Chapter 11 - The Eviction Notice
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Derek stared at the bold legal header, his brain refusing to process the words. Domestic Violence.
"What does it say?" Suzanne asked, trying to read over his arm.
He flipped to the second page. It was an official court order signed by a Miami-Dade County judge. The text mandated that Derek Foster was to maintain a distance of five hundred feet from Skylar Bennett.
But the next paragraph made the blood completely drain from his face.
Respondent is hereby ordered to vacate the premises located at 412 Biscayne Blvd, Apt 7B, immediately upon service of this order. Respondent holds no legal title or right to said property.
"Vacate the premises?" Derek whispered, reading the words aloud.
Attached to the order was a certified copy of the property deed. It was highlighted in bright yellow ink. The sole name on the warranty deed was Skylar Bennett. He frantically flipped to the next document. It was a formal petition for dissolution of marriage.
"She’s divorcing you?" Suzanne gasped, finally realizing the severity of the situation. "Derek, what is going on? Why does it say you have to leave?"
"Because she owns the apartment," Derek snapped, panic fully setting in. "But she can't just kick me out! This is my home! I live here!"
He flipped to the final page of the packet. It was a letter on the official letterhead of Vance & Sterling Law Group.
Mr. Foster,
Please be advised that your wife, Skylar Bennett, has secured a protective order against you following your physical assault on her person on the morning of October 12th. We are in possession of full audio recordings of the incident, as well as photographic medical evidence of severe second-degree burns. Law enforcement has been notified.
You are trespassing on her property. You have exactly one hour to collect your personal belongings before the Miami Police Department arrives to enforce the eviction order.
May you like
The letter slipped from Derek's trembling fingers and fluttered to the kitchen floor, landing right beside the broken ceramic shards of the coffee cup he had used as a weapon.
"Audio recordings?" Suzanne said, her voice rising in panic. "Derek, what did you do to her?"
