Chapter 4: The Rat in the Walls
Robert Vance, Evelyn’s husband, stepped out of the lead vehicle. He looked at the scene—the cane floating in the pool, his mother in her wheelchair, his daughter standing with the phone, and his wife, who looked like she wanted the earth to swallow her whole.
"Robert!" Evelyn shrieked, instantly shifting from aggressor to victim. "They’re ganging up on me! They’re making things up! That girl—she’s been brainwashed by your mother!"
Robert walked past her. He didn't look at her. He walked straight to his mother, knelt by the wheelchair, and kissed her hand. Then, he turned to Evelyn.
"I saw the feed, Evelyn," Robert said, his voice terrifyingly devoid of emotion. "We all did. I’ve been suspicious for months, but I needed proof. I didn't think you'd be stupid enough to provide it yourself."
May you like
"It's just a cane!" Evelyn screamed, her voice cracking. "It's just one stupid cane!"
"It’s not about the cane," Robert said, standing up. "It’s about the years of systematic abuse you hid behind smiles. You thought you were the predator, Evelyn. You didn't realize you were just a guest in a house that never actually belonged to you."
