Chapter 7 - The Eviction Execution
David turned the deadbolt and pulled the front door open, lifting his hands instinctively to show he was unarmed.
Two deputies stood on the porch, their flashlights cutting sharply into the dim interior of the foyer, while a county tow truck idled behind the cruisers, its amber hazard lights blinking rhythmically in the freezing mountain air.
“Mr. David Hale?” the lead deputy asked, his voice flat and uncompromising.
“Yes, officer, there’s been a massive misunderstanding—” David started, stepping forward.
“Step outside the premises, please,” the deputy interrupted, placing a firm hand on the holster of his service belt. “We have an emergency writ of possession and a federal title injunction issued by the U.S. Naval Legal Assistance Command on behalf of the sole registered owner, Commander Hayes. You have exactly ten minutes to clear your personal belongings from the property.”
Susan pushed her way past David, her face flushed with righteous indignation. “Listen to me, officer, my father gave us permission to stay here! We are family—”
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“Ma’am, your father holds no legal title, deed, or interest in this land,” the deputy cut her off, stepping across the threshold and gesturing for them to move. “According to the title registry, this property is classified under a restricted federal defense asset trust. Remaining inside after service of this writ constitutes immediate criminal trespass.”
Behind them, the deputies began systematically escorting the family out onto the stone patio, their matching luggage and cardboard boxes unceremoniously piled beside the snowbanks on the driveway.
