Sarah surfaced from the cool water of the swimming pool, coughing and catching her breath.
She swam quickly to the edge of the pool deck and pulled herself out completely unscathed.
The blue folder was still clutched tightly inside her waterproof coat pocket where she secured it.
She looked up at the balcony terrace where Daniel and Victoria were looking down in shock.
Elena ran down the exterior stone steps as fast as her pregnancy allowed her to move.
Elena: Sarah! Are you okay? Speak to me!
Sarah: I am fine, Elena! The evidence is still completely safe right here!
Elena helped Sarah stand up on the smooth concrete pool deck near the sun loungers.
At that exact moment, the heavy iron gates of the estate opened with a sharp mechanic hum.
Two sleek black police cruisers pulled into the long circular driveway at full speed.
Elena's divorce lawyer, Mr. Harrison, stepped out of the lead vehicle alongside two local police officers.
Mr. Harrison: We received an emergency report regarding document forgery and financial fraud on this property.
Elena: Over here, Mr. Harrison! They tried to steal my legal rights and destroy the evidence!
Daniel and Victoria rushed down the terrace stairs to intercept the arriving officers.
Victoria: This is a private family matter! Get these police officers off my land!
Mr. Harrison: This is no longer private, Mrs. Sterling. Forgery of court documents is a felony crime.
Sarah unzipped her coat and pulled out the crisp blue folder to hand to the officers.
Sarah: Here are the original forged contracts and the real estate trust agreements.
The lead officer took the file and began inspecting the fake signatures and corporate stamps.
Police Officer: Mr. Daniel Sterling, you and your mother need to step over here right now.
Daniel: This is ridiculous! My lawyer will clear this up in five minutes!
Mr. Harrison: Your lawyer is already under investigation for filing fraudulent trust documents this morning.
Daniel’s confident expression shattered instantly into complete panic and disbelief.
Victoria gripped her son's arm, her face turning pale as the reality set in.
The officers moved forward to place formal restraint handcuffs on both Daniel and Victoria.
The quiet luxury of the mansion was completely shattered by the flashing blue light reflections.