Two local police officers walked up the grand staircase behind Sarah.
The lead officer looked at the tense group standing near the library.
Officer Miller: We received a distress call regarding a break-in and dispute.
Daniel: Officer, my wife entered my property without my permission.
Clara: I am a legal resident of this home, Officer Miller.
Clara: Here is my driver's license showing this official address.
The officer checked Clara's identification card with a polite node.
Officer Miller: She is a legal occupant of this residence, sir.
Evelyn: But she took private legal documents from our family safe!
Sarah: Those papers belong to her unborn child, Officer.
Sarah: I saw Mr. Daniel hide them to alter the family estate trust.
Officer Miller turned his gaze toward Daniel and Evelyn.
He pulled out a small black notepad to write down the statements.
Officer Miller: Is this the original will of the late house owner?
Clara: Yes, sir, and it shows his official notary seal from last month.
Daniel: I was going to turn that in to the court attorney tomorrow.
Clara: You told me this morning that I would get nothing at all.
The second officer stepped near the library safe to take photos.
He recorded the open safe door and the displaced wall painting.
Officer Miller: We will need everyone to come down to the station.
Evelyn: I am an elderly woman and I will not go anywhere tonight.
Officer Miller: Ma'am, we need to clarify the estate tampering claims.
Daniel put his face in his hands as tears of shame fell.
He realized his entire reputation was about to be ruined publicly.
Clara held the thick paper folder close against her chest.
She felt the heavy weight of tension leave her shoulders at last.
Clara: I am ready to give my statement right now, Officer.
Sarah: I will come with you to hand over the video recording.
Daniel: Clara, please do not press charges against my mother.
Clara: Actions have real consequences, Daniel.
Clara: You chose money over your own family today.