Chloe reached out her thin hand and picked up the small black smartphone from the bedside stand. She tapped the glass screen twice with a calm, deliberate touch.
A clear audio voice suddenly filled the room, playing directly through the phone's speakers. It was the raspy, weak voice of Chloe's late father, recorded years ago.
Father's Voice: Evelyn... why are you putting that powder in my water? The doctor said no new medicine...
Evelyn's Recorded Voice: Hush now, Arthur. Just drink it all up. The sooner you sleep, the sooner I get to handle the estate.
Father's Voice: You... you are poisoning me...
Evelyn's Recorded Voice: Nobody will ever believe an old sick man. Goodbye, Arthur.
The recording ended with a soft click, leaving the hospital room in absolute, heavy silence.
Evelyn stood completely frozen in the middle of the daylight room. Her hands shook violently, her face pale as a ghost.
Chloe: I know what you did, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Turn that off! Delete that right now!
Marcus: My God... you actually murdered our father for his money!
Evelyn: It's a fake audio recording! It was made using computer software!
Chloe: The police forensic team already verified the file two hours ago, Evelyn.
Evelyn's eyes widened in utter shock and terror. She took two steps backward, her back hitting the white wall right under the framed USA flag painting.
Evelyn: No... no, you couldn't have called them yet!
Marcus: We didn't just call them, Evelyn. We invited them here to watch you dig your own grave.
Chloe: You came here today to force me to surrender my rights, but you walked straight into a trap.
Evelyn opened her mouth and let out a loud, high-pitched scream of pure panic that echoed down the long hospital hallway.
Evelyn: AAAAHHH! No! This cannot be happening to me!
She scrambled to pick up her fallen leather purse, her expensive rings clinking against the hard floor. She turned around wildly toward the door, desperate to escape into the street.
Evelyn: Get out of my way, Marcus! Let me out of here!
Marcus: You aren't going anywhere ever again, Evelyn.
Chloe: It's over.
As Evelyn reached the open doorway, two tall men in dark blue police uniforms stepped inside, blocking the exit completely.
The lead police officer stepped forward with a firm look on his face, pulling a pair of shiny steel handcuffs from his heavy utility belt.
Officer Davis: Evelyn Vance, stay right where you are and put your hands behind your back.
Evelyn: You have no right to touch me! Do you know who I am? I am a wealthy woman!
Officer Davis: I don't care who you are, ma'am.