Richard: Security, close the main gates! Don't let those police cars onto the private estate grounds!
Security Guard 1: Mr. Sterling, we aren't catching a federal charge for you. We're opening the gates right now.
Richard: You work for me! I pay your salary!
Security Guard 1: Not anymore, sir. Not after seeing what you did to that kid.
The guard pulled his radio from his belt, clicking the button to signal the front entrance officers to swing the heavy iron gates wide open.
Boy: Emma... are those the police coming?
Emma: Yes, Leo. They're here to make sure nobody ever hurts you again.
Boy: Are they going to take me away from you?
Emma: No, sweetie. I am never letting you out of my sight again. I promise you that.
The heavy front doors of the grand foyer swung open, and four uniformed police officers strode into the high-key hallway, followed closely by two paramedics carrying medical supply kits.
Police Officer 1: Who called emergency services regarding an abused juvenile on this property?
Emma: I did, Officer! My name is Emma Sterling. My father has been locking my seven-year-old cousin inside a hidden wall partition!
Richard: Officer, this is a private family matter! My daughter is having a severe emotional breakdown and making absurd accusations!
Police Officer 1: Sir, step back and keep your hands where I can see them!
The officer looked at the smashed drywall, the gaping hole behind the removed portrait, and the small wooden door exposed inside the structure.
Police Officer 1: What is that opening inside the wall construction, sir?
Richard: It's... it's an old utility space for electrical wiring!
Woman: Don't listen to him, Officer. I have live video footage on my phone showing the boy climbing out of that space covered in plaster dust.
The lead officer stepped up to the hole, shining his heavy flashlight inside the narrow chamber. The beam lit up a small, filthy cot, a single plastic water bottle, and a stack of dusty children's books sitting on the bare floorboards.
Police Officer 1: Good Lord... there's a sleeping mattress inside the drywall partition.
Paramedic 1: Let me see the child immediately! Son, come sit over here on the stretcher.
The paramedic gently guided Leo over to a folding seat, wrapping a warm blanket around his trembling shoulders while checking his pulse and oxygen levels.
Paramedic 1: He's severely dehydrated and showing signs of mild malnutrition. We need to take him to the pediatric unit at Memorial Hospital right away.
Emma: I'm coming with him in the ambulance.
Police Officer 1: Absolutely, ma'am. You can ride along.
Richard: Emma, if you leave with him, I will cut you off from your inheritance completely! You won't receive a single penny from my estate!
Emma: Keep your dirty money, Dad. I'd rather live in a studio apartment than stay in this house built on lies.
Police Officer 1: Richard Sterling, turn around and place your hands behind your back.
Richard: What?! You can't arrest me! I am the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Enterprises!
Police Officer 1: You are under arrest for felony child endangerment, false imprisonment, and criminal abuse of a minor.