Chapter 2 – The Blackwood Response
The kitchen fell silent.
Ethan's confidence disappeared the moment he heard the words:
"Blackwood Response."
"What did you just do?" he demanded.
Before I could answer, the calm voice on my phone spoke again.
"Mrs. Blackwood, emergency teams are exactly four minutes away. Stay where you are. Your audio is being recorded. If possible, keep the line open."
Ethan lunged toward me.
Before his hand reached the phone, loud sirens echoed through the estate.
Not police.
Something faster.
More organized.
Black SUVs swept through the front gates one after another.
Their tires stopped with military precision.
Men and women wearing black jackets marked BLACKWOOD EXECUTIVE RESPONSE stepped out alongside two ambulances and a medical trauma team.
Behind them came attorneys carrying locked briefcases.
Security specialists activated body cameras before entering the house.
The front door burst open.
"No one move!"
A former federal marshal knelt beside me.
"My name is Daniel Cross. Mrs. Blackwood, can you hear me?"
I nodded weakly.
His eyes dropped to the blood beneath me.
"Possible placental trauma," he called to the medics.
"Transport immediately."
Two obstetric specialists carefully stabilized my neck and abdomen.
One found the baby's heartbeat.
Weak.
But present.
I closed my eyes as tears slipped down my face.
"My son..."
"We've got him," the doctor whispered.
"We're going to protect both of you."
Meanwhile, another security officer approached Ethan.
"Mr. Whitmore."
"What is this?" Ethan shouted.
"I'm her husband!"
The attorney calmly opened a folder.
"As of this morning, every room in this residence has been legally monitored under the Blackwood Family Asset Protection Agreement signed by your late father-in-law."
Ethan froze.
The attorney continued.
"Your assault, your threats, and your statements regarding trust documents have all been recorded."
Vanessa stumbled backward.
"You said there weren't any cameras."
"There weren't supposed to be!" Ethan yelled.
May you like
The attorney looked at him without emotion.
"You were mistaken."
