The distant sirens grew louder, cutting through the morning silence of the estate.
Julian held Clara close to his chest on the plush rug.
Eleanor rushed down the curving stairs with frantic, unsteady footsteps.
Eleanor: You must tell the police this was just a simple accident!
Julian: I will tell them every single word you spoke today.
Eleanor: If I am arrested, the company stock will plunge by morning!
Julian: Then let it plunge to zero, Mother.
Clara: Why do you hate me so much, Eleanor?
Eleanor: Because you are hiding something from my son!
Clara wiped a tear from her cheek and looked up at Eleanor.
Clara: I have never hidden anything from Julian in my life.
Eleanor: Oh really? What about the real estate trust in your name?
Julian frowned and looked down at his wife in confusion.
Julian: What trust are you talking about, Mother?
Eleanor: Her father owned the land our main headquarters sits on!
Julian: What does that have to do with Clara?
Eleanor: She is using this marriage to reclaim her family's property!
Clara shook her head rapidly, fresh tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
Clara: I didn't even know my father owned that land until last month!
Julian: Is this what this whole attack was about, Mother?
Eleanor: She wants to ruin everything I worked forty years to build!
Julian: Clara never asked for a single dime from your company!
Eleanor: She didn't have to, because you were going to hand it to her!
The heavy oak front doors flew open with a loud, ringing crash.
Four police officers rushed into the grand atrium with flashlights raised.
Two paramedics followed closely behind them carrying a black medical kit.
Officer Davis: Everyone stay where you are and keep your hands visible!
Julian: Over here, please help my wife, she is pregnant!
The paramedics dropped down beside Clara and opened their emergency gear.
Eleanor backed up toward the dining room entrance, trembling with nervous energy.
Officer Davis: Who called nine-one-one to report an assault?
Julian: I called, Officer, my mother attacked my wife at the top of the stairs.
Eleanor: It was a misunderstanding, Officer, I am Eleanor Miller!
Officer Davis: Ma'am, stand right there and do not move.