David drove back to the mansion with two police cars behind him.
The afternoon sky was grey and heavy with rain about to fall.
He stepped through the grand front doors into the silent foyer.
Clara was sitting on the sofa packing expensive jewelry into a bag.
She stopped and smiled at him like nothing was wrong at all.
Clara: You came home early today, my dear sweet husband.
David: I came back to give you one last chance to speak.
Clara: What are you talking about, David?
David: The police are standing right outside the front doors.
Clara's smile faded instantly, replaced by a dark angry scowl.
She set her heavy bag down onto the velvet couch cushions.
Clara: You talked to your mother, didn't you?
David: I saw the bank records and the marriage certificate, Clara.
Clara: You were so easy to fool with just a few tears!
David: You tried to destroy my mother to cover your crimes!
Clara: She was getting in the way of my fair payout!
David: You will not get a single cent from this estate.
Two uniformed officers stepped inside the grand living room area.
Clara backed away toward the patio doors, looking for an exit.
The officers moved quickly and placed her hands behind her back.
Officer: Clara Vance, you are under arrest for grand fraud.
Clara: You cannot do this to me, I am his wife!
David: You were never my legal wife to begin with, Clara.
They led her out into the rain while she shouted angry threats.
David stood alone in the quiet hallway as the storm raged outside.
The heavy weight on his chest finally began to lift away completely.
He walked up the stairs toward the peaceful nursery at the top.