Chapter 6 - The Ultimatum at the Warehouse
"Step away from the child immediately, Mr. Miller," a sharp voice commanded.
A tall, impeccably dressed woman in a charcoal trench coat stepped out of the black SUV. Her hair was pulled back into a severe bun, and her expression was entirely devoid of warmth. Behind her, two local police officers emerged, their hands resting cautiously near their utility belts.
Jax stood up slowly, keeping Dylan safely behind his tall frame. He placed his protective hand on the boy's thin shoulder, feeling the slight tremor running through Dylan's small body.
"We aren't going anywhere, Ms. Vance—wait, you're not a Vance, you're the senior investigator the state sent down," Jax said, his voice dropping an octave into a dangerous, gravelly register. "Name’s Miller. I’m his legal proxy by virtue of emergency power of attorney filed back when Mark deployed."
The investigator stopped three paces away, holding a thick manila folder under her arm. She didn't look impressed by Jax’s tattoos, his leather vest, or his intimidating posture.
"Mr. Miller, emergency powers expire the moment a guardian becomes incapacitated and a minor is reported as a runaway," the investigator stated coldly, her eyes shifting past Jax to look at Dylan. "Dylan, sweetheart, come here. You aren't in trouble. We just want to get you to a safe, stable environment where your father's medical emergencies won't constantly disrupt your education."
Dylan gripped the back of Jax’s leather vest tighter, pressing his face against Jax’s hip. "I want to stay with my uncle. I don't want to go to a foster home."
"This isn't a negotiation, young man," the investigator replied, gesturing to the officers. "Officers, secure the minor. Social services has temporary emergency custody as of forty minutes ago."
One of the officers stepped forward, his face apologetic but resolute. "Look, mister, don't make this harder than it has to be. We don't want to use cuffs or get physical in front of the kid."
Jax didn't move an inch. He planted his boots firmly on the damp asphalt, his shoulders squaring off. He knew that if Dylan went into the state system tonight, getting him back would require climbing a mountain of red tape while Mark was lying helpless in a hospital bed.
"You want the kid? You'll have to go through me," Jax said quietly, his eyes locking onto the lead officer with absolute unyielding defiance.
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Before the officer could reach for his cuffs, Jax’s phone suddenly rang again with a jarring, high-pitched digital chime. The investigator blinked, startled by the intrusion, while Jax slowly slid his hand into his pocket, keeping his eyes locked on the authorities. He pulled out the phone, seeing a hospital emergency room caller ID flashing on the screen.
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