Chapter 8: The Desperate Blackmail
In early December, James Miller made one final, catastrophic attempt to regain control.
Backed by Eleanor’s dwindling social connections, James filed an emergency writ of habeas corpus in the Chatham County Superior Court, demanding the immediate return of Sophie and Toby to his physical custody, alleging that Claire had ""kidnapped the minor children from a church sanctuary.""
Accompanying the filing was a private letter delivered by courier to Claire’s estate:
*“Claire: Drop the bar complaint and surrender the Charleston audio file, or I will drag Sarah’s name through every tabloid in Georgia. I will prove she was an unfit mother, and I will place Sophie and Toby in a closed foster institution before I let you raise them.”*
Claire read the letter standing on her front veranda.
She folded the paper neatly, walked into the study, and handed it directly to Special Agent David Vance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who was sitting with Marcus Cole reviewing James’s offshore accounts.
""Is this sufficient for interstate witness tampering and extortion, Agent Vance?"" Claire asked calmly.
May you like
Agent Vance reviewed the letter, a cold smile touching his lips. ""This carries a mandatory ten-year enhancement, Ms. Vance. Mr. Miller just signed his own arrest warrant.""
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