David carried Leo up the broad carpeted staircase to his bedroom.
He set the little boy gently down on his soft unmade bed.
He quickly helped Leo pull off the wet wool sweater.
David: Are you hurt anywhere, buddy?
Leo shook his head slowly while wiping away his warm tears.
Leo: No, Daddy, I was just really scared.
David: You never have to be scared in this house again.
David pulled a warm dry hoodie over his son's head.
He sat on the edge of the bed and held Leo's hands.
Leo: She said I was clumsy like my real mommy.
David felt a deep surge of anger wash over him again.
He squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment to maintain control.
David: Your mother was an angel, Leo.
Leo: Why does Mommy Evelyn hate me so much?
David: She does not know how to love properly, son.
David kissed the top of Leo's forehead tenderly.
He stayed with the boy until his heavy breathing turned into sleep.
Once Leo was fast asleep, David quietly walked back downstairs.
His mind was racing with questions about his recent marriage.
He had married Evelyn barely eight months ago after a brief romance.
She had seemed kind and sweet around him during their courtship.
Now he saw a dark ugly side she could no longer hide.
He pushed open the heavy study doors once again.
Evelyn was sitting behind his large executive desk pouring a drink.
She looked up at him with defiance in her sharp eyes.
Evelyn: You overreacted terribly in front of the child, David.
David: Do not dare tell me how to protect my child!
He walked right up to the front of the desk.
Evelyn: That boy needs strict rules if he is to grow up right.
David: Kicking buckets and making him scrub floors is abuse, Evelyn!
Evelyn: You pamper him because his mother died!
David slammed both palms down onto the smooth polished wood.
David: Speak her name with respect or leave this house tonight!
Evelyn stood up quickly, clutching her glass tightly in her hand.
Evelyn: You cannot throw me out, we are legally married!
David: A piece of paper will not stop me from protecting Leo.
Evelyn: I am the lady of this estate now, David.
David: You are a guest who has overstayed her welcome.
Evelyn laughed bitterly and set her glass down loudly.
Evelyn: You need me to maintain your public image for the company.
David: My son's safety matters far more than any corporate image.
He noticed a faint nervous flicker in her green eyes then.
She looked briefly toward the small safe behind the American flag.
David narrowed his eyes as he caught her suspicious backward glance.
He realized there was something far deeper going on in his home.
David: What are you hiding in this room, Evelyn?
Evelyn: Nothing at all, do not be absurd!
David turned directly toward the large wall flag hanging near the hearth.