Chapter 12 - The Subpoena
Two weeks passed in uninterrupted tranquility. Krista and Pete were visiting on a quiet Sunday afternoon, playing quietly with blocks on the living room rug, when a firm knock sounded at the front door.
I checked the security monitor. It was a local process server holding a thick manila envelope.
I opened the door, keeping the security chain latched.
“Jocelyn Parker?” the man asked professionally.
“Yes.”
He slid the envelope through the gap. “You’ve been served.”
I unlatched the chain, pulled the papers inside, and closed the door. Pete looked up from the floor, his expression instantly tightening with worry.
“Is it from Linda’s lawyer?” Pete asked, standing up and dusting off his jeans.
I pulled out the crisp, official documents and scanned the header. “Not quite. It’s a civil motion filed by my mother’s defense counsel, attempting to dismiss the criminal trespassing charges on the grounds of a ‘familial privilege of habitation dispute’ and demanding access to inspect my home.”
Krista scoffed, her face flushing with anger. “Privilege of habitation? She broke into your house with a stolen key and orchestrated a home invasion! There’s no legal privilege for that.”
“She’s trying to spin it as a misunderstanding over family housing arrangements,” I said, feeling a cold spike of adrenaline. But instead of panic, I felt a sharp, focused resolve.
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My mother still believed she could out-maneuver the law with a well-crafted lie. She didn't realize that I had saved every single text message, every security camera clip, and the official locksmith invoice from day one.
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