Chapter 6 - The False Return
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With the doctor’s confession secured in my inner pocket, I returned to the estate just before dinner. I needed Audrey to believe her timeline was still perfectly intact.
I walked through the grand front doors, dropping my leather travel bag onto the marble floor with a heavy thud.
“Victor!”
Audrey appeared at the top of the sweeping staircase. She wore an elegant silk evening gown, her blonde hair perfectly styled. She rushed down the stairs, throwing her arms around my neck and pressing a passionate, flawless kiss to my lips.
“You’re home early, darling,” she cooed, her eyes shining with manufactured adoration. “I thought you weren't flying back from Chicago until Friday.”
I wrapped my arms around her narrow waist, pulling her close. I could smell her expensive perfume. It took every ounce of discipline I possessed not to snap her spine right there in the foyer.
“The meetings ended ahead of schedule,” I lied smoothly, offering her a tired, charming smile. “I missed you. And I missed my mother. I couldn't stand being away.”
A microscopic flicker of annoyance crossed her beautiful face before the sweet mask slammed back into place.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Audrey murmured, resting her head against my chest. “The house feels so empty without you.”
“How is she?” I asked, keeping my voice heavy with concern.
Audrey sighed dramatically, stepping back and looking at the floor. “She’s resting, Victor. But she has been very weak today. I’ve been sitting by her bedside, making sure she takes her medication, but she barely opens her eyes anymore. I’m afraid... I’m afraid her heart is just giving out.”
The sheer audacity of the lie was breathtaking. She was setting the stage for the murder, preparing me for the tragic, inevitable phone call she planned to make.
“You are an angel, Audrey,” I whispered, gently touching her cheek. “Taking on this burden for me. I don't know what I would do without you.”
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“Family takes care of family, Victor,” she smiled, a cold, dead look in her eyes. “Why don't you go shower? I’ll have the chef prepare your favorite dinner. You must be exhausted.”
“I am,” I agreed, turning toward the stairs. “But I promise you, tonight is going to be a very memorable evening.”
