Chapter 9 - The Broken Gate
The heavy metal tire iron crashed violently against the security camera lens.
Glass shattered into a hundred sparkling pieces across the paved driveway.
Evelyn breathed heavily, her elegant red dress now stained with dirt and sweat.
She struck the iron keypad repeatedly, hoping the electronic locking mechanism would simply break.
Inside the quiet mansion, Clara watched the main monitor fade entirely to black static.
She refused to let fear take control of her mind.
Clara walked swiftly down the long hallway toward the private library.
She found Leo huddled beneath a massive oak desk, clutching his small knees.
"It is just a broken camera, sweetie," Clara whispered gently, crouching beside him.
"Your father is almost here, and the police are right behind him."
Leo squeezed his eyes tightly shut, trying very hard to be brave.
Outside the front gates, a familiar black SUV roared around the corner of the private road.
Victor slammed his foot hard onto the brake pedal.
The heavy vehicle skidded to a complete halt just inches from Evelyn's silver sports car.
Evelyn spun around, wildly raising the tire iron above her head.
Victor stepped out of the driver's side door, his face an impenetrable mask of pure rage.
"Drop the weapon, Evelyn," Victor commanded with absolute authority.
"You ruined my life!" Evelyn screamed hysterically, dark mascara streaming down her face.
"I gave you everything, and you threw me out for a lying maid!"
"You threw yourself out the moment you threatened my son," Victor replied coldly.
The distant wail of police sirens began to echo loudly through the surrounding trees.
Evelyn’s shoulders instantly slumped as the flashing red and blue lights illuminated the dark iron gates.
She dropped the heavy metal bar onto the pavement with a hollow clatter.
Two patrol cars swerved into the driveway, completely blocking any chance of escape.
Officers sprang from their vehicles with their hands resting cautiously on their holstered weapons.
"Put your hands flat on the hood of the car!" the lead officer shouted firmly.
Victor did not watch them place the cold steel handcuffs on his former wife.
He turned his back on her entirely and walked straight to the damaged electronic keypad.
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He punched in the secure master override code, and the heavy gates slowly swung open.
He was finally going home to his son.
