Four police cruisers sped down the winding dirt path toward the cabin.
Sirens flashed brightly against the tall pine trees along the road.
I sat in the front passenger seat of the lead police car.
My heart pounded as the wooden cabin came into full view.
Richard's black sedan was parked right beside the front wooden porch.
Two armed officers stepped out, drawing their service weapons with precision.
Officer: Police department! Open the front door immediately and show hands!
The heavy front door swung open slowly after a long silence.
Richard stood in the doorway, holding a stack of legal documents.
Richard: Officers, this is a private estate and a total misunderstanding.
Arthur: Where is my daughter, Richard? Tell me right now!
Richard: She is resting inside. She is unwell and needs care.
A woman's panicked voice shouted from the upper cabin window above.
Clara: Help me! I am locked inside this room against my will!
Arthur: Clara! I am here! Your father is right here!
The police sergeant pushed past Richard without asking for permission.
Officer: Step aside, sir. You are under arrest for unlawful detainment.
Richard tried to step back inside, but officers grabbed his arms.
They placed metal handcuffs tightly around his wrists within seconds.
Richard: You are making a huge mistake! I own this property!
David: You owned it through stolen trust funds that are now frozen.
I sprinted up the wooden staircase as fast as I could.
The bedroom door at the end of the hall was locked tight.
The police officer kicked the wooden lock open with one heavy strike.
The door swung open, revealing a frail woman sitting on the bed.
She looked up with wide, tearful eyes as I entered the room.
Clara: Dad? Is it really you after all these years?
Arthur: Yes, Clara. I am so sorry I was not there sooner.