Chapter 7
The warrant came through at 4:18 p.m.
State police searched Richard’s house.
Not local officers.
Not Chief Mallory, who had been photographed at Richard’s fundraiser two weeks earlier.
State police.
Maya went with them as an observer for Khloe’s civil case.
I stayed at the hospital.
I hated waiting.
Waiting was where fear grew teeth.
Khloe slept in short bursts.
Every time she woke, she asked for Elliot.
Every time a door opened, she flinched.
I learned the pattern fast.
Soft knock.
Name before entering.
No male staff without warning.
No flowers.
No calls transferred.
No Richard.
At 6:03, Maya called.
“We found the safe.”
“And?”
“You need to sit down.”
I walked into the hallway.
“Tell me.”
“There are psychiatric commitment forms already filled out. A custody petition naming Vanessa as preferred guardian if Khloe is deemed unfit. Prenup amendment giving Richard control over Khloe’s inheritance. And a life insurance policy increase from two months ago.”
The hallway went silent around me.
“Say that last part again.”
“Life insurance. Five million. Richard beneficiary.”
My hand tightened around the phone.
“Anything else?”
“Yes. A note in Vanessa’s handwriting.”
I closed my eyes.
“What does it say?”
Maya read it.
After courthouse, push mental health narrative. Baby stays with us. Khloe disappears into treatment before Harrison reacts.
I leaned against the wall.
Before Harrison reacts.
They knew I was the obstacle.
They had not understood the size of it.
“Send copies to Avery, Olivia, and the DA.”
“Already did.”
I returned to Khloe’s room.
She was awake.
She knew from my face.
“What?”
I sat beside her.
“They planned to have you committed.”
She closed her eyes.
“And Elliot?”
“They planned to take him.”
Her breathing turned ragged.
I pressed the nurse call button.
“Khloe, look at me.”
She did.
“They failed.”
“For now.”
“For good,” I said. “Even if I have to dismantle every courthouse in this state brick by brick.”
She almost smiled.
“There’s my terrifying brother.”
May you like
I kissed her hand.
“I missed him too.”
