Chapter 6 - An Unexpected Ally
As the farmhouse roof collapsed in a shower of sparks, a loud gunshot echoed across the valley.
Silas and his men flinched, turning toward the darkness of the neighboring property.
Mrs. Beatrice, the bitter old woman who had mocked Elena days ago, marched into the firelight.
She was holding a massive, double-barreled shotgun aimed directly at Silas's chest.
"Get off this property right now, you miserable snake!" Beatrice roared, cocking the weapon.
Silas sneered, holding his hands up in a mocking gesture of surrender.
"You are making a huge mistake, old woman," Silas warned, stepping back toward his vehicle.
"The only mistake I made was letting you get away with murdering Arthur Vance," Beatrice spat back.
Silas's face completely drained of color at the mention of the dead farmer's name.
He quickly signaled his men, and they sped away into the dark night.
Beatrice lowered the shotgun and rushed over to the trembling, soot-covered widow.
"Are the little ones hurt?" Beatrice asked, her previously cold eyes now filled with genuine concern.
"We are okay," Elena choked out, coughing up thick, dark smoke.
Beatrice helped them stand and guided them toward her own sturdy, well-kept farmhouse.
"I loved Arthur, you know," Beatrice confessed quietly as she poured them glasses of milk.
"We were engaged to be married before he mysteriously vanished six years ago."
"I knew Silas was responsible, but I never had a single shred of proof to take to the police."
Elena looked at the old woman, realizing they shared the exact same pain and hatred.
"I have the proof, Beatrice," Elena whispered, setting her glass down.
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"I found his body in the well, and I found the documents."
Beatrice covered her mouth, a silent, agonizing sob tearing through her frail body.
