The city police officers arrived at the mansion within ten short minutes of the call.
Two officers stood near the doorway, while a forensic detective examined the bubbling splash.
Arthur held Lily tightly in his arms, stroking her soft hair to calm her down.
Victoria sat on the leather sofa, flanked by an officer who kept watch on her.
Detective: This liquid contains a dangerous chemical.
Arthur: Are you absolutely certain of that?
Detective: Yes, it is a toxic poison.
Victoria: Someone else must have put it!
Detective: Ma'am, stay seated right now.
The detective opened Victoria's expensive leather purse that was sitting on the glass table.
Inside the deep inner pocket, he found a tiny clear bottle with no white label.
A few drops of the heavy thick liquid remained at the bottom of the glass.
Victoria closed her eyes tight as tears of guilt and panic rolled down her cheeks.
Arthur: Why would you do this to me?
Victoria: I had no other choice left!
Arthur: I gave you everything you wanted!
Victoria: You never gave me real control!
Arthur felt a sharp sting of deep betrayal cutting right through his heavy chest.
He had brought Victoria into his warm home and treated her like family members.
He had even listed her name in his updated official will just three months ago.
Now he realized she wanted his vast wealth and inheritance for her own selfish greed.
The police officer placed heavy steel handcuffs around Victoria's slender wrists with a click.
Officer: You are under arrest for attempted murder.
Victoria: Arthur, please help me out here!
Arthur: Do not ever speak to me again.
Lily: Take the bad lady away, please.
Victoria was led out through the wide front doors into the flashing red lights.
The guests slowly departed, offering words of comfort and deep sympathy to Arthur before leaving.
Arthur sat down on the large wooden step, feeling completely exhausted and deeply shaken inside.
He looked at his little girl, who was sitting quietly right beside his knees.
If she had not stepped up brave, he would not be breathing here tonight.
He wrapped his strong arms around her and kissed the top of her soft head.
Arthur: You saved my life today, Lily.
Lily: I just wanted you safe, Daddy.
Arthur: I promise I will protect you.
Lily: I miss Mom so much today.
Arthur wiped a stray tear from his eye, looking up at the high decorative ceiling.
He knew he had to rebuild their quiet life on truth and deep genuine love.
The dark shadows in the mansion were finally starting to clear out completely tonight.