Chapter 4 - The Security Footage
Back at the luxury hotel suite, Valerie watched the high-definition monitor as Julian streamed the footage retrieved from the mansion’s smart-home security system. The video clarity was pristine, capturing every single second of the previous night’s horror.
The audio played crisp and clear through the suite’s surround-sound speakers.
On screen, Patricia’s voice echoed across the master hallway: “That’s right, sweetheart. Show her who makes the rules.” Then Marcus’s voice: “You have until morning to sign the documents, Valerie...”
Valerie watched herself stumble against the table, her face flushing with renewed anger, but the footage didn't stop there. The investigator had also pulled the subsequent hallway audio recorded after Valerie had fled the house.
On the screen, Marcus and Patricia were pacing near the staircase at 1:30 AM.
“If she doesn’t sign in the morning, Arthur Pendelton and her lawyer will make things difficult,” Marcus muttered nervously on the recording.
Patricia leaned in close, her expression venomous. “Don't worry about lawyers. I’ve prepared something special for her favorite dinner. A little sedative slipped into her meal will make her compliant by tomorrow afternoon. She’ll sign whatever we put in front of her without remembering a thing.”
Valerie stared at the screen, a cold numbness washing over her. They hadn't just planned to rob her of her home and company; they had actively conspired to drug her.
Her phone chimed immediately afterward. An incoming call from an unknown local number. She looked at Julian, who nodded and gestured to record the call. Valerie pressed accept and put it on speaker.
“Valerie?” Patricia’s voice rang out, remarkably sweet and sickeningly warm. “Darling, I know things got... heated last night. Marcus and I feel terrible. I’ve prepared your absolute favorite dinner, and I’m having it delivered straight to your hotel. Please, let’s talk this over like family.”
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Valerie stared at the phone, her voice dropping into a tone of absolute ice. “Save your breath, Patricia. I’ve seen the security footage. And the police have the audio of your little plan for my dinner.”
The line went dead silent.
