A knock rang out in the front hallway of the flat.
Ethan glanced up to see Holden walking towards the front door to answer it.
“Coming!” He announced to the person knocking aggressively against the door.
He opened the door and was met with a short woman and a pair of constables.
“Can I help you?” Ethan heard from the living area.
“We’re looking for Ethan Lockhart.” The taller male held out a signed court order.
The sound of his name caught his attention and he sat Evie down in the swing before walking the length of the hallway.
“I’m him. How can I help?” He asked as he tried remaining calm.
“We have a court order to remove infant Evelyn Lockhart from the premises on suspicion of abuse and neglect.”
The short woman presented another form with the details of the charges.
Ethan’s mouth went dry and he felt his body shake in the wake of the words.
“But... how...? What...?” He couldn’t form words properly anymore. His mind pinged to protecting Evie. There had to be a mistake.
“Officer we don’t understand. Who would make these claims?” Holden asked as he used his body to block the entrance of the flat.
“You can contact the office for more details before the court hearing.” The short lady spoke and tried to push her way through Ethan and Holden.
“No!” Ethan protested without realizing.
“Sir, let us through. We don’t want to make this any harder than it has to be.”
“No! You can’t take her!” His hand instinctively raised and was blocked by Holden as the constable reached for the handcuffs in his belt.
Ethan felt himself being pushed back as the trio made their way inside.
Hands on his shoulders, Holden’s.
“Look at me.” His best friend said firmly.
Evelyn cried as the short woman picked her up.
Everything in him wanted to run to her but all he could manage was to lock eyes with his best friend.
“Don’t watch... Ethan focus on me...” The words felt alien in his ears.
“Why...” the only word that would come from his lips.
“We’ll be in contact with the details soon.” The other constable that hadn’t spoken much finally said.
And that was it.
They left with Evelyn crying and the room was suddenly quiet.
The last thing he remembered was his body giving way and the world going dark.