Chapter 10
Clara cautiously stepped into the hallway, motioning for David to stay back. She approached the front door, peering through the peephole once again. It wasn't Eleanor this time. Standing on the porch was a uniformed police officer, flanked by a local process server holding a thick manila envelope.
Clara unlocked the door and pulled it open, her guard still fully up.
"Good evening, Mrs. Vance," the officer said politely. "I’m Officer Miller again. We’re here to officially serve the emergency protective order to your household, and to inform you that a formal summons has been issued regarding a countersuit filed by Mrs. Eleanor Vance."
Clara blinked in sheer disbelief. "A countersuit? On what possible grounds?"
Officer Miller winced slightly, looking uncomfortable. "She’s filing for grandparent visitation rights, claiming that you and your husband are wrongfully alienating her from her grandchild and fabricating allegations of abuse to secure a legal advantage."
David, who had walked up behind Clara, let out an incredulous laugh that held no humor. "Grandparent visitation? After she physically assaulted him? Are you kidding me?"
"I'm just the messenger, sir," Officer Miller replied, handing the thick manila envelope to David. "The court date for the initial injunction hearing is scheduled for next Monday morning at the county courthouse. Both parties will be expected to present their evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness testimony."
"We’ll be there," Clara said coldly, her voice ringing with absolute determination. "We have the photographs, the medical notes, and the social worker’s evaluation. Let her try to explain to a judge why she thinks she has a right to terrorize an eight-year-old boy."
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Officer Miller nodded sympathetically. "I recommend having legal representation present, Mrs. Vance. Mrs. Vance senior has retained very expensive legal counsel known for aggressive litigation in family court."
As the officers turned and walked back to their squad car, the reality of the impending legal battle settled heavily over the household. Eleanor wasn't going to back down quietly. She was mobilizing her resources, weaponizing the legal system to reclaim her dominance over the family she believed she owned. The backyard barbecue had felt like an isolated incident of domestic violence, but it was now morphing into a full-scale war for the soul and safety of their family.
