s emergency eviction order was processed before they filed the forensic audit, they would be legally locked out of the estate before noon.
They rounded the corner of the third-floor hallway, expecting to see the clerk's office—instead, they found Helen standing by the mahogany double doors, flanked by two uniformed county deputies.
Helen looked immaculate in her beige suit, her silver hair perfectly styled, holding a certified copy of the emergency eviction order in her hand. A smug, victorious smile spread across her face as she saw them approach.
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"You're wasting your time, Connor," Helen called out, her voice echoing down the marble hallway. "The judge signed the writ twenty minutes ago. This property is mine, and you have legally forfeited every single right to challenge it."
"You forged the signature on that writ, Helen, and we have the federal audit to prove it," Connor shouted back, stepping forward with his hand firmly planted on the inner pocket of his brown jacket.
