Within ten minutes, the sharp sound of police sirens echoed down the long driveway of the Vance estate. Two local police officers walked briskly through the grand double doors, their uniforms standing out starkly against the opulent surroundings of the ballroom. The guests moved back, giving the officers room as they walked directly toward the broken glass display case where Sarah was holding Lily.
Officer Davis: We received a 911 call reporting an child assault and physical altercation at this address. Who called the police?
David: I called them, Officer. I am the estate attorney, and I am an officer of the court.
Eleanor: Officer, this is a complete misunderstanding! My son had a minor disagreement with his fiancee, and the child knocked over a display case!
Sarah: That is a complete lie! My daughter did not touch the case. Mark shoved her into the glass because he was angry.
Officer Davis: Ma'am, let me see the child's injuries first. Is she alright?
Sarah gently lifted Lily's hand, showing the bloody napkin and the sharp scratch on her forearm. The police officer's face immediately hardened as he saw the blood and the sharp glass fragments scattered across the oak floor.
Officer Davis: That looks like a deep cut. We have an ambulance waiting outside for the child. Officer Miller, review the security feed with the estate attorney immediately.
Mark: You can't look at my private security footage without a warrant!
David: Actually, Mark, as the court-appointed estate trustee, I have full authority to grant law enforcement access to all estate security systems. The camera in this hall is linked directly to the main server room.
The second officer walked over to the security monitor near the hallway entrance while Mark's face turned completely pale. Within two minutes, the officer walked back into the main hall, looking sternly at Mark.
Officer Miller: The footage is completely clear. The suspect intentionally pushed the child with force, causing her to fall into the glass cabinet.
Officer Davis: Mark Vance, turn around and put your hands behind your back. You are under arrest for felony child endangerment and domestic assault.
Mark: Get your hands off me! Do you know who my family is? My lawyer will have your badge for this!
Eleanor: You can't arrest my son in front of all these people! This is a private estate!
Officer Davis: The law applies to everyone, ma'am, no matter how much money is in your bank account.