The ambulance crew carried Leo outside while another paramedic helped Sophia onto a stretcher.
I kissed her forehead.
“I’ll be right behind you at the hospital.”
Naomi touched my arm.
“Finish this first. Make sure they can never get near her again.”
Eleanor heard her and gave a bitter laugh.
“So you’re choosing that woman over your own mother?”
I looked at her.
“I’m choosing my wife over the people who hurt her.”
Detective Harris ordered Eleanor and Audrey to turn around.
Audrey began screaming as the handcuffs clicked shut.
“You can’t arrest me! I live here!”
“Not anymore,” Naomi said.
She handed both women formal notices ending their occupancy. The agreement allowed immediate removal if there was violence, criminal activity, or danger to a child.
A locksmith waiting outside came in with new locks.
Two officers watched while Eleanor and Audrey were allowed to collect clothing, medication, and identification.
Eleanor paused near the staircase, staring at the family portraits.
“You owe me this house.”
“I gave you safety,” I said. “You turned it into a prison.”
She lowered her voice.
“Drop the charges, and I’ll forgive you.”
For the first time all night, I nearly laughed.
Naomi opened another envelope.
My grandfather’s trust included conditional inheritances for Eleanor and Audrey. They could only receive their shares if they avoided felony convictions and financial abuse against another beneficiary.
Sophia and Leo were beneficiaries.
The recordings and forged transfers had triggered an immediate suspension. A judge would make the final decision, but the funds were already frozen.
Audrey’s face went white.
“My inheritance?”
“You traded it,” I said, “for thirty-eight thousand dollars and the satisfaction of hurting someone who couldn’t fight back.”
Eleanor moved toward me, but Detective Harris stopped her.
“You planned this,” she hissed.
“No,” I said. “You planned it. I documented it.”
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