Chapter 6 - The Arrest
The silence in the sterile, white hallway was deafening. Victoria Sterling’s jaw worked soundlessly as she stared at the two state troopers. The two burly men in dark suits standing behind her shifted uneasily, instinctively stepping back as Detective Thorne stepped forward.
"Victoria Sterling," Thorne said, his voice echoing off the linoleum, "you are under arrest for unlawful imprisonment, extortion, and child endangerment."
"This is absurd!" Victoria finally managed to choke out, the arrogant sneer replaced by frantic indignation. She gestured wildly with her manicured hands. "I am a respected medical professional! This is a trap! That recording is inadmissible!"
"Actually, since I was standing right here observing a crime in progress, it's perfectly admissible," Thorne replied dryly. He pulled a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt.
Victoria recoiled, her bright red power suit suddenly looking less like armor and more like a target. "Don't you dare touch me. My lawyers will have your badge for this!"
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Sarah ignored the woman's screeching. She wrapped her heavy military jacket around Lily’s trembling shoulders, covering the torn, gray institutional gown. As the metallic click of handcuffs echoed through the corridor, Sarah pulled her daughter close.
"It's over," Sarah whispered, kissing the top of Lily's head. "We're going home."
