Chapter 7: The Arrest

The public pressure forced the District Attorney’s hand. They could no longer drag their feet for fear of upsetting a wealthy donor. The evidence was viral, undeniable, and utterly horrifying.
At 6:00 AM on a Friday, four black SUVs pulled up to the wrought-iron gates of Victoria’s Hamptons estate.
Victoria was in her silk robe, desperately screaming at her lawyers over the phone, demanding they scrub the internet of the video. When the police kicked the front door open, she dropped the phone in shock.
"Victoria Sterling," the lead detective announced, pulling out a pair of steel handcuffs. "You are under arrest for grand larceny, child endangerment, kidnapping, and severe abuse."
"You can't do this!" Victoria shrieked, struggling violently as the officers pulled her hands behind her back. "I am a Sterling! I demand to speak to the mayor!"
"The mayor is the one who expedited the warrant, ma'am," the detective replied dryly, marching her out the front door.
News helicopters hovered above the estate, capturing the moment the glamorous socialite was shoved into the back of a police cruiser in her pajamas, her face devoid of makeup, her pristine reputation in tatters.
Sitting in the hospital room, Arthur watched the live broadcast on the television. Lily was sitting up in bed, working on a coloring book. She glanced at the screen, recognizing the woman.
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"Is she going away?" Lily asked quietly.
"Yes, sweetheart," Arthur said, turning the TV off. "She’s going away for a very, very long time."