Chapter 3 - The Call To Paradise Valley Police
Nora didn’t wait to hear another word of Kristina’s confession.
She moved with absolute precision, lunging toward Edgar’s fallen phone on the floor and scooping it into her jacket pocket.
She backed away into the kitchen, using the marble island as a physical barrier between herself and the two monsters.
With her left hand, she reached into her pocket, dialed 911 on her own phone, and hit speakerphone.
“Paradise Valley Emergency Services, what is your location?” the operator’s voice echoed loudly in the kitchen.
“My name is Nora Preston,” she said clearly, her eyes fixed on the couple.
“I am at 5402 East Camelback Road. My mother-in-law, Kristina Finch, has placed a live rattlesnake in my master bedroom.”
“She attempted to murder me for a twenty-five million dollar life insurance policy, and my husband is an accomplice.”
Kristina let out a screeching gasp, lunging across the kitchen counter to grab the phone from Nora’s hand.
“She’s lying! She’s crazy! My daughter-in-law has psychiatric issues!” Kristina screamed toward the speaker.
Nora ducked around the island, grabbing a heavy brass paperweight from her kitchen desk and holding it high.
“Officers are en route, ma’am,” the operator responded calmly over the line. “Stay in a safe area and do not approach the bedroom.”
Edgar sank onto his knees on the kitchen tile, burying his face in his hands as siren wails began echoing in the distance.
“You ruined everything, Mother,” Edgar sobbed softly. “You ruined everything.”
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Nora stared at him with pure, unadulterated disgust.
“You ruined yourself, Edgar,” Nora spat. “The moment you picked another woman over the wife who built your life.”
