Arthur stood up slowly, his heart pounding in his chest as Detective Miller pulled up an audio player on his digital tablet tablet device.
Detective: Listen to this clip from two weeks ago.
A sharp, clear voice played through the tablet speakers—Victoria’s voice, cold and completely devoid of emotion.
Victoria (Recording): He's completely broken now. The grief is eating him alive. Once the court approves the life insurance payout for the boy, I'll start putting the sedatives in Arthur's evening tea.
Unknown Man (Recording): Are you sure the doctor won't ask questions?
Victoria (Recording): He won't. I paid him double. It'll look like a heart attack from broken heart syndrome. Then the entire $40 million Vance estate is mine.
Arthur stared at the device in absolute horror, clutching the edge of the fireplace mantel for support.
Arthur: She... she was planning to kill me too...
Detective: We've already dispatched a team to arrest the doctor mentioned in this phone call. This recording gives us full probable cause for attempted murder charges.
Elena: I knew she was mixing something in your tea, Mr. Vance! That's why I kept pouring it down the sink when you weren't looking!
Arthur: You... you were saving my life every single night, Elena?
Elena: I noticed you were getting sicker and dizzier every time she brought you a cup. I couldn't prove it yet, so I just dumped it and made fresh tea.
Arthur: My God... I was living with a killer and I didn't even see it.
Toby: Daddy... is that bad lady ever coming back here?
Arthur knelt down beside Toby, placing his hands gently on the boy's shoulders, his voice thick with emotion.
Arthur: No, Toby. She is never, ever coming back to this house. She is going to prison for the rest of her life.
Detective: We'll need you both to come down to the station tomorrow to sign formal statements, Mr. Vance. But for tonight, you and your son are safe.
Arthur: Thank you, Detective. Please make sure she never gets bail.
Detective: Given the severe nature of the child cruelty and conspiracy charges, no judge in Texas will grant her bail.
Leave a Comment