Chapter 4 - The Handcuffs in the Foyer
Two New York State Police cruisers and an unmarked Detective sedan pulled up the curved stone driveway, their red and blue strobe lights painting the leaded glass windows.
Detective Sarah Miller stepped into the grand foyer, holding an active arrest warrant signed by the Warren County District Court.
"Andrew Vance?" Detective Miller asked, her hand resting on her sidearm.
"Detective, this is a private family misunderstanding!" Andrew pleaded, sweat pouring down his temples. "My wife fell in the kitchen! It was an accident!"
"We have the 4K footage, Mr. Vance," Detective Miller stated calmly. "Transmitted directly to the state domestic crimes portal at 7:14 AM from the secure camera system installed by Sterling Horizon Security."
Detective Miller pulled a tablet from her tactical vest, pressing play.
The high-definition video filled the screen: Andrew roaring, striking me violently across the face, Margaret spreading butter on toast without looking up, and Chloe pouring hot coffee across my bruised legs with a cruel laugh.
The evidence was undeniable, pristine, and horrific.
"Andrew Vance, you are under arrest for felony domestic battery, assault causing physical injury, and aggravated harassment," Detective Miller announced.
Two state troopers lunged forward, grabbing Andrew’s arms, twisting them behind his back, and pinning him face-down against the marble counter.
The metallic snap of handcuffs echoed through the kitchen.
"Elena! Please!" Andrew screamed, tears of pathetic panic streaming down his face as he thrashed against the troopers. "I made a mistake! I love you! You're my wife! You can't do this to me!"
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"You didn't want a wife, Andrew," I replied with ice-cold finality. "You wanted a servant you could intimidate while my money paid off your debts."
As Andrew was hauled through the front doors into the pouring rain, William collapsed into an armchair, clutching his chest, while Margaret and Chloe wept hysterically amidst the shattered coffee mug on the floor.
