“That’s our closing statement.”
Then the next.
“That’s the recorded deed information provided at closing.”
And another.
“That’s our settlement confirmation.”
Renee watched him.
For years, she had wanted a home where they were simply Marcus and Renee.
Now her husband was standing in their driveway, using official documents to prove that she had the right to be there.
And Courtney Brandt was watching every assumption she had made collapse.
Chapter 7: The Officer Who Could No Longer Explain Himself
Kyle stared at the documents.
The names were clear.
The address matched.
The transaction date was recent.
He looked toward Renee.
Then toward Courtney.
“Why didn’t you tell me the house had been sold?”
Courtney blinked.
“I didn’t know.”
Kyle frowned.
“She told you.”
Courtney looked away.
Renee spoke quietly.
“I told her twice.”
Marcus looked toward the sergeant.
“Now that you have verified ownership, please remove the handcuffs.”
Kyle hesitated.
Then reached for his keys.
Renee stood still as he unlocked them.
She rubbed her wrists.
Red marks had formed where the cuffs pressed against her skin.
Marcus noticed.
His expression tightened.
“Are you all right?”
Renee nodded.
“I’m okay.”
But her voice trembled slightly.
Marcus understood.
She had been humiliated in front of their new neighbors.
Accused of theft.
Handcuffed.
And denied access to her own identification.
All because Courtney had decided she didn’t belong.
Kyle handed the documents back.
“There seems to have been a misunderstanding.”
Renee looked at him.
“A misunderstanding?”
Courtney attempted a smile.
“Well, these things happen.”
Renee turned toward her.
“No. You accused me of stealing from a house I own.”
