Chapter 5 – The First Arrest
Detective Sarah Collins didn’t waste another second.
She handed the phone to the department’s digital forensics team, who immediately began securing the video, extracting metadata, and creating multiple encrypted copies. No one was going to "lose" this evidence.
"Chain of custody starts now," Sarah ordered.
Marcus Reed nodded. "If anyone tries to make this disappear, they'll have a very difficult time."
Richard Whitmore remained silent as he watched the technicians work.
His face showed little emotion, but inside, he was unraveling.
For years he had believed his son was ambitious, arrogant, and entitled.
He had never imagined Daniel was capable of murder.
In Elena's hospital room, an obstetrician finished another examination.
"The baby is stable," Dr. Lisa Monroe said with a reassuring smile. "Considering everything you've been through, she's incredibly strong."
Elena exhaled in relief.
"But," the doctor continued gently, "you've suffered severe trauma. You'll need complete bed rest. Stress could trigger premature labor."
"I understand."
Margaret, resting in a wheelchair nearby, reached over and squeezed Elena's hand.
"We're still here."
Elena smiled through tears.
"Because of you."
Margaret shook her head.
"No."
She placed a hand on Elena's belly.
"Because that little girl refused to give up."
Across town, Daniel sat in his downtown office as television news quietly played in the background.
No reports.
No police statement.
No arrests.
He relaxed for the first time all day.
His phone buzzed.
His attorney.
"Good news?" Daniel asked.
Silence.
"Charles?"
"You need to leave."
Daniel frowned.
"What happened?"
"The police have a video."
His blood ran cold.
"What video?"
"A recording from the rooftop."
Daniel stood so quickly that his chair crashed backward.
"That's impossible."
"I've confirmed it. They're on their way with an arrest warrant."
Daniel looked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
For the first time in years...
...he was afraid.
Outside the building, three police vehicles rolled to a stop.
Detective Collins stepped out first.
Uniformed officers followed.
Employees gathered near the lobby windows, whispering nervously.
The receptionist watched in confusion as Sarah displayed her badge.
"We're here for Daniel Whitmore."
The elevators opened.
Daniel walked out before anyone reached his office.
He forced a confident smile.
"There must be some misunderstanding."
Sarah held up the warrant.
"Daniel Whitmore, you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Elena Whitmore and Margaret Dawson."
The entire lobby fell silent.
Employees stared in disbelief.
Someone dropped a coffee cup.
Daniel laughed softly.
"You actually believe that story?"
Sarah looked him directly in the eyes.
"I don't have to believe it."
She produced her phone.
"I've seen it."
Daniel's confidence cracked.
For the first time, he realized exactly what evidence the police possessed.
As officers placed handcuffs around his wrists, television crews arrived outside the building, cameras already rolling.
Flashbulbs exploded through the glass entrance.
One reporter shouted,
"Mr. Whitmore! Did you try to kill your pregnant wife?"
Daniel lowered his head as he was escorted outside.
Watching from the twenty-fifth floor, Eleanor Whitmore felt her knees buckle.
Her son had just been arrested.
And she suddenly understood something terrifying.
May you like
If Daniel talked...
...she would be next.
