Chapter 5 Scandal

Several hours passed as they were trying to wrap their heads around on the anonymous person. The couples made a decision once and for all. It was time to hire a detective to fish out the person because they were "high class" and didn't want to get their hands dirty. They hurriedly drove to the outskirts of town where they have heard about a detective that was good in his job. As they got out of the car, they could perceive the faint scent of cigar smoke being led by the detective's assistant. They sat nervously in detective Jameson's opulent office, surrounded by mahogany panels.

"Your services don't come cheap, I presume?" Frederick asked, his voice laced with apprehension.Jameson leaned back in his leather chair steepling his fingers together. "My expertise costs $50,000. Non-negotiable I have a reputation for discretion and results." This offer was a walk over for them. They would rather give all the money they had just to secure their reputation and fame.

***

As they began signing different papers, their mischievous kids(Christabel and Chris) were back at the mansion snooping through their father's library because they were tired of hearing the same words coming out of their mother's mouth.Just right when Chris and Christabel were searching the drawers, the noticed something odd. Their father's library looked emptier. Most of the books on the shelves were gone and they barely noticed their father had medals arranged close to a "small door". Christabel who was the older one and the first born of the house knew there was something fishy as she stared closely at the medals. She finally noticed a stone underneath it. Her eyes shone so bright as if she had just won a lottery. "Found it". Chris looked to her side as they both moved closer to the medals and shifted it to the back together. A secret safe got opened after this. They spotted a red file with papers inside. It stated signatures and legal terms and conditions between their parents and their lawyer. Christabel and Chris took a step back as she dropped the file and cleared all evidence that they were in the room.The kids both knew their parents were in trouble and if they go down they all go down. "Everything will be fine Chris. Right?" Chris smiled hiding his worries and anxiety written all over his face. They were both worried of the fear of actually getting poor and everyone avoiding them like they were going to turn out like some disease. They quietly left their parent's room closing the door gently in order for the sound not be heard by their "alert" workers.

***

Evening came and the two couples returned home making it look like they went to spend time together as they folded their hands together while entering the house. Their 15th Wedding anniversary was indeed going to be memorable seeing how the mansion shone with candles and flowers, the air filled with the sweet scent of roses. It was finally time to get ready as Tory had placed an order from the designer that made her friends dress during the previous party while Frederick wore his unique and uncommon tuxedo. As she gracefully walked down the stairs heading towards her husband whose arms were raised and bent for her to hold.They ordered their first chef Witney who is also the head of all workers in their mansion to open the doors for their guests to come in. The guests began to mingle, sipping champagne and admiring the exquisite flower arrangements. Tory, resplendent in her designer gown, beamed with happiness as she greeted friends and family. Frederick, dashing in his tailored tuxedo, stood proudly beside her, his eyes shining with adoration.Christabel and Chris stood at their usual corner chatting with their friends and busy flaunting their riches to their faces. The catering staffs circulated with trays of wine and also offered pastries and desserts.

***

As the clock struck 9pm, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the magnificent three-tired wedding cake, adorned with edible gold leaf and delicate sugar flowers. The couples stood before it, hands clasped together, ready to cut the cake and mark their 15 years if marriage. Just as the knife sliced through the cake's bottom tier, the sound of sirens pierced the air, shattering the evening's magic.Police officers swarmed the grounds, their flashlights casting eerie shadows across the ballroom. The music screeched to a halt, and the room fell silent. "Fredrick Clinton, you are under arrest", an officer declared, his voice firm. "What's going on?" "What's happening?" Tory said in an angry voice. Fredrick's expression remained indifferent but his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation. "It's okay, everyone. I'll be fine." "This is probably just a mistake." As the police led Fredrick away, Tory turned to their lawyer, Mr Jenkins who had arrived unexpectedly. "Get him out, Jenkins. Now." Tory spoke harshly to the old man. She felt restless as she couldn't tolerate seeing her husband being handcuffed and taken away by the police during their special day. The evening's festivities transformed into a nightmare, the mansion's elegance now oppressive and foreboding.

***

Because of the situation, Tory faked a smile as she folded her hands and asked everyone to leave despite the murmurings and silent gossips. Meanwhile, Frederick endured hours of torture and questioning at the police station. "Who lodges the complaint?" He demanded. The office shrugged. "Anonymous tip. We are investigating." Fredrick's anger simmered, but he knew he had to remain calm. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity Jenkins arrived with the bail papers. Several procedures took place to release Frederick. He could barely move his arms as he came out of the cell covered in dust and cobwebs. Tory caught sight of him and pats him on his shoulders as her anger had been pacified seeing her husband's release.They left the police station with pride as they scornfully looked at the officer that arrested Fredrick. The heart of Fredrick became hardened as his true colours began to show. He swore on his life and declared to Tory that he was going to find out the person that did this to them and make he or she pay.