Chapter 4 - The Law Intervenes
Before my mother could launch another tirade, the sound of tires rolling over gravel interrupted her. A dark green SUV with the Crow Wing County Sheriff insignia appeared at the curve of the drive, its yellow and red lights flashing rhythmically without the siren.
Uncle Greg stepped back toward his vehicle. Aunt Cheryl gathered her children, pulling them close.
My mother gasped, pointing a trembling finger at the squad car. "You called the police on your own family? On your own parents?"
"I didn't call them," I said calmly.
A tall, broad-shouldered deputy stepped out of the vehicle, his uniform crisp despite the humidity. He wore sunglasses and a wide-brimmed campaign hat, his hand resting casually near his duty belt. He looked at the seven idling vehicles, the mountain of luggage, and the cluster of bewildered adults.
"Afternoon," Deputy Miller said, his voice deep and measured. "I had a call from an attorney representing Ms. Lauren Mitchell regarding a potential civil disturbance and unauthorized occupancy. Is Lauren Mitchell present?"
"I'm Lauren Mitchell," I said, opening the storm door just wide enough to speak clearly. "I am the sole owner of this property."
"She is our daughter!" Arthur shouted, his voice cracking with humiliation. "Officer, this is a family dispute! A private family matter! We don't need law enforcement here."
Deputy Miller walked deliberately up the porch steps, glancing at Arthur with a cool, professional gaze. "Sir, step down to the gravel, please."
"I will not—"
"Arthur, step down," Greg barked from below. "Don't make this worse than it already is."
My father, looking withered and stripped of his usual bluster, slowly descended the wooden stairs.
Deputy Miller examined the deed Rachel had already faxed to the precinct earlier that morning. He handed it back to me with a slight nod. "Everything appears in order, Ms. Mitchell. Are any of these individuals on the title or carrying a valid residential lease?"
"No," I replied. "None of them."
Miller turned to face the crowd in the driveway. "Folks, this is private property. The legal owner has requested that everyone vacate the premises immediately. If you do not clear the driveway within fifteen minutes, I will begin issuing citations for criminal trespass and calling tow trucks for the vehicles."
"Officer, please!" Helen pleaded, attempting to muster a tearful, fragile expression. "We have children here! We have nowhere to go! We drove hours to get here!"
May you like
"Ma'am," Deputy Miller said, completely impervious to the performance. "There are three motels out on Highway 371. I suggest you start calling around. Your fifteen minutes started thirty seconds ago."
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