The loud tires screeched across the driveway gravel as three police cruisers pulled up outside.
Within seconds, three American police officers in uniform rushed rapidly through the open front double doors.
Their boots thundered across the checkered marble floor toward the central display under the staircase.
The lead officer had his hand resting on his belt as he surveyed the intense scene.
Police Officer: Nobody move! What happened here?
Mark: My sister was pushed off that second-floor balcony right there!
Margarethe: Officer, that is completely untrue! She lost her footing and fell!
Police Officer: Ma'am, step back against that wall right now and keep your hands visible!
The second officer immediately called for the medical team to hurry into the house with stretchers.
Two paramedics entered carrying heavy orange medical kits and a sturdy spinal stabilization board.
They rushed directly to Sarah's side, working quickly to assess her injuries and keep her still.
Paramedic: Miss, do not move your head. Can you feel your toes right now?
Sarah: Yes... but my back hurts terrible where I landed.
Paramedic: We are putting a collar on your neck to protect your spine right now.
Mark held Sarah's hand firmly while the paramedics buckled her safely onto the flat board.
The lead police officer stepped up the grand stairs to inspect the upper landing area closely.
He pulled out a bright flashlight and shined it across the polished floorboards near the railing.
He noticed fresh scuff marks from high heels and a smudge on the white wooden paint.
Police Officer: Ma'am, come up here and explain these scuff marks near the rail edge.
Margarethe: I was standing right there when she slipped, like I told you!
Police Officer: There are two distinct handprints on the rail that show a struggle took place.
Margarethe's face turned completely white as she took a step backward toward the wall.
Margarethe: You cannot prove those handprints belong to me without testing!
Mark: She has been trying to take Sarah's trust fund money for six months!
Margarethe: Shut your mouth, Mark! You know nothing about your father's business!
Police Officer: Ma'am, place your hands behind your back right now.
Margarethe: You are making a huge mistake! My lawyer will fix this instantly!
The police officer placed heavy steel handcuffs around Margarethe's wrists with a loud clicking sound.
She gasped in utter disbelief as the cool metal locked tight around her arms behind her back.