Chapter 5 - Sun, Sand, and Sirens
The Southern California sun was blinding as I stepped out of the rental car outside the Azure Wave Resort in San Diego. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and expensive sunscreen, a jarring juxtaposition to the living nightmare Brandon had subjected my son to back in freezing Ohio.
Flanked by two plainclothes detectives from the SDPD, I walked through the lavish, marble-floored lobby and out toward the private cabanas.
It didn't take long to spot him. Brandon was reclining on a plush, white lounge chair, a pair of expensive aviators shielding his eyes, a half-empty margarita resting on the glass table beside him. Lucas and Alyssa were splashing in the infinity pool a few yards away, oblivious to the storm bearing down on their father.
I signaled for the detectives to wait just a step behind me. I walked right up to the cabana, blocking his view of the Pacific Ocean.
“Enjoying the vacation, Brandon?”
He jolted, spilling his drink across the pristine white towels. He pulled his sunglasses down, his jaw dropping in genuine, unadulterated shock. “Laura? What… what on earth are you doing here? I thought you were in Milwaukee handling your mother’s estate!”
“I finished early,” I replied, my voice eerily steady. “I thought I’d come check on you. How is Liam doing? You know, since you took time off work to nurse him through his highly contagious, mutated flu.”
The blood drained from Brandon’s face. The charming, perfect-husband mask shattered, revealing the panicked coward underneath. “Laura, honey, let me explain. The kids really wanted to go to the beach, and Liam was acting out, and—”
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“Save it for the judge,” I interrupted. I stepped aside, revealing the two large detectives flanking me.
“Brandon Vance, stand up and place your hands behind your back,” the taller detective barked, flashing his gold shield. “You are under arrest for felony child abandonment and reckless endangerment.”
