Chapter 14 - JUSTICE IN THE LIGHTWOO-WOO-WOO!
Before she could pull the trigger, red and blue strobe lights flooded the underground ramp. The deafening roar of police sirens echoed through the garage as three Dallas PD cruiser cars rounded the corner, blocking the exit ramp in a tight tactical wedge.
“DALLAS PD! DROP YOUR WEAPON!” a loudspeaker boomed.
At least four officers jumped out from behind their open car doors, handguns drew and aimed squarely at Vanessa.
Vanessa froze, blinded by the glare of high-beam headlights and flashing red-and-blue strobes. Her pistol hovered in mid-air, her knuckles white.
“Drop the gun now!” Detective Vance’s voice bellowed through the megaphone.
For five agonizing seconds, Vanessa stood trapped in the light. The mask of sophistication, control, and icy elegance was completely torn away, leaving behind a desperate, hunted animal.
She looked at the police, then back at me standing by the pillar. Slowly, her hand began to tremble.
With a choked gasp of pure defeat, she let the silver .22 drop from her fingers. It clattered against the cold concrete.
Two officers rushed forward, forcing her down onto the hood of her car and ratcheting heavy steel handcuffs around her wrists.
“Vanessa Sterling, also known as Vanessa Vance,” Detective Vance announced, stepping forward with a pair of arrest warrants, “you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, murder in the first degree, wire fraud, and child endangerment.”
As they pulled her up, Mark emerged from the stairwell doors, flanked by two officers holding a handcuffed Dr. Harrison.
Vanessa glared at Mark as she was led past him, her eyes burning with bitterness. But Mark didn't flinch. He looked at her not with fear or confusion, but with absolute disgust and detachment.
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“You’re going away for the rest of your life, Vanessa,” Mark said softly, his voice steady and calm. “And you will never hurt another child again.”
She offered no response. She was shoved into the back seat of a cruiser, and the door slammed shut.
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