The heavy wail of the police sirens reached a crescendo as three cruiser cars swept across the grass, their red and blue lights flashing against the white headstones. Uniformed officers spilled out of the vehicles, rushing toward the chaotic scene with their hands resting on their utility belts. Arthur stood up tall, waving the officers directly toward Margaret, who was now backed entirely against the side of the idling limousine. The contrast between the solemn dignity of the national cemetery and the harsh reality of criminal law was absolute and unavoidable. One of the senior officers stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over David recovering on the stretcher and the open casket resting on its metal frame. Arthur pointed a steady, accusing finger straight at Margaret, laying out the timeline of the horrific crime with precise clarity. Every piece of evidence—the forged death certificate, the missing hours, the eyewitness testimony of a terrified child—formed an airtight case. Margaret opened her mouth to construct one final lie, but the stern warning from the lead officer cut her off instantly. The cold, metallic click of steel handcuffs wrapping around her wrists echoed louder than any argument she could possibly invent. Her reign of terror over the Vance household was officially over, replaced by the humiliating reality of perp walks and federal holding cells.
Officer: Which one of you placed the emergency call regarding the attempted homicide?
Arthur: I did, Officer. My name is Arthur Vance. That woman right there tried to bury my son alive.
Margaret: It's a malicious setup! They're fabricating this to cut me out of the divorce settlement!
Officer: Ma'am, keep your hands behind your back and turn around slowly.
Margaret: You can't touch me! Do you know who my father is in the federal banking sector?
Arthur: I don't care who your father is. I am pressing full criminal charges without any possibility of a settlement.
Officer: Step forward, ma'am. You are under arrest for kidnapping, conspiracy, and attempted murder.
The cold steel cuffs clicked into place with a sharp, final sound that shattered Margaret's remaining delusions of grandeur.
Margaret: This is a total outrage! My attorneys will tear this department apart!
Arthur: Your high-priced attorneys won't touch this case once the prosecutor presents the casket and the victim.
Leo: Take her away, police officer! She's very, very mean!
Officer: We have everything secured, little man. She's coming with us downtown right now.
Margaret was guided backward toward the open cruiser door, her designer heels dragging helplessly against the manicured grass.
Margaret: You haven't seen the last of me, Arthur! I'll take every cent you own!
Arthur: You'll be spending the rest of your natural life behind bars, Margaret.
The cruiser doors slammed shut with authority, and the police vehicles drove slowly away from the sacred grounds.