Chapter 25 - The Ambush at the Park
Before Daniel could execute his legal strike, the enemy attempted to breach our physical boundaries.
The next afternoon, I was at the local, highly secure neighborhood park with Clare. She was happily swinging on the monkey bars, entirely oblivious to the adult wars raging in the shadows.
I was sitting on a nearby bench, reading a book, when a shadow fell over the pages.
I looked up.
Aunt Beatrice stood there, wearing an overly expensive trench coat, her face twisted into a smug, arrogant sneer that perfectly mirrored my mother's.
"Hello, Claire,"
Beatrice said, stepping aggressively close to the bench.
"I see my great-niece is getting so big. It’s a tragedy her grandmother isn't allowed to see her."
I slowly closed my book. I did not shrink back. I stood up, rising to my full height, placing myself directly between Beatrice and the playground where my daughter was playing.
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"You are not welcome here, Beatrice,"
I stated, my voice echoing with an absolute, terrifying authority that made her physically flinch.
