Julian: I'm going to find out everything, Clara. Just stay calm for the doctors.
The ambulance doors slammed shut, and the vehicle sped off toward Dallas General Hospital.
Julian turned back toward the mansion, his face hardened with anger.
Officer Davis stepped up to him, holding a small notepad.
Officer Davis: Mr. Sterling, we've secured the perimeter gates. Nobody has left the estate grounds.
Julian: That means she's still inside this house.
Officer Davis: Our officers are clearing room by room on the second floor.
Julian: Let me show you her private office. If she's hiding anything, it's in there.
They walked up the grand staircase, stepping around the shattered glass on the balcony floor.
Julian pointed at the small red stain near the edge of the carpet.
Julian: That's where she kicked her. She intentionally pushed her over the edge.
Officer Davis: We're taking crime scene photos and securing the wine glass for prints.
Julian: Look at this carpet. You can see the drag marks where Clara tried to hold on.
They walked down the east corridor toward Victoria's private suite.
The heavy mahogany door was locked tight from the inside.
Officer Davis: Mrs. Sterling! Open this door immediately! This is the Dallas Police!
Silence hung heavy in the hallway for several seconds.
Julian: She won't open it, Officer. Use the master key.
Thomas handed a heavy brass key ring to Officer Davis.
The key turned in the lock with a sharp click, and the door swung open.
The room was completely dark, the heavy velvet drapes drawn shut across the windows.
Officer Davis drew his flashlight and clicked the beam on, sweeping the room.
Officer Davis: Police department! Show your hands!
Papers were scattered all over the floor around Victoria's executive desk.
A painting on the far wall had been pushed aside, revealing an open wall safe.
Julian: She was packing before she ran.
Officer Davis: Check the bathroom and the walk-in closet!
A second officer moved quickly into the master bathroom, his gun drawn.
Officer Miller: Room clear! Nobody's in here!
Julian: Where could she go? All the estate doors lead to the main security gates!
Thomas: Mr. Julian... what about the old wine cellar in the basement?
Julian: The passage under the east wing?
Thomas: It leads directly to the old gardener's cottage behind the garage!
Julian: Officer Davis, follow me! She's trying to escape through the underground tunnels!
They ran back down the service stairs toward the basement door behind the kitchen.
Julian yanked open the metal door, revealing a flight of stone steps disappearing into darkness.
Officer Davis: Stay behind me, Mr. Sterling. Let us handle this.
Julian: I built this estate with my father. I know every turn down here.
The cool air smelled of damp stone and old wine casks as they stepped down the staircase.
At the end of the long stone corridor, a faint yellow light flickered near the exit door.
Officer Davis: Stop right there! Dallas Police!
A woman's sharp gasp echoed against the brick walls.
Victoria stood near the wooden exit door, carrying a small leather duffel bag.
Victoria: Get away from me! You have no right to enter my property like this!
Julian: Your property? You tried to murder my wife and my child, Victoria!
Victoria: She fell! It was an accident! She tripped over her own clumsy feet!
Julian: I saw you kick her with my own eyes!
Victoria: You're lying! You just want to push me out of the family business!
Officer Davis: Drop the bag, Mrs. Sterling, and put your hands behind your back!
Victoria: I am the matriarch of this family! You can't touch me!
She grabbed a glass wine bottle from a nearby rack and raised it high in the air.
Victoria: Step back or I swear I'll break this over your head!
Officer Davis: Drop the weapon now!