“Elena, open the door!”

Deputy Vance stepped forward, blocking the top of the stairs.

“Mr. Blackwood,” the deputy said, his voice level and loud.

Julian stopped on the second step, his hand on the wooden railing.

“Who the hell are you?” Julian asked. “Get out of my way.”

“I need you to step down off the porch, sir,” Vance said.

“This is my mother-in-law’s house,” Julian said, his chest heaving. “My wife is inside with my son.”

“There is no one in the house, Mr. Blackwood,” Vance replied.

“You’re lying,” Julian said. “She always comes here. Elena! Bring Harrison out!”

He tried to push past the deputy’s left shoulder.

Vance placed a solid hand on Julian’s chest and shoved him back down to the gravel.

Julian stumbled, his leather dress shoes slipping on the wet stones.

“Do not touch me,” Julian hissed, straightening his shirt.

“Sir, if you attempt to cross this threshold again, I will arrest you for trespassing,” Vance said.

He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a folded white packet.

“I am serving you with a temporary order of protection,” Vance said.