PART 2 — The Arrest
The front door swung open before anyone had a chance to pretend nothing had happened.
Two Cherry Hills police officers entered first, followed closely by paramedics carrying medical bags.
The dining room still looked exactly as it had moments earlier.
Broken porcelain covered the floor.
Blood stained the white tablecloth.
Half-finished meals sat untouched.
One officer immediately noticed the blood running down my neck.
"Ma'am, please come with the paramedics."
As they guided me to a chair in the foyer, the second officer turned toward Diego.
"Sir, step away from everyone and keep your hands where I can see them."
Diego forced a laugh.
"This is ridiculous. My wife is being dramatic."
The officer didn't smile.
"Did you throw the plate?"
"It slipped."
The officer glanced around the room.
"Did anyone see what happened?"
Silence.
Victoria folded her arms.
"It was an unfortunate accident."
My father-in-law nodded.
"Everyone here can confirm that."
Before anyone else could speak, Natalie stepped forward.
"No."
Every head turned toward her.
"I saw him pick up the plate."
"I saw him throw it."
"He aimed directly at Valerie."
The room exploded with angry whispers.
Victoria shouted, "Natalie! Think about what you're doing!"
"I am," Natalie answered.
"I'm telling the truth."
Another cousin quietly admitted she had seen the same thing.
Then another.
The silence that had protected Diego began falling apart one witness at a time.
One officer collected pieces of the shattered plate.
Another photographed the blood on my blouse.
The paramedic cleaned the deep cut above my ear.
"You'll need stitches," she said.
The officer looked at Diego once more.
"Turn around."
The sound of handcuffs clicking echoed through the mansion.
For the first time since I had married into that family...
Someone finally told Diego "no."
As officers escorted him outside, he glared back at me.
"You just destroyed our marriage."
I met his eyes.
May you like
"No."
"You did."
