Chapter 4 - THE FRAMED INNOCENT|
Marcus reached down forcefully, ripping Sophia’s small rain jacket off the back of the chair. He flipped it upside down and shook it violently.
Clack.
A heavy, glittering platinum pocket watch attached to a intricate silver chain dropped onto the wooden floorboards.
Mrs. Gable let out a dramatic gasp. "I knew it! A little thief!"
Sophia burst into terrified tears, shrinking back into her seat and pulling her knees to her chest.
"I’m not a thief!" the child sobbed loudly, her voice echoing off the walls. "I didn't touch it! I didn't take it! I swear!"
"Keep quiet, you little brat!" Marcus growled, reaching out to grab Sophia’s small arm. "You're going straight to the precinct, and your mother is going to lose her job!"
"Get your hands off my daughter!" Rosa screamed.
She threw her body between Marcus and Sophia, shoving the broad guard backward with all her strength. Marcus stumbled back, his face darkening with rage. He raised his heavy hand to strike Rosa away.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Rosa cried out, shielding Sophia with her apron.
"You're both going down for this!" Marcus barked, raising his hand again. "You brought a thief into this house!"
"I'm not a thief!" Sophia wept hysterically from behind her mother's skirt. "The man put his hand in my coat while I was coloring! I thought he was fixing my pocket!"
Marcus froze for a split second, his jaw tightening. "She's lying! Kids lie to cover their tracks!"
"Enough."
The single word cut through the room like a razor blade.
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Every person in the room went instantly rigid.
Damon Cain stood in the doorway. He had removed his jacket, his crisp white shirt sleeves rolled to his forearms, revealing dark ink tattoos etched into his skin. Beside him, Zeus let out a low rumble that vibrated through the floorboards.
