Chapter 2 - The Sirens at the DoorGrant frowned as the sirens grew louder.
"They're probably headed somewhere else," Dennis muttered without taking his eyes off the television.
Elaine calmly took another sip of wine.
"No one would ever call the police on family."
Claire—still clutching the towel around her burned hand—said nothing.
She simply counted.
Five...
Four...
Three...
A loud knock shook the front door.
"Police Department! Open the door!"
Grant froze.
Everyone in the room looked toward the entrance.
Another knock followed.
"Loud enough to be heard inside. Open the door immediately."
Grant whispered harshly,
"Don't say a word."
He grabbed Claire's arm.
She calmly replied,
"I don't have to."
Before anyone could move, officers entered through the unlocked front door after announcing their presence.
Detective Mara Ruiz stepped inside first.
Her eyes immediately found Claire's injured hand.
Then the burned stove.
The shattered plate.
The spilled food.
Grant forced a nervous smile.
"This is all just a misunderstanding."
Mara looked directly at Claire.
"Would you like medical assistance?"
Claire answered quietly.
"Yes."
"Did someone cause your injury?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
Claire raised her uninjured hand.
"My husband."
Silence filled the kitchen.
Grant laughed awkwardly.
"She's emotional."
Mara turned toward another officer.
"Separate everyone."
Within seconds, Grant, Elaine, and Dennis were escorted into different rooms.
No one was allowed to speak to one another.
While paramedics treated Claire's burns, Mara reviewed the emergency upload on her tablet.
The hidden camera had captured everything.
Grant forcing Claire's hand onto the burner.
Her screams.
Elaine laughing.
Dennis increasing the television volume.
Grant threatening her afterward.
Every second had been recorded from multiple angles with clear audio.
Mara quietly handed the tablet to Sergeant Collins.
He watched without speaking.
When the recording ended, he simply nodded.
"Place Grant Wilson under arrest."
Grant shouted as officers handcuffed him.
"You can't arrest me over an argument!"
Mara answered calmly.
May you like
"No."
"We're arresting you for aggravated domestic assault."
