Detective Vance: Escort the suspect out to the primary cruiser, officers. We will take statements from the staff in the study room.
Victoria: Julian! Call our family lawyer! Tell him to meet me at central booking right now!
Julian: Our family lawyer works for my father, Victoria. You will be using a public defender tonight.
Victoria’s screams faded down the long marble hallway as the officers marched her out past the large framed American flag on the back wall. The dining hall fell into a heavy, dramatic silence as the remaining guests looked at Richard.
Richard: My dear friends, I apologize for this disturbing scene on what was supposed to be a peaceful evening.
Guest 1: Richard, we are just glad you are safe! Thank goodness for that brave young woman!
Guest 2: She saved your life tonight, Richard! You could have been gone in minutes!
Richard turned to face Maya, holding out his hand to take hers in a warm, respectful grasp under the bright lights of the dining room.
Richard: Maya, I owe you my life tonight. How did you know she was going to mark that specific decanter?
Maya: I saw her practicing with the lipstick pen in the hallway thirty minutes before dinner, sir. She was testing which glass reflected the light best.
Richard: You noticed a small detail like that?
Maya: My father always taught me to pay attention to people's hands, Mr. Sterling. When someone is nervous, their hands tell the truth before their mouth does.
Julian: Maya... I am deeply sorry for how my wife spoke to you. There is no excuse for her behavior.
Maya: You don't need to apologize for her actions, Mr. Sterling Jr. You did the right thing by standing by your father.
Richard: Julian, call Mr. Henderson, my estate attorney. Tell him to come to the house immediately with the original copy of my will.
Julian: Right now, Father? It's nine o'clock at night.
Richard: Right now, Julian. I am making an emergency amendment to my estate before the sun rises tomorrow morning.
Julian nodded respectfully, pulling out his phone to make the call while Richard walked over to the long mahogany sideboard near the American flag.
Richard: Maya, how long have you worked for the catering company that services my events?
Maya: Three years, sir. I work night shifts here while I finish my business management degree at the state university during the day.
Richard: Business management? What is your current grade point average, young lady?
Maya: Four point zero, Mr. Sterling. I'm graduating top of my class this spring.
Richard smiled warmly, a sharp, approving spark returning to his elderly eyes as he looked at the serious, sharp young server standing before him.
Richard: Then you are far too smart to be carrying serving trays for the rest of your life.