“Stop right there!” Ethan shouted, standing directly in front of the gate, blocking the latch. “This is private property! That easement document is a forged fraud, and you are operating without a valid court warrant!”
Daniel stepped into Ethan’s personal space, his face flushed red with anger, his chest pressing against Ethan’s. “Step aside, Ethan! You are obstructing a lawful administrative action!”
“Show me a judge’s signed warrant, Daniel!” Ethan demanded, standing his ground. “Show me a warrant, or get off my land!”
Karen stepped forward, shouting over the noise. “He’s resisting, Daniel! Put him in cuffs! He’s endangering the entire neighborhood!”
Daniel’s discipline snapped. Driven by pride, pressure from his wife, and the belief that his badge made him invincible, Daniel grabbed Ethan by the collar, slammed him violently against the cedar gate, and forced his arms behind his back.
CLICK.
The steel handcuffs snapped tightly around Ethan’s wrists.
“You’re under arrest for obstruction of justice and resisting law enforcement!” Daniel growled, shoving Ethan roughly down the driveway toward the back seat of the patrol cruiser.
Karen watched from the driveway, a triumphant, cruel smile spread across her face as neighbors took photos from their yards. Ethan was shoved into the back of the hot police car, the door slamming shut, locking him inside.