Dominic adjusted his navy suit coat as he stood near the grand archway.
He was waiting for his mother-in-law to finish organizing the estate papers.
The white walls of the estate house felt colder than usual today.
A large American flag hung quietly near the main glass doorway.
Dominic had returned early from his business trip to find his wife.
His wife Clara had been missing for almost two full days.
Evelyn had claimed Clara went to stay at a local health spa.
Dominic had felt a heavy pit in his stomach all morning long.
Suddenly he heard rapid running footsteps echoing across the marble floor.
His three-year-old daughter Harper was sprinting down the bright hallway.
Her blue cotton dress waved behind her as she ran frantically.
Harper: Daddy! Daddy!
Dominic immediately dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor.
He bent down on one knee and opened his arms wide.
Dominic: Harper, what is wrong?
Harper: Mommy’s trapped behind the hidden door!
The little girl buried her face into his neck and sobbed uncontrollably.
Dominic felt his stomach drop instantly into complete darkness.
He held his daughter tightly against his broad chest.
Dominic: Take a deep breath, sweetie, tell me again.
Harper: Mommy is in the dark room downstairs!
Harper: She was crying and calling your name!
Dominic looked up quickly toward the main parlor doorway.
Evelyn stepped out from the shadowy doorway with a nervous smile.
Her hands were trembling as she smoothed down her grey skirt.
Evelyn: Don't listen to her, she's making things up!
Dominic stood up slowly while keeping Harper in his strong arm.
Dominic: Why is she talking about a hidden door, Evelyn?
Evelyn: Children have wild imaginations when their mothers go away.
Evelyn: She played in the attic earlier and scared herself.
Dominic noticed how Evelyn kept looking back toward the basement door.
Her face had turned pale under the bright hallway lights.
Dominic: Harper does not lie about her mother.
Evelyn: You are being completely ridiculous right now, Dominic.
Dominic: Step aside from the hallway, Evelyn.
Evelyn: I will not allow you to ruin our quiet home!
Dominic set Harper down gently on the soft hallway runner rug.
He held his daughter's small hand firmly in his own hand.
Dominic: Show me where you saw Mommy, Harper.
Harper: Follow me down the big stairs, Daddy.
Evelyn rushed forward and tried to grab Dominic's dark blue sleeve.
Dominic pulled his arm away with sharp precision.
Dominic: Do not touch me again today, Evelyn.
Evelyn: You are making a huge mistake, Dominic!
Dominic ignored her voice and walked steadily down the grand hall.
Every step he took made his heart beat faster and louder.
Harper guided him straight toward the heavy basement access door.
The air grew noticeably colder as they reached the door frame.
Dominic turned the brass knob and pushed the heavy door open.
A dark staircase stretched down into the deep concrete foundation.
Dominic: Stay right behind me, Harper.
Harper: I am right here, Daddy.
Dominic flipped the wall switch but the basement light stayed dark.
He pulled his phone from his suit pocket and lit the way.
Evelyn stood at the top of the stairs watching them closely.
Her shadow looked tall and distorted against the white wall.