Instead, I downloaded every screenshot Carol sent me and organized all the security footage I had collected.
If Melissa wanted to keep pretending my house belonged to her, I was going to make sure everyone saw the truth.
The next day, I landed several hours earlier than originally planned.
As soon as I got my luggage, I called the local non-emergency police line.
I explained the situation and told them I was returning to find unauthorized people occupying my home.
They agreed to meet me there.
By late afternoon, I turned onto my street.
Cars lined both sides of the road.
Music blasted from my backyard.
People laughed loudly enough for me to hear them from the curb.
The second barbecue was already in full swing.
For a moment, I sat in silence, staring at my own house.
Then, a patrol car pulled up behind me.
Two officers stepped out.
One of them approached.
“Are you Anna?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“You’re the homeowner?”
“I am.”
He nodded.
“Let’s get this sorted out.”
I picked up my suitcase and walked toward my front door.
My heart pounded harder with every step.
When I unlocked the door with my key, I immediately knew things were even worse than I had imagined.
