Chapter 8 - Celeste Tries To Dismiss The Responding Police Officers
Inside the grand ballroom, the string quartet abruptly stopped playing as the sound of roaring police engines echoed through the double doors.
Wealthy donors dropped their conversations, turning their heads in shock toward the foyer as flashing red and blue lights strobed across the white rose arrangements.
Jonathan Hawthorne set his champagne glass down on a nearby cocktail table, his face draining of color as he strode toward the entrance.
“What on earth is going on out here?” Jonathan demanded, stepping into the marble foyer just as the front doors pushed open.
Officer Vance walked into the mansion followed by two armed patrol officers, their boots striking the polished marble with authoritative echoes.
“Jonathan Hawthorne? I am Officer Vance with the Greenwich Police Department; we have an emergency welfare call for a child on this property,” Vance announced.
Before Jonathan could respond, Celeste glided down the grand staircase, her dark-blue gown sweeping the steps as she deployed her most charming, unbothered smile.
“Officer Vance, there must be some ridiculous mistake; our son Noah is currently at a private residential wellness retreat in Vermont,” Celeste corrected smoothly.
“We have an active 911 audio transmission originating from inside this estate reporting a child locked behind a wall,” Vance stated, refusing to be charmed.
Jonathan frowned, stepping defensively in front of his wife while casting a harsh glare at the gathering crowd of horrified guests.
“This is a malicious prank or an unhinged intrusion by a disgruntled staff member; you have no right to search my home without a signed magistrate warrant,” Jonathan protested loudly.
“When a child’s life is in imminent danger under federal and state statute, our emergency entry protocols override private property rights,” Vance countered fiercely.
May you like
Maya slipped quietly out from the service hallway corridor, holding the glass of water behind her back as she caught Officer Vance’s eye.
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