Chapter 1 - The Blue Lights
The heavy oak doors of the Whitmore Hotel ballroom burst open.
Two Chicago police officers rushed into the elegant space.
Their heavy black boots echoed loudly against the polished marble floor.
Behind them came the paramedics.
They were pushing a stretcher through the sea of horrified, silent guests.
Preston’s smug expression immediately vanished.
He dropped the bloodstained oak menu board onto the ground.
My father intercepted the officers before they could even scan the room.
"Officers, there is no emergency here."
He smoothed his expensive suit jacket.
"My son simply caught a thief, and there was a minor accident."
My mother nodded in agreement.
"Just family drama, gentlemen."
But the paramedics didn't listen to them.
They saw the blood soaking my beautiful daughter's white dress.
They sprinted toward us.
One paramedic dropped to his knees beside Sophie.
He gently pressed a sterile gauze pad against the deep gash on her temple.
Sophie whimpered softly.
"It hurts, Mommy."
"I know, baby, I know."
I held her trembling little hand.
The lead police officer stepped forward.
"Who is responsible for striking this child?"
My parents remained completely silent.
Preston suddenly looked like a terrified little boy.
I stood up slowly.
My hands were covered in my daughter's blood.
I raised my arm and pointed directly at my brother.
May you like
"He did."
"And he did it on purpose."
