Chapter 3 - The Officer's Verdict
Officer Vance stepped closer to the table, pulling a pair of white latex gloves from his utility belt. He carefully lifted the crystal wineglass, tilted it toward the light of the overhead chandelier, and peered into the deep red liquid. A fine layer of white, powdery sediment had settled at the bottom of the bowl.
“What is that white powder in the glass?” Officer Vance demanded, looking directly at Victoria.
Victoria shrank back against the high-backed leather dining chair, her pristine composure completely in ruins. Her chest heaved beneath her silk designer blouse. “It... it is just soap from the kitchen! I was washing the glass and didn't rinse it properly!”
“Soap doesn't crystallize like that under amber light, ma'am,” Officer Vance replied coolly, pulling a small testing kit from his pocket. He dipped a chemical strip into the wine. Within three seconds, the strip flashed a toxic, fluorescent purple.
Lily pointed from her chair, her voice ringing clear and true. “I saw her pour it from the small bottle! I was hiding under the table playing with my doll when she took it out of her coat!”
Officer Vance didn't hesitate. He stepped around the table, unclipped his handcuffs, and gripped Victoria’s upper arm.
“Put your hands behind your back, ma'am. You’re under arrest for attempted poisoning and premeditated homicide.”
The silver cuffs clicked shut with a harsh, metallic snap. As Victoria was forced upright, all the false sweetness vanished from her features, replaced by a mask of venomous hatred. She glared at Mark, her voice hissing like a cornered viper: “You will regret this for the rest of your life!”
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“You tried to kill me in my own home,” Mark answered, his voice trembling with a terrifying, contained rage as security led her away.
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