Chapter 5 - The Turning Tide
The front door downstairs rattled under a heavy blow. Officer Vance’s voice cut through the house. “Mr. Vance! Open the door. We have a warrant to search the premises regarding elder abuse and unlawful confinement.”
Eli froze, his hand still trapped inside his coat pocket. Color drained entirely from his face. He looked at Maya, then at me, realizing the game was mathematically over. The authorities hadn't just taken Marlene’s vague hospital statement at face value; Maya must have called them the moment she heard those voicemails in the car.
“You called them,” Eli hissed, staring at his sister.
“I did,” Maya said bravely, stepping closer to me and shielding June. “It’s over, Eli. Turn yourself in.”
Instead of answering, Eli bolted down the back hallway toward the service stairs that led to the garage.
“Stop him!” I yelled, handing June to Maya. “Take her downstairs to the officers!”
I sprinted down the main hallway, chasing Eli’s retreating footsteps. I knew this house better than he did. While he fumbled with the garage deadbolt, I cut through the laundry room and intercepted him by the interior door.
Eli slammed into me, knocking the wind out of my lungs, but I grabbed the heavy iron fire extinguisher mounted beside the pantry and swung it with every ounce of adrenaline left in my body.
Clang!
The base of the extinguisher caught Eli square in the shin. He howled in pain, collapsing against the washing machine just as the front door downstairs was kicked off its hinges by the police.
“Clear! Clear!” voices shouted from the foyer.
Officer Vance and two other officers flooded the kitchen lamps, their tasers drawn, locking eyes with Eli as he writhed on the floor and with me standing over him, holding the heavy metal canister.
“Drop it, ma'am,” Officer Vance ordered gently.
I lowered the extinguisher and let it drop to the tile floor with a dull thud.
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“He has the evidence,” I panted, pointing down at Eli. “Check his phone. Check his office computer. He poisoned me, he drugged his own mother, and he forged custody papers.”
Eli was hauled to his feet, cold steel cuffs snapping around his wrists. As they dragged him past me toward the flashing red and blue lights outside, he didn't look angry anymore. He looked hollow, defeated by his own web of lies.
