Linda stepped forward, voice dripping with sweetness. “Officers, this is just a family misunderstanding. We just arrived from—”
Officer Ramirez raised a hand. “Ma’am, I need you to step back.”
Linda’s smile disappeared. “Excuse me?”
“Step back,” Ramirez repeated, calm but firm.
Ryan’s shoulders tightened. I could practically see his thoughts racing: If he could just get inside, he could claim residency. If he could just cross the threshold, the story would change.
Officer Dwyer read the attorney letter and quietly asked me, “Do you want them removed from the property?”
“Yes,” I said. “All of them.”
Heather let out a sob. “Where are we supposed to go?”
“Not my problem,” I replied, and felt something unexpected—relief.
Officer Ramirez turned to Ryan. “Sir, you need to leave the premises. If you refuse, you may be cited or arrested for trespassing.”
Ryan laughed once in disbelief. “You’re kidding.”
Officer Dwyer’s voice sharpened slightly. “We are not.”
Ryan’s eyes burned into mine. “Emily, you’re really doing this? Over a few transfers?”
“A few?” Frank muttered quietly, suddenly sounding years older. He stared at Ryan like he barely recognized him. “Son… what did you do?”