David parked his dark sedan near the edge of the large estate grounds.
The afternoon sun beat down on the long driveway in outer Dallas.
He was visiting his brother Mark for what was supposed to be a small family gathering.
As he walked past a sleek black SUV, he heard a strange sound from inside.
He stopped near the rear tinted window and listened closely to the quiet noise.
It sounded like a faint cry coming from deep inside the back seat area.
David stepped closer and pressed his face right against the hot dark glass window.
His heart dropped when he saw two small figures moving inside the vehicle.
It was his seven-year-old son Leo and his younger daughter Lily sitting together.
They were weeping softly while holding onto each other in the warm back seat.
David grabbed the chrome door handle and pulled hard, but the SUV was locked fast.
David: Leo! Can you hear me? Unlock the door right now buddy!
Leo: Dad! Get us out! We are so hot and hungry!
David looked around frantically for a heavy object to smash the thick side glass.
He spotted a heavy decorative rock sitting near the freshly trimmed flower bed nearby.
He scooped up the heavy stone and smashed the front corner window with one hit.
Glass shattered onto the driveway as David reached inside to unlock the main doors.
He threw the heavy door open and pulled both terrified children out into the air.
Leo wiped his wet face while holding tight to his father's dusty jacket sleeve.
Leo: They put us in here because I asked for a snack, Dad.
David: Who put you in here, Leo? Tell me who did this to you.
Leo: The blonde lady in the white dress told the guard to hide us.
David felt a deep wave of anger wash over his whole body in seconds.
He held both of his children close as he marched up the grand front stairs.