Chloe Vance?” Kowalski said, and held up his badge and a warrant thick enough to be a phone book.

Chloe came apart first, the way the loud ones do.

“This is outrageous!

This is a private family matter!

My father-in-law has dementia and his daughter is harassing us because she wants his money!” Kowalski did not so much as glance at her.

He spoke to the social workers instead, in the gentle firm voice of a man who has done this many times.

“Go up and secure the gentleman.