Chapter 8 - The Empty Bedroom

Ethan called the police.

He expected urgency.

Instead, the first officer who arrived asked careful, frustrating questions.

Was Beatriz Isabella's legal stepmother? Yes.

Had Ethan ever agreed to discipline? In general terms, yes.

Were there visible injuries requiring emergency care? Not now.

Could the shed video be interpreted as harsh parenting rather than criminal confinement? Maybe.

Ethan wanted to break something.

"My daughter made an escape map," he said. "What exactly are you waiting for?"

The officer's face tightened. "I'm making a report, sir. Child services will be contacted tonight. Keep your daughter with you. Do not destroy evidence. If you believe your wife is a danger, you can leave the residence."

Leave his own house.

Fine.

Ethan packed two bags.

He called his sister Rachel, who lived fifteen minutes away.

"Bring Bella here," she said immediately. "No questions."

He went upstairs.

Isabella's room was empty.

The backpack he had packed was gone.

So were her sneakers.

"Bella?"

No answer.

He ran downstairs.

Beatriz stood in the foyer holding her car keys.

"Where is she?"

"I thought she was with you."

Ethan grabbed the front door handle.

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

Mrs. Landry shouted from outside. "Ethan!"

He ran to the driveway.

She pointed toward the street.

"A black SUV just picked Isabella up."

His stomach dropped.

"Who was driving?"

"I couldn't see. But she got in willingly."

Beatriz stepped outside behind him.

"Maybe she ran away from you."

Ethan turned so fast she stopped smiling.

His phone rang.

Unknown number.

He answered.

"Mr. Cole? This is Dr. Nolan at Greenbridge Children's Center. Your daughter is here for her scheduled emergency behavioral evaluation."

Ethan looked at Beatriz.

She looked away.

"I never scheduled anything."

A pause.

"Sir, we have signed consent from both legal guardians."

"No, you don't."

"Your signature is on the intake form."

Another forgery.

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Then the doctor added something that turned Ethan's anger into fear.

"The paperwork also states that Isabella may become violent if her father attempts to remove her."