Chapter 5 - The Fabricated Warrant
Nathan didn't move an inch. He blocked the doorway with his broad frame, his eyes fixed coldly on the sheriff.
“On what grounds, Sheriff?” Nathan demanded, his voice carrying the terrifying authority of a multi-million-dollar CEO used to commanding rooms.
Sheriff Vance hesitated for a fraction of a second, clearly intimidated, before pulling a folded document from his coat pocket. “An emergency affidavit filed by Miss Victoria Vance. We have sworn testimony alleging that Grace Miller is an unstable, fugitive criminal who kidnapped the child five years ago and is currently attempting to flee the country with stolen corporate documents.”
From behind Nathan, a soft gasp echoed. Grace stood at the top of the grand staircase, holding Lily tightly in her arms, her face pale as paper.
“That’s a complete lie!” Grace called out, her voice trembling but fierce. “They forced me to leave! They threatened to kill Nathan if I ever came back!”
Victoria stepped forward from the shadow of the deputies, her smile venomous. “Save the melodrama for the judge, little maid. You stole from this family, and now you’re going to pay for it.”
Sheriff Vance motioned to the deputies. “Cuff her. And bring the kid.”
“Touch her and you’ll spend the rest of your career directing traffic in the desert,” Nathan roared, stepping forward so fast the deputies instinctively reached for their holsters. He pulled his own phone from his pocket, dialing a direct, unlisted number.
“Who are you calling?” Victoria snapped, her smile finally slipping.
May you like
“The State Attorney General’s Special Task Force on Judicial Corruption,” Nathan said calmly, holding the phone to his ear. “And while I’m at it, I’m notifying the federal SEC that every single asset belonging to the Vance family foundation is currently tied to an active corporate murder and embezzlement investigation.”
The color drained entirely from Sheriff Vance’s face. He knew as well as Nathan that federal investigators didn't play by local county rules.
