“There is the liar.”

“She is mentally unstable!” Patricia shouted to the surrounding crowd.

“She abandoned her baby this morning, and now she’s trying to frame my family!”

My father stepped in front of me, his massive frame completely blocking her from my view.

“Keep your mouth shut, Patricia,” he said, his voice deadly quiet.

Detective Miller walked into the lobby from the side entrance, followed by two uniformed officers.

He carried a pair of metal handcuffs in his hand.

“Patricia Parker?” Miller asked, stepping into the center of the lobby.

“Who wants to know?” Patricia snapped, turning on him.

“I am Detective Miller,” he said, holding up his badge. “I have a warrant for your arrest.”

Patricia’s jaw dropped, her face turning a sickly shade of gray.

“For what?” she gasped.

“Felony domestic abuse, grand larceny, and conspiracy,” Miller said.

“This is ridiculous!” Courtney cried out, backing away toward the elevators.

“We didn’t do anything to her!”

“Courtney Parker, I have a warrant for your arrest as well,” Miller said, nodding to the uniformed officers.

The officers moved in quickly, grabbing Patricia’s arms.