“I am filing formal charges of harassment, corporate fraud, and child endangerment,” Alexander said. “I want the warrants issued today.”

He listened for another moment, his jaw tightening.

“I will have Margaret deliver the files to your office in twenty minutes,” Alexander said. “Thank you, Robert.”

He ended the call and looked out the front windshield.

“We are three blocks away,” Frank said from the front seat.

My eyes were fixed on the street ahead, searching for the familiar stone facade of our townhouse.

When we pulled onto the block, I saw the black sedan still parked by the curb.

One of the men in dark suits was speaking into a radio, his back to the street.

Alexander didn’t wait for Frank to open his door; he threw it open himself before the SUV had fully stopped.

I scrambled out behind him, the cold rain hitting my face.

“Step away from the gate,” Alexander said, his voice ringing out across the quiet street.

The man with the radio turned around, his expression shifting from professional indifference to surprise.

“Mr. Sterling,” the man said. “We have instructions from Mrs. Victoria Sterling to—”