Outside the tall arched windows of the study, the sharp wail of police sirens broke through the afternoon air.
Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the antique paintings and the hardwood floors.
Victoria: You actually called them? You called the police on your own lawful wife?
Julian: You gave up being my wife the moment you watched my son sink to the bottom of that pool.
The study doors opened wide. Two uniformed officers and an estate investigator walked in, their badges gleaming.
Officer Davis: Mr. Vance? We received your emergency dispatch regarding child endangerment and attempted homicide.
Julian: Yes, Officer. The suspect is standing right in front of you.
Victoria backed up against the wall, her hands trembling as she pulled her designer jacket around herself.
Victoria: Officers, this is an absurd misunderstanding! My husband is having a mental breakdown over an accidental fall!
Officer Davis: Ma'am, we have already received the digital transmission of your security footage from your security director.
Victoria: That footage doesn't prove intent! You can't arrest a woman for freezing during an emergency!
Officer Davis: Victoria Vance, you are being placed under arrest for attempted second-degree murder, felony child neglect, and providing false reports to law enforcement.
Victoria: Take your hands off me! Do you know who my family is? My father sits on the federal judicial board!
Officer Davis stepped forward calmly, taking Victoria’s right arm and twisting it firmly behind her back.
The cold steel handcuffs clicked shut around her wrists with a harsh, loud snap.
Victoria: Julian! Stop them! Call Judge Vance! Call our private legal counsel right now!
Julian: Our legal counsel works for Vance Global, Victoria. And I just fired you from this family.
Victoria: I will take everything in the divorce! I will drag your late wife's name through every tabloid in the country!
Officer Davis: Watch your step, ma'am. Let's move.
Victoria screamed curses down the marble corridor as the officers escorted her toward the grand foyer.
Maya stood near the study bookcase, her head bowed, her wet uniform leaving a dark water stain on the rug.
Maya: Mr. Vance... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry your family has to go through this.
Julian turned to look at the young woman, his face pale and worn with exhaustion.
Julian: You're apologizing to me? After what I almost did to you on that patio?
Maya: You were terrified for your son, sir. Any father would be out of his mind with worry.
Julian: That doesn't forgive my rage, Maya. I raised my fist at an innocent girl who had just saved my world.
The front doors slammed shut downstairs, followed by the sound of patrol cars speeding away down the private drive.
Julian walked over to the desk, pulled a clean handkerchief from his drawer, and handed it to Maya.
Julian: Come on. Let's go check on Toby. He won't stop crying until he sees you're safe.