"God, just one idea," Star whispered under her breath, her voice a thread of desperation. "One idea, and I know exactly what to do."
Time ticked louder in her mind than the clock on the wall. Maria sat across from her, unblinking, composed — like she was watching a live drama unfold. Thirty minutes of silence, and not a hint of mercy.
"This woman... she's too calm. She could watch me die like it's a season finale," Star muttered quietly to herself.
Then, as if moved by something unseen, Star stood. She met Maria's eyes with a fire that hadn't burned in years.
"Only God has the right over my life," she said, voice ringing with newfound courage. "And if He's on my side, then you — your gun — that drug your servant is mixing — none of it matters."
Maria's grip on the gun faltered.
"Sit down. I don't want to hurt you," she said, attempting calm, but her voice wavered.
"No," Star stepped closer, pressing the moment. "Kill me then. Here — my neck? My heart? Go on, pick a spot!" she said, shoving the barrel towards herself.
The room tilted. Maria's hands trembled. The gun clattered to the floor.
In a flash, Star snatched it.
"Where's the remote?" she demanded.
Maria, frozen — shocked beyond speech.
Star's eyes darted across the room. She spotted the remote, grabbed it, opened the door, and ran.
Outside, Mandume was leaning against his car, glued to his phone.
"Get in. Now," she barked, breathless.
"Star? What's going on? Why—?"
"Just drive, Mendu! I'll explain later!"
Still confused, he obeyed. They tore off into the night.
Maria stood rooted, dazed. Then she shouted, "Somebody kick me, slice me — what just happened?!"
She bolted for the entrance, praying they hadn't left. But Mandume's car was already gone.
Romero intercepted her halfway back.
"You look like a ghost. What happened?"
"That witch! She—she escaped!"
Romero's face darkened.
"You had one job, Maria."
"I don't know how she did it!" Maria stammered. "She said something about God... then she dared me to shoot her — I—I don't even remember how I dropped the gun."
"You what?" he grabbed her wrist, dragging her back into his office.
"A harmless girl outplayed you? Maria, I never should've let you get involved. You came begging me to handle your husband, and I said no. I knew you'd screw this up."
"She has our secrets now... both mine and yours," Maria said, panic rising.
"And my gun," Romero snapped. "In case you forgot, you handed it to her on a silver platter."
"I swear, Romero, I'll fix this. I'll get her back before she talks to anyone. She's alone in Windhoek — no family, nowhere to run."
"She already ran. Probably straight to Mandume," he said bitterly.
Maria flinched. "Please… give me one more chance. I'll bring her back. I promise."
Romero shook his head. "Just go. I don't want to see your face right now."
They drove in silence for a few minutes. Star's breaths came fast and shallow.
"Star… you okay? You're pale," Mandume said, watching her closely.
"Promise me something, Mendu."
"What is it?"
"Promise you'll stay by my side. Until we find your father."
"I already promised that. But what happened back there?"
Star hesitated. Her voice was soft, but her words cut deep.
"You need to be careful around your mother."
Mandume blinked, confused. "My mom? What are you saying?"
"I'm saying… she doesn't mean you any good. She's not who you think she is."