Chapter 3 - The Arrest
By late afternoon, the family had forgotten the tension.
The barbecue was crowded.
Music had grown louder.
Several relatives were recording videos.
Caroline stood near the picnic table when Travis approached her again.
"Come with me."
"No."
"Don't make this difficult."
"I haven't done anything."
Travis looked around.
"You've been causing problems all day."
Caroline stared at him.
"That isn't a crime."
Travis reached for her arm.
Caroline pulled away.
"Don't touch me."
That was when the entire mood changed.
Travis's face hardened.
"You want to make this official?"
Caroline's eyes narrowed.
"Think carefully."
He didn't.
He reached for his handcuffs.
The first click silenced the nearest conversation.
The second click made everyone turn.
Laura laughed nervously.
"Travis, what are you doing?"
Caroline didn't struggle.
She simply watched him.
Travis secured the cuffs.
"Maybe now you'll learn some respect."
Several relatives laughed.
Margaret looked embarrassed.
"Caroline, stop this."
Caroline looked at her mother.
"I didn't start it."
Travis shoved her toward the table.
"Twenty years pushing Army paperwork and you still think you're somebody?"
Caroline steadied herself.
Then looked at him.
"Take these off."
Travis stepped closer.
"Make me."
The family laughed again.
Caroline's eyes moved toward her niece.
The girl was holding her phone.
Recording everything.
Caroline gave her a tiny nod.
"Keep recording."
Travis laughed.
"Who are you going to call?"
Caroline looked directly at him.
"I already did."
Travis's smile remained.
May you like
For another ten seconds.
Then tires screamed outside.
