I felt my heart drop as I glanced at Mark. We cautiously approached the door, peering through the peephole to see my father standing with two police officers. I took a deep breath, willing myself to remain calm.
Mark opened the door just enough to speak, keeping the chain in place. “How can we help you, officers?” he asked politely, though his grip on the door was firm.
“Ma’am, we’re here to facilitate a discussion between you and Mr. Richard Carter,” one officer explained, nodding toward my father. “He claims there’s been a misunderstanding regarding family obligations.”
