David did not flinch as Mark stepped back toward the door. Instead, David calmly reached into his inner suit jacket pocket and pulled out his cell phone, which had been recording the entire conversation from the moment Mark walked into the room. He tapped the screen to stop the audio recording and held the phone up so Mark could see the glowing red timer icon.
David: Every word you just said was recorded, Mark. Your confession, your motive, and your admission about taking the estate back by force.
Mark: You can't use that! That's illegal recording!
Arthur: In this state, a recording capturing an admission of a violent felony in progress is fully admissible in court, Mark. Furthermore, I am revoking your legal access to the guest house immediately under the emergency safety clause of the estate agreement.
Mark: You can't throw me out! I am a co-owner of this property through the family line!
David: You aren't a co-owner anymore. Arthur, file the emergency paperwork for an immediate restraining order and press full attempted assault charges with the county prosecutor.
Outside the front entrance, the sharp red and blue lights of two police cruisers suddenly flashed through the tall glass windows. David had called the police department ten minutes before Mark arrived, asking the officers to wait down the street until he signaled them that Mark was inside the home.
Two uniformed police officers walked quickly up the front steps, entering the foyer with their hands resting near their duty belts. Arthur Vance immediately stepped forward, presenting his legal credentials and handing over the clear plastic bag containing the wire spool tag, along with a digital copy of David's audio recording.
Officer: Mark Evans? We have a warrant to detain you pending investigation for felony reckless endangerment and attempted criminal assault.
Mark: This is a misunderstanding! It's just a family argument over money! Tell them, David!
David: Take him away, officer. He is no longer welcome on this property.
The officers turned Mark around, pulling his arms behind his back and snapping cold metal handcuffs around his wrists. Mark struggled weakly, glaring back over his shoulder at David and Sarah with pure bitterness as he was led out the front door into the bright morning sunlight. The heavy wooden door clicked shut behind them, leaving a sudden, peaceful stillness inside the large home.
Sarah let out a deep, shaking breath, sinking down onto the comfortable leather sofa near the entry hall. David walked over, sitting beside her and holding her hands tightly in his own. The fear that had gripped them all morning was finally beginning to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of relief and safety.
Sarah: I can't believe he was willing to go that far for money.
David: Greed makes people blind to what truly matters. But he will never threaten our family again.