The distant sound of sirens suddenly echoed from the main road outside the estate gates. David had managed to press the emergency call button on his smart watch while pulling his mother out of the water. Victoria’s eyes widened in horror as the high-pitched wails grew louder, turning into the bright flashing red and blue lights of approaching police cars reflecting against the tall security fence.
Victoria: You called the police? You actually called the cops on your own wife?!
David: You committed attempted murder in broad daylight, Victoria. Did you really think you were going to walk inside and dry your clothes?
Victoria: I will tell them you attacked me! Look at my wrist! You grabbed me and bruised my skin!
David: Go ahead and tell them whatever you want. See that black camera mounted under the roof overhang?
Victoria’s head snapped upward, her eyes fixing on a tiny, hidden security camera pointed directly at the pool deck. A small red recording light blinked steadily against the dark plastic casing. David had installed a brand-new high-definition security system throughout the entire outdoor property just three days ago to protect the house during his business trips. Every single second of the interaction—the push, the shoes on Rose's hand, the cold dialogue, and the stolen ring—had been captured in crystal-clear 4K video with crystal-clear audio.
Victoria: You... you put a camera out here?
David: I put cameras everywhere, Victoria. The footage is already saved on a secure cloud server that my divorce lawyers can access anytime.
Victoria: David, please! Don't ruin my life over a stupid mistake! We can work this out! We can go to counseling!
David: The only place you are going is to a county jail cell.
The heavy iron gates swung open, and two police cruisers pulled rapidly up the gravel driveway, stopping right beside the patio steps. Four uniformed officers stepped out, their hands resting cautiously near their belts as they surveyed the wet scene. They saw the dripping wet elderly woman wrapped in a suit jacket, the scattered red rose petals on the stone, and the furious young man standing in front of a trembling woman in a satin dress.
Police Officer: We received an emergency distress signal from this address. Is everyone okay here?
David: My wife just attempted to drown my seventy-four-year-old mother in our pool to steal her property deeds and jewelry.
Victoria: Officer, that is a complete lie! My mother-in-law fell, and my husband is having a mental breakdown!
David: Officer, I have full security video footage on my phone right now showing her physically pushing my mother into nine feet of water and holding her down.
The lead officer looked at David’s calm, resolute expression, then looked at the hidden camera mounted above the patio door. He stepped toward Victoria, drawing his handcuffs from his utility belt with a stern, professional motion. Victoria began to back away toward the grass, her voice rising into a high-pitched, desperate screech as the reality of her total defeat hit her like a tidal wave.
Victoria: Keep your hands off me! Do you know how expensive this dress is? David, tell them to stop! Tell them it was a misunderstanding!
Police Officer: Ma'am, turn around and place your hands behind your back right now. You are under arrest for attempted murder, grand theft, and elder abuse.