The heavy mahogany doors were thrown open by four armed officers from the Dallas Police Department, followed closely by two detectives in suits. The flashing red and blue lights painted the white marble foyer in rhythmic pulses of color.
Detective Walsh: Nobody move! Arthur Vance? We received an emergency dispatch regarding evidence in the Thomas Vance homicide investigation.
Arthur: Detective Walsh. I'm glad you're here. The evidence is right here on this tablet, and the two suspects are standing right in front of you.
Evelyn: This is a misunderstanding, officer! My fiancé is having a medical emergency! He's confused!
Detective Walsh: Ma'am, stay where you are. Hand over the tablet, Mr. Vance.
Arthur handed the device to the lead detective. As the officer reviewed the video footage showing Evelyn in the garage, his face hardened. He gestured to his partner.
Detective Walsh: Evelyn Reed, you are under arrest for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and grand larceny.
Evelyn: Get your hands off me! Do you know how much this dress costs?!
Officer: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
The metal handcuffs clicked loudly around Evelyn's delicate wrists. The silk wedding veil fell to the floor, trampled under the boots of the police officers as they forced her hands behind her back.
Marcus: Officer, wait! I was coerced! She threatened to expose my financial troubles if I didn't cooperate!
Arthur: Save it for your divorce attorney and your defense lawyer, Marcus. You're done.
Detective Walsh: Marcus Vance, you are also under arrest as an accessory to murder and corporate fraud. Turn around.
Marcus: Arthur! Please! We're brothers! You can't let them take me to a state penitentiary!
Arthur: You stopped being my brother the moment you put a price tag on my son's life.
The police marched Evelyn and Marcus down the long aisle, past the rows of horrified wedding guests. Evelyn glared at nine-year-old Leo with pure venom as she was dragged past him.
Evelyn: You ruined everything, you little parasite!
Arthur: Get her out of my sight before I forget my own strength!
Detective Walsh tipped his hat to Arthur and placed a gentle hand on young Leo's shoulder.
Detective Walsh: You're a brave kid, son. Your mother is waiting outside in my cruiser. She wanted to make sure you were safe before we moved in.
Leo: Is Mom okay?
Detective Walsh: She's fine, buddy. She gave us the master file ten minutes ago. You did a great job bringing that drive in.
As the officers led the criminals out into the afternoon heat, the grand foyer fell completely quiet. The remaining guests didn't know whether to leave or stay. Arthur walked over to the center of the room, looking at the floral arrangements and the expensive decorations that meant nothing now.
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