Three days later, the morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse apartment overlooking the city skyline.
Noah was sitting on a plush leather sofa, happily playing with a brand new set of wooden building blocks.
Margaret stood near the window, wearing a tailored navy blue suit that matched her father's coat.
William walked in carrying three ceramic mugs of hot chocolate, placing them on the glass coffee table.
William: The bank transferred the primary trust accounts back into your name this morning, Margaret.
Margaret: How much was left in the account, Dad?
William: Victoria managed to spend about five hundred thousand, but the remaining three and a half million is completely intact.
Margaret: It feels like a dream. I woke up this morning expecting to hear my diner alarm clock ringing.
William: You never have to set a diner alarm clock again, my girl. You and Noah are secure for the rest of your lives.
Noah looked up from his blocks, holding up a small carved wooden tower.
Noah: Look, Grandpa! I built the federal building!
William: That is a magnificent building, Noah! You might be an architect when you grow up!
Noah: No, I want to be a police officer so I can guard the front doors!
William chuckled, sitting down on the rug right next to his grandson.
William: You're already better than any guard I've ever hired, Noah.
There was a soft knock at the apartment door, and Officer Miller stepped inside carrying a thick blue legal folder.
Officer Miller: Good morning, Mr. Harrison. Ms. Vance.
Margaret: Good morning, Officer. Do you have news from the prosecutor's office?
Officer Miller: Victoria Sterling was formally indicted on twelve felony counts this morning, including grand larceny, identity theft, and mail fraud.
William: Will she be offered a bail hearing?
Officer Miller: The judge denied bail due to flight risk. She will remain in custody until her trial date next month.
Margaret: Thank you, Officer. For everything you did in that lobby three days ago.
Officer Miller: I was just doing my job, ma'am. But if your son hadn't stepped up to that guard line with that ring, none of us would be standing here today.
Officer Miller tipped his hat, smiled at Noah, and stepped back out into the hallway.