Chapter 8
The bright, luminous atmosphere of the funeral parlor felt increasingly like a well-lit trap. Sarah’s eyes darted toward the tall officer by the side door. He was casually adjusting his utility belt, subtly moving to block the nearest exit. Ryan Vance caught Sarah looking and offered her a cold, terrifyingly confident smirk. He knew she was cornered.
"Alright, folks, let's move," the lead officer commanded. "Paramedics, get Mr. Pendelton to the hospital under police guard. Mr. and Mrs. Vance, you’ll ride in my cruiser. Ma'am," he turned to Sarah, "Officer Davis here will escort you and your daughter to the station."
Officer Davis—the tall man who had exchanged the nod with Ryan—stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on his radio. "Right this way, Mrs. Vance. We have a car waiting out back. It’s more private. Keep you away from the press."
"We prefer to walk out the front," Sarah said firmly, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "My car is parked on the street."
"Your car is a crime scene now, ma'am," Davis replied smoothly, his smile not reaching his cold, blue eyes. "Protocol. Come along. Don't make a scene in front of the little girl."
Margaret adjusted her pearl necklace, her composure returning as the trap snapped shut. "Listen to the officer, Sarah. We will sort all this unpleasantness out downtown."
Sarah looked down at Emma. The five-year-old was trembling, clutching the small glittery purse that held the key to their survival. Sarah had one chance. If she walked through those back doors with Officer Davis, Ryan would undoubtedly be waiting in the alley.
"Okay," Sarah said softly, forcing her shoulders to slump in an act of defeat. "Okay. Let me just get her coat from the pew."
"Make it quick," Davis grunted, stepping aside just enough to let her pass.
Sarah walked toward the front pew, her mind racing. She needed a diversion. A massive one. She glanced at the heavy mahogany coffin, still resting on its velvet bier, the lid wide open. Arthur Pendelton had been moved to a stretcher, surrounded by paramedics.
Sarah bent down near the pew, pretending to search for a coat. Instead, her hand grasped the heavy brass base of a towering, six-foot floral arrangement filled with white lilies and red roses. It was incredibly heavy, filled with water and wet foam.
"Emma," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible. "When I say run, you run to the front doors. Do not stop. Do you understand?"
Emma nodded, her blue eyes wide with terrified obedience.
Sarah took a deep breath. With a sudden, explosive surge of adrenaline, she heaved the massive brass floral stand backward with all her strength.
The heavy metal base crashed violently into the side of the mahogany coffin. The casket, unbalanced on its rolling bier, tipped violently to the side. With a deafening crash, the heavy wooden box flipped off the stand, slamming into the polished marble floor. The heavy lid snapped completely off its hinges, splintering loudly.
"Hey!" Officer Davis shouted, lunging forward.
The sudden, catastrophic crash caused the paramedics to jump, dropping their equipment. The loud noise echoed like a bomb blast in the cavernous room.
"Run!" Sarah screamed.
She grabbed Emma’s hand and sprinted not toward the back doors, but straight down the center aisle toward the main, towering double doors of the chapel.
"Stop her!" Charles roared, pointing wildly.
Ryan sprinted down the aisle after them, his dress shoes slipping slightly on the polished marble. Officer Davis drew his taser, shouting commands, but the chaotic scramble of paramedics and the fallen coffin blocked his path for a crucial two seconds.
Sarah’s legs pumped furiously, the heavy fabric of her mourning dress swirling around her. Emma was incredibly fast for a five-year-old, her tiny flats slapping against the stone.
They hit the heavy front doors. Sarah threw her entire body weight against the brass push-bar. The doors burst open, spilling them out into the blinding, brilliant sunlight of the city street.
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"Mommy, hurry!" Emma cried, gripping the purse tightly.
Sarah didn't look back. She knew Ryan was right behind them. They burst out onto the sidewalk, blending instantly into the crowded, bustling street of pedestrians who had gathered to watch the prestigious funeral from afar.
