Chapter 4 - The CPS Ambush
Before we could officially file the police report, my mother made her next move.
It was a Tuesday afternoon. Leo was sleeping peacefully in his bassinet, and I was finally starting to heal. The doorbell rang.
Marcus checked the security tablet and frowned. “It’s the police. And a woman in a suit.”
A knot of anxiety formed in my chest, but Marcus squeezed my hand and went to open the door.
“Can I help you?” he asked.
“Hi, I’m Agent Miller with Child Protective Services,” the woman said sternly, stepping into the foyer with a police officer behind her. “We received an anonymous tip regarding the welfare of a newborn at this residence. The caller claimed the mother is severely mentally unstable, abusing drugs, and that the infant is in immediate danger.”
I gasped, rushing into the hallway. “What? That’s insane! I don't do drugs!”
Agent Miller looked at me with cold professionalism. “Ma'am, we need to inspect the premises and the child. If you resist, we will have to remove the infant temporarily.”
“Come on in,” Marcus said smoothly, swinging the door wide. “Inspect whatever you like.”
Agent Miller walked through our immaculate, spotless home. She saw the fully stocked nursery, the premium formula, the perfect temperature control, and the safety gates already installed. She looked at healthy, glowing Leo.
“The tipster,” Marcus said casually, leaning against the doorframe, “was she a woman in her late fifties? Sounded a bit raspy?”
Agent Miller paused. “I can't disclose that.”
“You don't have to,” Marcus replied, handing her the manila folder. “That’s a copy of the police report we are filing this afternoon against Brenda Carmichael—Sarah’s mother. It includes video evidence of her and her daughter sabotaging our vehicle while Sarah was in active labor, and proof of $45,000 in forged checks. This CPS call is retaliation because we cut her off.”
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Agent Miller read the first page, her rigid posture softening. She looked at the police officer, then sighed heavily.
“Filing a false CPS report is a crime,” Agent Miller said, handing the file back. “I suggest you add this incident to your police report. Have a wonderful day with your beautiful son.”
