The heavy tires of two police cruisers crunched over the gravel driveway outside. Red and blue lights flashed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the white walls and the golden frame of the American flag.
Two uniformed officers stepped through the open front entrance, their hands resting near their belts as they took in the scene: David holding Sarah on the floor, and Victoria standing soaked and shivering near the patio doors.
Officer Miller: Stand still, everyone. We received an automated 911 distress trigger from this address along with a video clip feed.
David: Officer, thank God you’re here. My name is David Sterling. I am the executor of this estate.
Officer Miller: Mr. Sterling, we viewed the real-time video upload on our patrol terminal on the way over. Is the victim alright?
David: My sister Sarah’s hand was crushed under a heavy heel. She needs immediate medical attention.
Victoria: Officers! Listen to me! This is a private family dispute regarding an ongoing probate case!
Officer Miller: Ma'am, do not take another step forward. Keep your hands where we can see them.
Victoria: I am Mrs. Victoria Sterling! I am the lady of this house!
Officer Miller: Ma'am, the video feed clearly shows you pinning the victim to the floor and using your foot to crush her hand while threatening her over legal documents.
Victoria: It was taken without my consent! You can't use internal security footage against me!
Officer Miller: In the state of California, home security systems owned by the primary estate holder are fully admissible in criminal assault investigations, ma'am.
The second officer stepped forward, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his utility belt.
Officer Davis: Turn around and place your hands behind your back, Mrs. Sterling.
Victoria: Get your hands off me! David, tell them to stop! You can't let them drag me out of here in front of the neighbors!
David: You should have thought about the neighbors before you turned my father's house into a crime scene, Victoria.
Victoria: Sarah! Tell them it was an accident! I’ll give you the villa! I’ll sign whatever you want!
Sarah: It’s too late for deals, Victoria. You showed me who you really are today.
Officer Davis: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
The officers snapped the handcuffs onto Victoria’s wrists. She struggled briefly, but Officer Davis firmly guided her out the front doors toward the waiting police car, her wet shoes dragging against the marble floor she had tried so desperately to steal.