Chapter 3 - The House He Claimed
Colin stepped onto the porch and lowered his voice.
“Take this inside.”
Lauren did not move.
“How long was she outside?”
“Five minutes.”
Piper pressed her face into Lauren’s shoulder.
“It was dark before.”
The sun had been low when Lauren arrived, but not gone.
That meant Piper had been outside far longer than five minutes.
Brooke appeared in the doorway.
“Colin told me Lauren had moved out.”
Lauren looked at her.
“I was on temporary Army orders.”
Brooke’s face changed.
“He said you signed the house over.”
Colin turned sharply.
“Brooke, stop.”
Lauren stared at him.
“Signed what?”
Colin folded his arms.
“This house is marital property. I have the right to live here.”
“You do not have the right to put Piper outside.”
“I packed her things. You were supposed to pick her up tomorrow.”
“I didn’t know I was being replaced.”
“She wouldn’t stop crying.”
Piper tightened her grip around Lauren’s neck.
The older man from the sedan reached the porch.
He was David Mercer, the attorney who had handled Lauren’s grandfather’s estate and the original home purchase.
“Captain Hayes,” he said. “I came as soon as your message reached my office.”
Lauren looked at him.
“I didn’t send one.”
David held up the envelope.
“No. The county recorder did.”
Colin took one step back.
David’s attention moved to Piper.
May you like
Then to the open door and Brooke behind it.
“I believe we arrived before Mr. Hayes completed what he was attempting.”
