Chapter 8 - Eviction Notice and the Shameless Counterattack
Twenty minutes later, Derek and Veronica were escorted down the front brick steps under the watchful eyes of the neighbors who had gathered along the sidewalk. Word had spread rapidly through the historic district. Mrs. Gable stood by her gate, flanked by several long-time residents, watching in silent vindication as the two usurpers were led off the grounds.
Veronica carried two cheap duffel bags filled with her clothes, her makeup smeared across her face in streaks of black mascara. Derek clutched a single suitcase, his head hung low in complete disgrace.
When Derek reached the driveway, he pulled out his key fob and pressed the unlock button on the silver Porsche.
Nothing happened.
A flatbed tow truck pulled up to the curb behind the police cruisers. A representative from the luxury auto leasing company stepped out with a clipboard.
"Derek Serrano?" the repossession agent called out. "Vehicle lease termination notice due to fraudulent corporate backing and payment default. Step away from the vehicle, please."
"No! That's my car!" Veronica screamed, lunging toward the agent. "We paid for that lease!"
"With corporate funds stolen from my auxiliary account," Alvin’s voice rang out from the top of the porch stairs. "The lease is canceled. The insurance is voided. You’ll be walking to the bus station."
Veronica turned back toward the porch, her face contorted in demonic fury. She pointed a trembling, manicured finger at Carmen.
"You think you’ve won, you old hag?!" Veronica shrieked, her voice carrying across the entire neighborhood. "My brother knows people in Atlanta! Kane isn't going to let this go! We will burn this entire house to the ground before we let you live in peace!"
Inspector Thomas didn't hesitate. In one swift, fluid motion, he grabbed Veronica’s arm, spun her around, and snapped steel handcuffs around her wrists.
"Veronica Caldwell," Inspector Thomas announced loudly. "You are under arrest for making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct."
"Derek! Help me! Derek!" Veronica screamed as she was pushed into the back of the police cruiser.
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Derek didn't move. He stood on the sidewalk, clutching his lone suitcase, utterly abandoned and completely bankrupt. He looked up at the grand porch where Alvin stood beside Manuel and Carmen, surrounded by the warm, protective glow of the family estate.
The cruiser doors slammed shut, and the siren gave a brief, sharp wail as Veronica was driven away into the dark Savannah night.
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