Brenda crossed her arms tightly across her chest, glaring back with bitter defiance.
Brenda: You were always working, Arthur! You neglected me for months!
Arthur: That gives you no right to steal or harm my son!
Leo hid his head behind Arthur's hip, crying softly in quiet fear.
Leo: She said if I told you, you would send me away forever.
Arthur felt a surge of protective instinct course through his whole body.
He reached down and gently patted Leo's soft brown hair with comfort.
Arthur: Nobody is sending you away, Leo. This is your home always.
Arthur walked toward the landline phone mounted on the kitchen wall nearby.
Brenda rushed across the hardwood floor to block his path with desperation.
Brenda: You cannot call the police on me, Arthur! I am your wife!
Arthur: You lost that privilege the moment you threatened my child.
He pushed past her firmly, keeping a safe distance as he grabbed the receiver.
He dialed nine-one-one with steady, unwavering fingers.
Dispatcher: Emergency dispatch, what is your location and emergency?
Arthur: I need officers at 742 Evergreen Terrace immediately for child endangerment and fraud.
Brenda let out a sharp cry and darted toward the front entry foyer.
She grabbed her leather purse off the side table near the front door.
She yanked open the heavy wooden door, intent on escaping into the street.
Outside in the driveway, two black-and-white police cruisers slammed on their brakes.
Their bright red and blue lights flashed against the suburban houses nearby.
Arthur's attorney had already alerted the local precinct moments earlier during his audit.
Two uniformed officers stepped out of their patrol vehicles with fast authority.
Officer: Ma'am, step away from the vehicle and keep your hands visible!
Brenda froze on the top step of the porch, her jaw dropping open.
Brenda: This is a massive misunderstanding, officers! Please listen to me!
Arthur stepped out onto the porch, holding Leo safely by his side.
Arthur: Officer, she tried to physically harm my son to hide financial fraud.
The female officer walked up the porch steps with high handcuffs ready.