Chapter 4 - The First Lie
The officer approached Rebecca’s window with one hand near his belt.
“Ma’am, step out of the vehicle.”
Her children began crying.
Rebecca obeyed.
Rain struck her face as the officer checked her license.
“We received a report that you abducted three children.”
“They’re my children.”
“Your husband says you’re emotionally unstable.”
Rebecca felt the trap closing.
Marcus had always been careful.
He hit where clothing covered the marks.
He insulted her in private.
He smiled in public.
The officer asked whether she had proof of custody.
“It’s in my house.”
“Your husband’s house?”
“My house too.”
A second patrol car arrived.
Then a female officer named Teresa Monroe stepped forward.
She looked at Rebecca’s soaked clothes, the garbage bags, and the frightened children.
“Can I speak to you privately?”
Beside the patrol car, Rebecca showed her the bruising along her ribs.
Teresa’s expression changed.
“When did this happen?”
“Tonight. And before.”
“Did you report it?”
“I tried to leave. My family turned me away.”
Teresa looked toward the children.
“Where are you going?”
“The Harbor House shelter.”
The officer nodded.
“I’ll escort you.”
Marcus’s report was documented as a domestic custody dispute rather than an abduction.
But before Rebecca returned to the car, Teresa lowered her voice.
“Your husband told dispatch you stole confidential financial property.”
Rebecca glanced at Ethan.
May you like
The flash drive suddenly felt heavier than a weapon.
👉 Rebecca finally had evidence Marcus feared—but keeping it could cost her freedom and her children.
