Chapter 13
Despite the noble plans for the foundation, the outside world was not willing to let the mystery rest quietly. By the following morning, news vans lined Maple Street, their satellite dishes pointed toward the sky while reporters knocked on neighboring doors trying to get an interview with the family hosting the miracle man. The local police department had also taken an interest, dispatching two detectives to the blue bungalow to investigate the origin of the multi-million-dollar cash influx.
The doorbell rang sharply, interrupting a meeting between Arthur, Sarah, Chloe, and Pastor Thomas over architectural blueprints for the proposed community shelter. Sarah walked to the door and opened it to find two men in plain suits showing their badges.
"Mrs. Miller? I'm Detective Vance, and this is Detective Miller," the taller officer said politely but firmly. "We're here to speak with Arthur Vance regarding the funds currently residing in your home. May we come in?"
Sarah hesitated, glancing back down the hallway, where Arthur stood waiting in the doorway of the kitchen. "Please, come in out of the cold," she said, stepping aside.
The detectives entered the modest living room, their sharp eyes taking in every detail. They sat down at the kitchen table across from Arthur, who remained entirely calm. Detective Vance placed a small leather notebook on the table, opening it to a blank page.
"Mr. Vance, let's be direct," Detective Vance said, leaning forward. "A homeless man receives a multi-million-dollar cash drop from an alleged divine apparition on a public sidewalk. Naturally, financial crimes and local authorities take a keen interest in such anomalies. Where did that money come from, and can you prove it wasn't acquired through illicit means?"
Arthur looked at the detective, unafraid. "I cannot prove it using bank statements, Detective. There are no wire transfers, no receipts, and no paper trails. The money was placed on the pavement by a presence that defies human logic."
Detective Miller scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "Expect a judge to accept 'divine intervention' as an explanation in a court of law, and you'll find yourself behind bars very quickly. We need a rational explanation, Mr. Vance. Are you protecting someone? Was this part of a syndicate payoff?"
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Before Arthur could answer, Pastor Thomas leaned forward, interjecting with quiet authority. "Gentlemen, I have known this family for years. I was present when the viral footage was analyzed by forensic experts. The light anomaly in that video cannot be replicated by any known cinematic or practical technology. If the law requires an investigation, conduct it. But do not mistake a profound spiritual event for a criminal enterprise."
Detective Vance stared at the pastor, then back at Arthur. He could see the absolute sincerity etched into the old man's weathered faceβa face carrying the undeniable marks of years spent suffering on the streets. The detective closed his notebook slowly, the tension in the room hanging by a thread.
