Chapter 4 - The Arrival of Law EnforcementThe sound of heavy police sirens echoed outside the banquet hall, red and blue strobe lights flashing through the grand floor-to-ceiling windows.
Two uniformed city police officers and Lead Detective Marcus Vance (no relation) stepped through the double doors, holding an official federal arrest warrant.
Clare Bennett tried to slip out through the rear catering door, but two private security operators blocked her path, guiding her back into the light.
"Daniel Vance and Clare Bennett," Detective Vance declared, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "You are under arrest for Grand Larceny, Systemic Wire Fraud, Corporate Embezzlement, and Conspiracy."
CLICK. CLICK.
The heavy steel handcuffs locked tightly around Daniel’s wrists behind his back.
"GET OFF ME!" Daniel shrieked, thrashing wildly in his chains as he was forced down the central aisle toward the exit. "CLAIRE! TELL THEM TO STOP! I'M YOUR HUSBAND! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO THE FATHER OF YOUR CHILD!"
I turned my back on him completely, refusing to offer him a single glance as he was dragged out into the rainy night in total, public disgrace, surrounded by news reporters who had been tipped off by Julian’s legal team.
Clare Bennett wept hysterical, pathetic tears as she was handcuffed beside him, her expensive silk dress rumpled and ruined, her high-society status completely obliterated in a single hour.
The fifty guests cleared out in total silence, bowing their heads respectfully as they passed my brothers and me, terrified of being associated with the fallout.
Gabriel walked over, placing a heavy, warm coat over my shoulders, wrapping his arm around my waist.
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"Is it over, Claire?" Gabriel asked gently.
"No, Gabriel," I answered, looking out toward the car where my daughter was waiting. "It’s just beginning. And my daughter and I are going home."
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