Chapter 14 - The Warrant
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Less than four hours after Nora’s confession, a convoy of unmarked police cruisers pulled into the long, winding driveway of the Oakridge estate. Detective Singh stepped out into the pouring rain, holding a judge-signed search warrant in her gloved hand.
Inside the grand mansion, Helena was pouring tea into a bone china cup when the heavy front doors were pushed open by federal and local officers.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion?” Helena shrieked, dropping her saucer onto the marble floor. It shattered into a dozen pristine white shards. “Do you have any idea who my son is? Call our attorney immediately!”
“Helena Vance,” Detective Singh said calmly, displaying the warrant. “We are executing a search warrant for all digital storage devices, personal computers, and physical media on these premises.”
Victor emerged from his second-floor study, wearing an expensive cashmere sweater, his face a mask of supreme condescension. He walked down the floating staircase with slow, deliberate steps.
“Detective,” Victor said smoothly, offering a fake, practice-perfect smile. “I see my estranged wife has convinced you to waste taxpayer money on her delusional fantasies. She’s currently undergoing a severe psychological episode.”
“Save it for the magistrate, Mr. Vance,” Singh replied coldly.
Two officers walked directly to the antique grandfather clock in the foyer. Helena let out an involuntary, sharp gasp, her face draining of color instantly. Victor’s smug smile vanished as an officer produced a crowbar, popped open the hidden wooden panel at the base, and pulled out a heavy black obsidian hard drive.
“We got it,” the officer called out.
Victor took a sudden step forward, his jaw clenching so hard a muscle twitched violently under his skin. “That is proprietary corporate property!”
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“Victor Vance, you are under arrest for domestic battery, felony gaslighting, witness intimidation, and destruction of evidence,” Detective Singh said, pulling out her handcuffs. “You have the right to remain silent.”
As the steel cuffs clicked around his wrists, Victor didn't look at the police. He looked straight into the lens of the officer’s body camera—knowing I would eventually watch the footage.
