Chapter 12 - THE BETRAYAL WITHIN
The front doors of the lodge were kicked open with a heavy thud.
Six armed officers rushed into the living room, their tactical flashlights cutting through the darkness.
"DON'T MOVE! POLICE!" the lead officer bellowed, raising his weapon.
Elena let out a sigh of relief, holding Lily close to her chest.
"Officer! Thank God," Elena pleaded.
"This woman kidnapped my daughter!"
"She tried to have me locked away!"
The lead officer stepped forward, sweeping his light across the room.
His badge read Sheriff Miller.
He looked at Victoria lying on the floor under Jax’s heavy grip.
Then he looked at Elena.
A slow, terrifying smile spread across Sheriff Miller’s face.
"Secure the room," the Sheriff ordered his men softly.
Two officers immediately grabbed Jax from behind, slamming him against the wall and handcuffing him.
Sheriff Miller walked over to Victoria, helping the older woman to her feet and dusting off her expensive coat.
"Are you alright, Mrs. Vance?" Miller asked with deep respect.
"I'm fine, Sheriff," Victoria said, smoothing her hair back with an icy, composure.
"Thank goodness you arrived in time."
"These two escaped mental patients broke into my home and tried to murder my family."
Elena’s blood turned to ice in her veins.
"What?!" Elena screamed.
"Sheriff, she’s lying! Look at what she did to me!"
Sheriff Miller turned to Elena, his face cold as stone.
He drew his sidearm and pointed it directly at Elena’s head.
"Hand the child over to Mrs. Vance, ma'am," Miller commanded coldly.
"You are under arrest for armed home invasion, attempted murder, and kidnapping."
Elena backed away toward the broken patio glass, clutching Lily so tight the child whimpered.
"You're in her pocket too..." Elena whispered, horrified.
"The Vance family owns this entire county, sweetheart," Sheriff Miller sneered.
"Did you really think calling 911 was going to save you?"
Julian stood up from the floor, his face pale with horror.
"Miller! Stop!" Julian yelled, stepping between the Sheriff’s gun and Elena.
"This has gone too far!"
"She is my wife! That is my child!"
Victoria slapped Julian across the mouth with terrifying force.
"Shut your mouth, you weak fool!" Victoria roared.
"I built this family!"
"I bought this life for you!"
"If you stand in my way now, I will strip you of every penny and destroy you along with her!"
Julian staggered back, clutching his face, completely paralyzed by fear once again.
Sheriff Miller racked the slide of his handgun.
May you like
"Last chance, Elena," Miller said.
"Hand over the kid, or I open fire."
