Tom stopped in his tracks with a look of horror.
The senior officer asked Tom to drop the dark briefcase.
Tom tried to run toward the back door of the kitchen.
A second officer blocked his way and grabbed his arms.
They placed cold metal handcuffs on Tom's tight wrists.
Mark explained to Tom that the whole meeting was recorded.
Hidden video cameras had captured every word in the room.
Tom yelled that Sarah was the main brain behind everything.
He gave the police Sarah's secret location at a motel.
The officers led Tom out to the marked police car.
Mark felt a great weight lift off his heavy shoulders.
Within two hours police located Sarah near the airport terminal.
She was arrested while trying to buy a fast flight ticket.
The story hit the local city news channels that night.
Everyone learned about the wicked scheme against the family.
Mark took time off work to stay home with Lily.
They spent time baking chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen.
Lily laughed happily as she painted red flowers on paper.
She did not have to hide her art drawings anymore.
Mark framed her best painting and hung it up high.
He put it right on the wall in the foyer.
The house felt warm and bright for the first time.
Mark knew he had to protect his family legacy always.
He started a new charity foundation in his child's name.
The foundation helped kids who needed safe living spaces.
Mark hired a kind new nanny who loved children dearly.
Lily formed a sweet bond with her new caretaker fast.
The court date for Sarah and Tom arrived six weeks later.
Mark walked into the quiet courtroom with high confidence.
He wore his dark grey suit and held his head high.
Sarah sat at the defense table in a jumpsuit.
She refused to look Mark in the eyes during court.
The judge listened to the audio recordings of the event.
The evidence against both defendants was completely clear and solid.
The judge issued a strict sentence for both criminals.
Sarah received twelve long years in the state prison.
Tom received ten years for fraud and grand theft attempt.