Chapter 2 - The Red And Blue Lights
Headlights and flashing strobes painted our two-story foyer in violent sweeps of crimson and royal blue.
Two police cruisers screeched to a halt right across our circular cobblestone driveway, their tires kicking up gravel. Within seconds, heavy tactical boots pounded up the front porch steps, followed by three sharp, authoritative knocks that rattled the heavy mahogany front door.
"Police department! Open the door immediately!"
Grant ran his trembling hands through his slicked-back hair, desperately trying to assemble the mask of the charming, philanthropic CEO who donated millions to city charities.
"Emma, please," he pleaded in a hushed, breathless rush, turning back toward me with eyes full of counterfeit remorse. "Think about our daughter's future. Think about the press. If I get arrested, the Whitaker Group stock will plummet fifty percent by noon. We can settle this privately between us."
"You should have thought about our daughter before your hand hit my face," I said softly, holding my hand firmly over my kicking child.
I reached out with my left hand and unlocked the front entry through the smart panel on the wall.
The front doors swung wide open, revealing three armed officers with hands resting firmly on their duty belts.
The lead officer, a stern woman with a silver sergeant badge pinned to her tactical vest, took in the entire scene within two seconds.
She saw the shattered porcelain mug, the puddle of amber tea, the mistress shivering in stolen jewelry, and the deep, dark swelling across my pregnant jaw.
"Hands where I can see them, sir! Step away from the woman right now!" the sergeant commanded, her voice booming with unquestionable authority.
"Officer, there has been a terrible misunderstanding," Grant stammered, raising his palms placatingly as he stepped sideways. "My wife is experiencing severe postpartum anxiety before the delivery, and she became hysterical—"
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"Dispatch has a live open audio recording of the physical impact and your verbal threat, sir," the second officer interrupted coldly, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his utility belt.
"Turn around and face the wall. Right now."
