Chapter 12 - The Summoning
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Audrey looked up at me from the floor, her tear-streaked face twisting in absolute horror.
“My father is here?” she choked out.
“I had Hector invite him over an hour ago,” I explained smoothly, looking down at her with pure disgust. “I told him it was a medical emergency regarding my mother. He rushed over immediately. He thinks he’s walking into a tragedy that will solve all his financial problems.”
I reached down, grabbed Audrey roughly by the arm, and hauled her to her feet. She struggled, but my grip was ironclad.
“Walk,” I ordered.
I dragged her out of the bedroom and down the grand staircase. The mansion was eerily silent, bathed in the pale glow of the security lights. When we reached the heavy mahogany doors of my private study, I shoved her inside.
Judge Sterling was pacing frantically in the center of the room, holding a glass of scotch. He wore a wrinkled trench coat over his pajamas, looking exactly like a man who was desperately waiting for good news disguised as a tragedy.
When he saw me drag his daughter into the room, his pacing stopped. The scotch glass slipped slightly in his hand.
“Victor? Audrey?” the Judge stammered, his eyes darting between us. “What is the meaning of this? Where is Sylvia? The guards said there was a medical emergency.”
“There was an emergency, Judge,” I said, locking the heavy doors behind me and stepping fully into the room. I shoved Audrey forward. She stumbled and collapsed onto one of the leather sofas, burying her face in her hands, sobbing loudly.
“The emergency is that your daughter just attempted to smother my mother with a pillow,” I stated, my voice echoing off the wood-paneled walls.
Judge Sterling’s face drained of all color. He looked at Audrey, expecting her to deny it. She just kept crying.
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“That’s... that’s absurd,” the Judge blustered, trying to summon his courtroom authority. He puffed out his chest, stepping toward me. “Audrey loves Sylvia! How dare you make such a vile accusation! You are clearly distraught, Victor. I am calling the police—”
“Call them,” I interrupted, pulling my phone from my pocket and tossing it onto his desk. “Call the police, Judge. But before they arrive, perhaps you should watch the video I prepared for you.”
