Chapter 8 - The Local Sheriff's Arrival
The blue and red lights of the local police cruisers flashed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand foyer.
Sheriff Thomas, a long-time family friend of the Sterlings, stepped into the house without waiting for an invitation.
"Mark, what's going on here?" Sheriff Thomas asked, adjusting his utility belt as he surveyed the scattered dining room.
"Sheriff, my wife has unlawfully seized corporate documents and assaulted my mother," Mark announced immediately, pointing at Clara.
Clara didn't flinch; she stood tall beside the sofa where Lily lay asleep under a cashmere blanket.
"Sheriff Thomas, federal agents cleared this scene twenty minutes ago," Clara said, her voice steady and clear.
"This is a domestic matter, Mrs. Sterling," Thomas stated, taking a step toward her. "I have a mandatory removal order filed by your mother-in-law's attorney."
"A removal order for whom?" Clara challenged, crossing her arms over her royal blue silk top.
"For you," Thomas declared, pulling a set of steel handcuffs from his belt. "You need to step away from the child and come with us to the station."
Mark stepped up beside the officer, a small, cruel smile touching the corners of his lips.
"You should have left when the cake fell, Clara," Mark whispered mockingly.
May you like
Clara simply smiled, reaching into her pocket once more to unlock her phone screen.
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