Well, here's an update. I tried "adjusting" the e-brake a couple times. I made it to about 5 or 6 clicks and on my third try something snapped

So at least now I know it's broken for sure. The e-brake light in the dash is on all the time now. I don't think the brake is actually engaged though because the car will still roll on a slight incline without any resistance. So that is a good thing right now. I'll open it up and take a look at it from the inside of the car when I get a chance. My guess is that the line was binding and no matter how hard I pulled on that brake it was not going to engage. Finally it just snapped off the handle. This should be interesting.

Good thing I don't plan on parking on any hills.