The detectives didn't flinch. Ramirez replied firmly, "Yes, ma'am. That's exactly why we're here."
Flashes exploded as the media moved closer, cameras raised high. Everyone wanted a scoop. Mrs. Rothwell turned toward the reporters, her voice rising to a near scream.
"Stop recording! You..you..stop this right now!" she cried, pointing at the cameras as tears streamed down her face. "This is clearly a mistake!"
But no one listened. If anything, the frenzy only grew louder, the shutters clicking faster, the whispers turning into headlines in real time. Several reporters rushing after Damien:
"Damien, is this true?"
"Is this about your wife?"
"Do you have a comment?"
Within seconds, the arrest was breaking news: "Damien Rothwell Arrested at His Own Gala for Felony charges, multiple counts of Physical and Sexual Assault."
One reporter, now reporting live from the gala, said, "Details are still unclear but we will be updating you as soon as we uncover who the alleged victim or victims are. It would be important to note that his wife Jossy was conspicuously absent from the gala tonight." She added. "We haven't really seen them together or heard from the couple in the last few weeks, so, really, this detail might be key to the case. Stay tuned. "
***
At the Lennox estate, Jossy was half-asleep when Hazel burst into her room, breathless.
"Jossy, turn on the news. Now!"