Chapter 3 - Knocking on Forbidden Gates.
The police cruiser rolled slowly up the curved driveway of the Sterling estate.
The gravel crunched loudly beneath the tires, breaking the eerie silence that hung over the property.
The nurse sat in the passenger seat, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird.
The cruiser came to a complete halt near the grand double doors of the mansion.
The officer unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air.
The nurse quickly followed, staying right by his side as they approached the heavy entrance.
The officer raised his hand and struck the brass knocker against the wood three heavy times.
The sound echoed deeply inside the cavernous foyer.
Inside the study, Victoria and Richard froze at the sound of the sharp knocking.
"Did you invite anyone over?"
Richard asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously at Victoria.
"Of course not," Victoria hissed, panic flashing across her face for a split second.
"Go see who it is, and get rid of them."
Richard set his glass down on the desk with a sharp clink and strode out of the room.
He pulled open the front door, his expression immediately shifting into one of cold annoyance.
"Can I help you, officer?"
Richard asked smoothly, resting a hand casually against the doorframe.
"We received a report regarding a disturbance and a welfare concern at this residence," the officer stated firmly, flashing his badge.
The nurse stepped out from behind the officer, her eyes locking onto Richard's hostile gaze.
"It's them, officer," the nurse declared, pointing directly at Richard.
"He and his wife are keeping an elderly woman hostage and abusing her."
Richard let out a short, mocking laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Ah, the disgruntled employee you fired for incompetence and theft," Richard said smoothly, playing his part with chilling perfection.
"She’s making up wild stories because she was caught stealing medication."
"That is a complete lie!"
The nurse yelled, stepping forward with outrage.
"You know damn well why I was fired!"
"Step back, ma'am," the officer warned, holding a hand out to keep the nurse back before turning back to Richard.
"Sir, we have a legal obligation to check on the welfare of any vulnerable resident reported to us."
Richard's jaw tightened, his friendly mask slipping just enough to reveal a flash of pure venom.
"You have no warrant, officer," Richard replied coldly.
"And unless you want a lawsuit for harassment and trespassing, I suggest you leave my property right now."
"We just need to see the grandmother for two minutes to ensure she is safe," the officer insisted, refusing to back down.
Richard stared the officer down, calculating his next move with practiced cunning.
"Fine," Richard sighed heavily, rolling his eyes as if deeply inconvenienced.
"Wait here, I'll go fetch her."
Richard closed the heavy door right in their faces, leaving them standing on the porch.
Inside the foyer, Richard hurried down the hall toward the study where Victoria was waiting.
"It's the police, and that damn nurse," Richard whispered harshly as he pushed the door open.
Victoria’s eyes flashed with fury.
"Get rid of them, now!"
"They want to see her," Richard said, his voice dropping low.
"If they see the bruises or hear her talk, we are finished."
Victoria grabbed a heavy porcelain vase from the side table, her expression twisting into a manic smile.
"Then they won't see her," Victoria whispered darkly.
"Take the old lady down the service elevator to the basement right now."
Richard hesitated for a fraction of a second, weighing the risks.
"Move!"
Victoria hissed, shoving past him toward the back of the house.
Outside on the porch, the officer checked his watch, frowning at the delayed response.
"If he doesn't open up in another minute, we're forcing entry," the officer muttered to the nurse.
The nurse pressed her ear against the heavy oak door, straining to hear any sound from within.
Faint, muffled crying drifted through the wood, followed by the distant sound of a heavy door slamming shut.
"They're hiding her!"
May you like
The nurse gasped, grabbing the officer's arm.
"We have to go in right now!"
