Page 35 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

Best answered her question when he knocked.

The woman Jeannie had identified as Daniella answered, saw law enforcement on her doorstep and freaked out. When she tried to slam the door in their faces, Best had her cuffed in a matter of seconds. He stepped aside so his team could go in as Daniella continued to flail and scream.

“Nothing says ‘I’m guilty of something’ than acting like that when cops show up at your house,” Matt said.

“No kidding,” Jeannie said. “I’m sort of relieved she acted that way. That tells me we nailed it.”

“You nailed it. I’m just along for the ride.”

Jeannie gasped when one of the marshals came out holding an infant. Another was right behind with a toddler in each arm. The children were turned over to local authorities.

“Oh my God,” Matt said. “What is this? Who are those kids?”

“I have no idea,” Jeannie said, shocked. She’d heard nothing about Daniella having children of her own.

Daniella’s screams pierced the quiet neighborhood.

Yet another marshal emerged from the house, carrying a young woman.

Jeannie was out of the car and walking toward them before she made the conscious decision to go. She had to know. Flashing her badge to the marshal, she asked the woman, “Are you Carisma Deasly?”

The odor coming from the woman, who was emaciated, couldn’t be described in mere words.

“Yes,” the young woman said as tears streamed down her face. “It’s me.”

“She was chained to a bed in a back room,” the officer carrying her said. He had tears in his eyes.

Jeannie blinked back her own tears. “Your mom has never stopped looking for you, Carisma. Would you like to speak to her?”

The young woman nodded. “Please.”

Jeannie made the call and handed the phone to her, noting how weak she seemed.

“Mama, it’s me. Carisma.”

Her mother’s screams could be heard through the phone.

Jeannie arranged for MPD Patrol to transport LaToya to Richmond as quickly as possible. While she waited at the hospital, she placed a call to Michael.

“I was hoping you’d call,” he said. “How’s it going there?”

“You won’t believe it. Not only did we find Carisma, but there were nine other children in the house.”

“That Daniella took from people?”

“We don’t know yet, but we believe that’s possible.”

“Jesus, Jeannie. This is huge.”

“I know. It’s unbelievable and overwhelming. They were all filthy and starved and abused. It’s just…”

“Baby…”

“I’m okay.”

“It’s all right if you’re not.”

“It’s just a lot worse than I expected. I was hoping to find Carisma, but this…”