Less than three minutes later the front door exploded open with a thunderous crash as federal agents stormed into the house shouting commands.
Patricia screamed while crawling behind the dining table and Brandon ran into the pantry in panic.
Gregory stood frozen as two agents forced him onto the kitchen floor and pinned his arms behind his back.
“Do not shoot,” Gregory yelled. “I am a lawyer.”
“Stay quiet,” an agent replied while securing his wrists.
Another agent knelt beside me and spoke gently.
“Ms Parker, we are here to help you and the ambulance is waiting outside.”
They lifted me onto a stretcher and carried me through the living room while flashing lights from black government vehicles illuminated the street.
As we passed Gregory he looked up from the floor with desperate eyes.
“Amelia please tell them it was an accident,” he pleaded.
I looked down at him without emotion.
“I am pressing charges for assault and unlawful restraint,” I said clearly. “And I want a divorce.”
Outside the cold winter air hit my face as paramedics rushed me into the ambulance.
A dark government sedan suddenly stopped beside the vehicle and the rear door opened quickly.