Chapter 7 - The Blue Lights on the Boulevard
Two black-and-white police cruisers swept around the curved driveway, their tires crunching against the decorative river gravel.
Two uniformed officers stepped out, their hands resting comfortably near their duty belts as they assessed the shouting crowd.
Officer Ramirez, whom Daniel had collaborated with on municipal zoning boards, tipped his cap respectfully to my husband.
"Afternoon, Counselor Vance. We received your dispatch request regarding commercial trespass and rental fraud."
"Officer Ramirez, thank you for responding so promptly," Daniel replied, handing over the printed copies of Derek’s fraudulent listings.
"This individual, Derek Parker, has collected thousands of dollars in illicit deposits by advertising our private bedrooms without consent."
The young nurse and the second victim immediately stepped forward, holding out their bank transfer receipts on their phone screens.
"He took twelve hundred from me at nine o'clock this morning, Officer!" she stated, her voice shaking with tears of frustration.
Officer Ramirez reviewed the digital transaction records, cross-referencing Derek’s name and phone number against the Georgia penal code database.
He turned toward Derek, his expression hardening into stern, professional resolve.
"Mr. Parker, please step forward and place your hands behind your back."
Eleanor let out a blood-curdling scream, grabbing Officer Ramirez’s uniform sleeve in hysterical desperation.
May you like
"You cannot arrest my son! This is a private family dispute! My daughter is doing this out of jealousy because she was always the second choice!"
"Ma'am, release my arm immediately or you will be charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer," Ramirez warned sharply.
