Precisely at five o'clock a black sedan pulled up quietly along the front curb.
Mark watched from behind the dark bedroom window blinds as a man stepped out.
The tall man wore a dark leather jacket and walked with a confident stride.
He walked up the front walkway directly toward the sunlit front porch of the house.
Sarah stood near the front door under the strict supervision of the police sergeant.
The man knocked twice firmly on the thick wooden front door frame outside.
Extorter: Open the door, Sarah! I know you have my money inside!
Sarah opened the door slowly while keeping her hands visible in the clear light.
Sarah: I do not have the cash you asked for today, Arthur!
Extorter: Then I am taking the girl like I promised on the phone!
The man stepped forcefully across the threshold into the bright front entryway of the home.
Instantly three police officers stepped out from the side rooms with drawn weapons.
Sergeant: Police! Freeze right where you are and put your hands on your head!
The man froze in total shock as the officers surrounded him from every side.
His face went completely pale as he realized he had walked straight into a trap.
Extorter: What is the meaning of this? She owes me legitimate money!
Sergeant: You are under arrest for felony extortion and making terroristic threats against a child!
The officers grabbed his arms quickly and forced him down onto the polished floor.
They placed heavy steel handcuffs tightly around his wrists behind his back.
Mark opened the bedroom door and walked down the long hallway with his daughter.
He watched as the police hauled the struggling criminal out through the front door.
Sarah stood in the middle of the hallway weeping loudly with total emotional collapse.
Sarah: It is finally over, Mark! We are safe from him now!
Mark: We are safe from him, but you and I are completely finished.
Sarah: What are you saying to me after everything we just survived?
Mark: You chose to hide threats and steal from our child for six months.
Sarah: I was trying to resolve it without causing you any pain or worry!
Mark: You almost got our innocent daughter stolen because of your selfish pride!
The sergeant walked back inside the house holding an official notepad and pen.
Sergeant: Mrs. Miller, you need to step outside with us to the police cruiser now.
Sarah looked at Mark with desperate, pleading eyes as the officer guided her forward.
Sarah: Mark, please forgive me and help me get a good defense lawyer!
Mark: I will use our remaining money to secure a divorce lawyer for myself.