Tenterhooks

Ava had been on tenterhooks all day waiting for Hannah to arrive. She'd even kept the cash ready, to entice her. Seeing the cash, Hannah would definitely not be able to resist it and let it go. She knew that woman this much! She was as greedy as a person could be.

But as the hours ticked by and the sun began to set, Ava felt a mix of disappointment and relief. Part of her was glad that Hannah hadn't shown up—perhaps it meant that she wouldn't have to deal with her after all. Maybe Hannah had decided to spare her? Or found some better target? But another part of her was worried. What if Hannah was just biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike? What if this was just the calm before the storm?

She tried to busy herself with small tasks, tidying up the already spotless living room, rearranging the flowers in the vase, but nothing could distract her from the nagging worry that gnawed at her. Every sound made her jump and she was on the edge.