Sheriff Hollister folded the 1982 Oakhaven Covenant and handed it back to me. His gaze, firm and resolute, then settled on Julian Croft.
“Julian Croft,” the Sheriff stated, his voice resonating through the shocked silence. “You are under arrest for filing a false criminal report, attempted real estate fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud.”
Croft stared at him, his face a mask of disbelief and rage. “You can’t do this! I’m a major investor! I’ll sue the town! I’ll sue you!”
“You’re not suing anyone, Mr. Croft,” Sheriff Hollister replied calmly. He nodded to Deputy Higgins. “Ben, cuff him.”
Deputy Higgins moved swiftly. The metallic click of the handcuffs echoed sharply in the foyer as Croft’s hands were secured behind his back. Croft struggled, still shouting, but the deputy was strong and unyielding.
“And Gavin Finch,” Sheriff Hollister continued, turning to the trembling appraiser. “You are also under arrest for notarizing fraudulent property boundary affidavits and accepting a seventy-five thousand dollar bribe. Your appraiser license is hereby suspended, effective immediately.”
Finch didn’t resist. He simply slumped, defeated, as Deputy Higgins took him into custody as well. The two men, once so full of bravado and deceit, were now mere prisoners in the home they had tried to steal.
“Get them out of here, Ben,” the Sheriff instructed.
Deputy Higgins escorted Julian Croft and Gavin Finch out into the pouring rain. Their angry shouts and pleas faded as the front door closed, leaving only the sound of the storm.
I stood in the now-quiet foyer, the Oakhaven Covenant safely in my hands. The police flashlights still illuminated the shattered hearth, a stark reminder of the night’s dramatic turns.
Dr. Marsh came over, a small smile on her face. “Arthur, you did it.”
I looked around the old hall, the home I had nurtured for forty-two years. It was still my home. The storm had broken the wall, but it had also broken the lies.
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