The wind blew gently through the white flowers resting on top of the casket lid.
Several men in dark suits stepped closer to Victoria with nervous looks on their faces.
They were the corporate lawyers who had approved the fast estate transfer earlier that week.
Arthur walked toward Victoria until he was standing only a few inches away from her.
Arthur: Why were you in such a hurry to bury my brother within twenty-four hours?
Victoria: The doctor signed the certificate and said a fast burial was his final wish!
Leo: That is a lie! Mister George told me he wanted to be buried in his hometown!
The crowd started whispering loudly as people exchanged suspicious glances under the bright sun.
Arthur reached down into the mud and gently lifted Leo up by his dirty shoulders.
Arthur: Tell me every single detail you saw yesterday afternoon at the main house, Leo.
Leo: I was cleaning the horse saddles near the back porch like I do every Saturday.
Leo: I saw Miss Victoria pour a clear bottle into Mister George's warm glass of tea.
Leo: Ten minutes later he fell asleep in his armchair and would not wake up at all.
Victoria wiped her forehead with her hand while her dark sunglasses dropped to the grass.
Victoria: He is making up stories to get attention from rich people!
Arthur: My brother was completely healthy during our phone conversation on Friday morning.
Lawyer: Sir, disturbing a legal burial service can lead to serious state charges.
Arthur: I do not care about your legal charges right now!
Arthur turned around toward the four military officers standing at attention by the grave.
Arthur: OPEN THE COFFIN RIGHT NOW!
Victoria gasped loudly and clutched her chest with both of her gloved hands.
The lead military officer stepped forward and looked down at the brass lock mechanism.
Officer: Under military protocol, if foul play is alleged by family, we must inspect the unit.
Victoria: You have no legal authority to touch that casket without a judge's order!
Arthur: I am his eldest living relative and I authorize this inspection immediately!
The officer took out a small brass key from his pocket and knelt beside the box.
The crowd became completely silent as the heavy metallic latch unfastened with a loud click.
Arthur stepped forward while holding his breath under the bright noon sunlight.
The lid creaked slowly open as the cool air touched the inside lining of white silk.
Arthur looked down inside the box and his face froze in total white horror.
Arthur: My God...