Chapter 135: The Loss Of Innocence, Part 1, Daughter

JAMES

"You're not my father!" Pushing herself backwards against the wall, Charlotte shrieks the words at him. Close to hysterical, almost frenzied with denial, utterly distraught, she screams, struggling against Michael when he tries to hold her, tries to calm her.

The guard, Hartland looks increasingly alarmed. "You want me to...?

"No, it's alright. We need to deal with this."

But he's already talking into his phone, satisfaction etched on his face as more guards burst in, bundling the passive Klempner out. He looks over his shoulder as they hustle him away, his expression shell-shocked.

Charlotte is still fighting against Michael, refusing to be held. "Let's get her out of here," I say. "I'll get her out. You get the car keys."

"We all need to sign out."

"Just take her out," interrupts Hartland. "I'll clear it at the counter."