Chapter 10 - The Early Return

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For two agonizing days, Victor lived in the shadows of the Yonkers safe house, monitoring the hidden cameras from a secure laptop. He watched Audrey administer the poison every morning and every night. He watched the terrifying routine unfold: Audrey forcing the pills, leaving the room, and Marta rushing in seconds later to save Sylvia’s life.
It was a delicate, horrifying dance, and Victor knew Marta’s luck couldn't hold out forever. Eventually, Audrey would stay in the room to watch Sylvia swallow.
On Thursday evening, Victor decided the game had gone on long enough. He drove back to Westchester, pulling his black SUV right up to the grand front entrance. He didn't use his keys. He rang the doorbell.
Two minutes later, the massive oak door swung open.
Audrey stood in the foyer, wearing an elegant silk robe, holding a glass of expensive red wine. When she saw Victor standing on the steps, the wineglass slipped a fraction of an inch in her hand. For a split second, sheer panic flashed across her perfectly contoured face.
“Victor!” she gasped, quickly recovering her composure and throwing her arms around his neck. “What are you doing here? You weren't supposed to be home until tomorrow night!”
“The meetings ended early,” Victor said, wrapping his arms around her waist, feeling nothing but cold revulsion at her touch. “I missed you. I missed my home. I caught an early flight.”
“You should have called! I would have had dinner prepared,” Audrey said, pulling back to look at him, her eyes darting nervously toward the grand staircase that led up to Sylvia’s room.
“It’s fine, Audrey. I’m just glad to be back,” Victor said, stepping past her into the grand foyer. He dropped his leather travel bag onto the marble floor. He looked around the pristine house, his gaze lingering on the staircase. “How is my mother?”
Audrey took a slow sip of her wine, her knuckles white around the stem of the glass.
“She’s… she’s resting, Victor,” Audrey said softly. “But to be honest, she’s declined over the last two days. She barely opens her eyes anymore. I think… I think we might need to prepare ourselves for the worst.”
Victor looked at the woman he had almost married. The utter lack of remorse in her eyes was terrifying. She was setting the stage for the final act.
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“I’m going to go see her,” Victor said, taking a step toward the stairs.
“No!” Audrey said sharply, reaching out to grab his arm.