Chapter 3 - The Mask Slips
“Officers, thank God you’re here!” Marcus yelled, stepping toward the two armed deputies who had just pushed their way into the foyer. “My sister has completely lost her mind! She broke into our home, locked herself in the bathroom with our elderly mother, and is refusing to let us administer her prescribed medical treatment! She’s endangering an Alzheimer’s patient!”
The lead deputy, a burly man with a silver nameplate that read Sheriff’s Dept. - Vance, placed his hand instinctively on his utility belt and looked toward the hallway where I stood supporting my mother. Diane immediately chimed in, her voice dripping with artificial distress as she pressed a theatrical hand against her collarbone.
“She’s a city lawyer who hasn't visited in months,” Diane said, shaking her head sorrowfully toward the officers. “She doesn't understand the violent episodes her mother suffers from. Please, you have to remove her before she causes a medical emergency!”
I didn't raise my voice. I didn't engage in a shouting match. I simply walked forward, keeping my body between my mother and my brother, and reached into my back pocket to retrieve my Department of Justice credentials. I flipped the leather case open and held it squarely at eye level with Deputy Vance.
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“I am Sarah Jenkins, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District,” I said steadily. “I am currently holding a verbally authorized federal emergency protective order granted by Judge Alvarez. These two individuals are under investigation for severe elder abuse, domestic violence, and wire fraud. If either of them attempts to leave this room or touch that handbag, I want them placed in handcuffs immediately.”
Deputy Vance looked at my federal badge, then down at my mother, who was trembling violently while clinging to my waist. The mottled purple bruises creeping up her neck were impossible to hide under the bathroom light. Vance’s posture shifted instantly; his hand moved away from his weapon, and he turned a cold, hard stare toward Marcus.
