Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
The red and blue emergency lights of the police cruisers flashed rhythmically through the high glass double doors, casting long, geometric streaks of colored light across the marble walls of the foyer.
The officers led Victoria out into the pouring rain, her black leather dress soaked, her head hung low as she was escorted into the back of a black sedan.
The foyer was quiet once more, save for the sound of the rain and the soft hum of the crystal chandelier overhead.
Elena walked down the grand mahogany staircase slowly, holding her bruised elbow, her maroon uniform slightly rumpled. Beside her, little Leo walked down the steps, his small brown shoes clicking softly against the wood.
"Daddy?" Leo called out, his small voice echoing gently in the vast space.
Richard turned away from the glass doors. The cold, lethal anger that had possessed him for the last hour vanished entirely, replaced by a deep, profound exhaustion.
He dropped to his knees in the center of the foyer, opening his arms wide.
Leo ran across the white marble floor, throwing his small frame against Richard's chest. Richard wrapped his arms around his son, pulling him tight, burying his face in the child's brown hair as he let out a long, shuddering breath.
"It's over, Leo," Richard whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "The bad dreams are gone. She's never coming back."
Elena walked over, picking up the black ebony cane from the base of the stairs. She looked at the brass eagle handle, then looked at Richard.
"What should I do with this, Mr. Sterling?" Elena asked softly.
May you like
Richard looked at the cane for a long moment, remembering the fear it had caused his son, remembering the toxic madness that had overtaken his sister within these marble walls.
"Throw it in the fire, Elena," Richard said, standing up with Leo in his arms. "And then clean the floor. We have a home to rebuild."
