Chapter 19 - The Arrest
The sudden, violent influx of armed police completely shattered the quiet sanctuary of the bedroom. Julian Vance panicked immediately, dropping his crystal glass of scotch and making a desperate, pathetic dash for the hallway window. Two heavy tactical officers tackled him to the floor before he took three steps, slamming his face hard against the polished mahogany floor and violently wrenching his arms behind his back.
"Get your filthy hands off me!"
Julian screamed, struggling hopelessly against the heavy steel handcuffs.
"I am a highly respected wealth manager!"
"You are a murderer,"
Detective Thorne corrected coldly, stepping over him.
Clara was backed into the corner of the room, her elegant silk robe trembling as she stared at the barrel of Thorne's gun. Her flawless, confident mask had completely evaporated, replaced by a grotesque portrait of absolute, primal fear.
"This is a terrible mistake!"
Clara cried dramatically, desperately trying to play the innocent victim one last time.
"I am her primary caregiver! I was just giving her a vitamin injection! My husband knows everything!"
Daniel stepped slowly through the shattered doorway, emerging from the shadows of the hallway. He looked at his wife with eyes as cold and unforgiving as solid ice.
"You are absolutely right, Clara,"
Daniel said, his deep voice carrying a terrifying, quiet authority.
"Your husband does know everything."
Clara gasped, all the healthy color instantly draining from her beautiful face. She looked at Daniel, realizing with horrifying clarity that the London business trip was a complete lie. She looked up at the smoke detector, suddenly noticing the tiny, blinking red light of the hidden camera. She was completely, totally trapped.
"Daniel, please, you have to listen to me,"
she begged, falling to her knees and sobbing hysterically.
"Arrest her,"
May you like
Daniel ordered, completely turning his back on her.
As the officers dragged Clara screaming and crying from the room, Elena rushed in from the guest wing, running straight to the bed to protect the mother. The nightmare was finally over.
