The sound of birds chirping in the warm Texas heat seemed almost absurd compared to the violent crime that had just taken place in the courtyard. Victoria leaned far over the balcony railing, looking down at Hannah's motionless body with a ruthless, cruel smirk stretching across her face. She smoothed her beige dress and laughed softly, taking immense pleasure in seeing her stepdaughter lying completely broken on the patio.
Victoria: Even if you're not dead, you can't do anything now!
Arthur: Her phone is crushed into pieces, Victoria. All her evidence is destroyed.
Victoria: Look at her lying there like garbage. She really thought she could defeat us in court.
Hannah stayed perfectly still on the pavement, keeping her head turned away so they could not see her facial expressions clearly. Blood slowly dripped from a cut on her forehead, but beneath the dirt and pain, a cold sense of absolute determination began to take over her heart. She took a tiny, quiet breath, slowly regaining her senses despite the terrible aching in her ribs and legs.
Hannah: The evidence is gone...
She whispered those words weakly into the stone, letting them think that she was completely defeated and broken by the terrifying fall. Arthur laughed loudly from above, leaning back against the white stucco walls of the luxury mansion while checking his gold watch.
Arthur: Call security to sweep up this mess before the neighbors notice anything.
Victoria: Let her suffer down there for a few more minutes first, darling.
Arthur: She brought this violent ending upon herself by interfering in our business affairs.
Hannah slowly moved her right arm, inching her bloodstained hand toward the deep side pocket of her black suit jacket under the bright daylight. Arthur and Victoria were so convinced of their complete victory that they didn't even bother coming down the marble stairs to check her pulse or search her clothing. Their arrogance was about to become their ultimate undoing in front of the entire world.
Hannah: You really think you won today?
She whispered the question to herself, her fingers touching the cool interior fabric of her jacket pocket where her real secret weapon sat completely untouched and safe.