• The quiet was deafening as Sophie calmly stood to meet her accusing brother's glare. This was her kin, her own flesh, her doting older brother. How dare he accuse her of an act so atrocious she dare not repeat it? Hiring a man to kill their father? Outrage! How absolutely unheard of!

    Skin met skin, and the sharp crack of Sophie's slap broke the eerie calm that encased the parlor as gasps and whispers grew to shouts and madness.



    "b*****d!" The insult spilled over her lips before she could catch herself.

    "You think I am so common as to handle such dirty disputes with harsh, unforgivable violence? That I would dream to end to life of our father over a matter of petty money? Inheritance is a ridiculous thing for one so lovely as me to ever fret over! And to the extent of murder? You must be mistaken, brother." Sophie roared as she strode across to the window behind Randell, where she took a seat upon the ledge and promptly crossed her arms.

    'He thinks I'm unable of such crimes. His eyes give him away. Oh brother, you know nothing of your little Sophie.'



    "I wish I didn't have to make this accusation, little sister. Though, with all the circumstantial evidence, you remain the only suspect in this violent affair. I dread admitting it, but I fear it must be true." Randell's saddened voice reached Sophie's ears as she watched him order all servants out of the parlor, telling them not to speak a word of the events that had just transpired.



    Sophie's head shot up at the sound of the door closing behind the dismissed staff.

    "You sicken me, Randell." Slowly and carefully, she stood. "To think me so cowardice. I would never hire a gunman, dear brother." A queer smile spread across her face as she walked towards Randell. Her eyes shone with madness, and her grin dripped with deranged joy.

    'Why does he underestimate me? He thinks me a child.' Sophie let her eyes wander across her brothers distraught, worrisome face. 'Though, even a child could see the wickedness in our father. Randell was always blind. He never deserved his inheritance. He never has acted as a man.'



    "Such men are unnecessary. Would I be incapable of committing the crime myself? Do you think me that meek? Honestly," Sophie chuckled with dark amusement."I've never been one to have things done for me? Have I, Randell? I prefer to see the reward of the task myself. Don't I, Randell? I wouldn't hire a trainer for my new colt. Don't you remember that, Randell? I trained him myself."

    Sophie stared into the eyes of her brother.

    "Why would I hire someone to kill our father?"



    Sighing, Sophie returned to her seat on the window ledge. Her patience with Randell was short, and his accusation was insulting.

    "Father was always a far too trusting man. Do you remember when we holidayed in India? Do you remember the driver? He stole our luggage. Don't you remember? I told him those filthy natives weren't to be trusted. You remember that I told him, Randell?"

    Sophie's cruel eyes begin to soften with tears.

    "He didn't even scream. He didn't even struggle."

    'He didn't even show a weakness, even in those final, hectic moments I stole from him.'



    "What will happen to me, brother?"

    Sophie's voice was soft, almost inaudible, as she stared helplessly at her brother. Her Randell.

    She watched as Randell's mouth opened, as if to reply. Though if he did, she couldn't hear it.

    The sirens filled the air as her sobs broke free from inside her.

    'What will happen to me?'