The metal cuffs clicked softly around Eleanor’s wrists behind her emerald jacket.
She looked back at Julian with tears of frustration spilling over her eyelashes.
Eleanor: Julian, please, do not let them take me away like this!
Julian: You made your choice the moment you put Clara in danger.
Eleanor: I am your mother, you owe me everything you have!
Julian: I owe my wife and child a safe, loving life.
The officers guided Eleanor slowly toward the open front door.
Flashing red and blue lights painted the white walls of the grand foyer.
The paramedics lifted Clara onto a portable stretcher with great care.
Paramedic: We need to take her to the hospital for precautionary checks.
Julian: I am coming with you in the ambulance.
Clara: Hold my hand, Julian, please don't leave my side.
Julian: I am right here, sweetie, I am never leaving you again.
They rolled Clara out through the grand entrance past the parked police cruisers.
Neighbors gathered at the edge of the long driveway, whispering to each other.
Eleanor was placed in the back of the lead police vehicle.
She stared out the tinted glass window with a look of utter defeat.
Julian climbed into the back of the ambulance beside his wife.
The paramedic closed the rear doors and the vehicle began to move.
Julian: How are you feeling right now, Clara?
Clara: I am tired, but I feel safe with you here.
Julian: We are going to start fresh, somewhere far away from that house.
Clara: What about your mother's company?
Julian: I am resigning from the board first thing tomorrow morning.
Clara: Are you sure that is what you want, Julian?
Julian: Money means nothing if I lose the people I love most.
Clara squeezed his hand gently as the ambulance sped down the road.