The morning sun cut through the tall windows of the Dallas estate.
Daniel walked through the foyer while checking emails on his mobile phone.
His seven-year-old son Leo stood near the central hallway alone.
The young boy was staring intensely at a heavy framed flag.
The framed piece hung directly above the white marble fireplace mantle.
Leo tapped his fingers against the polished wooden border slowly.
He pressed his ear close against the smooth white drywall panel.
Leo: Dad, I hear someone knocking inside here again.
Daniel stopped near the arched doorway and lowered his cell phone.
He smiled softly at his young son across the open hallway.
Daniel: You are letting your active imagination run wild today, buddy.
Leo: No, Dad, someone is definitely behind the wooden frame.
Daniel walked toward his son with gentle, slow strides across the room.
He placed a reassuring hand onto the young boy's small shoulder.
The house had been strangely quiet for the past three weeks.
Daniel's elderly father Arthur had vanished without leaving a clear trace.
His stepmother Evelyn claimed the old man had simply moved away suddenly.
She said Arthur wanted quiet retirement living in a private facility.
Daniel had felt deep worry in his chest every single day since.
Daniel: Grandpa went to a lovely quiet resting home, remember?
Leo: But he called my name from behind the wall, Dad!
Footsteps echoed sharply along the pristine marble flooring from the entrance.
Evelyn entered the grand hallway while holding a stack of legal mail.
Her sharp gaze landed instantly on the young boy standing close.
Her face tightened with sudden, sharp tension across her brow.
Evelyn: Quiet down and leave that wall alone right now!
She stepped forward quickly and pulled Leo away from the wall panel.
Leo stumbled back slightly toward his father's protective arms.
Daniel: Don't you ever raise your voice at my son!
Daniel dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around Leo securely.
Daniel: Are you alright, buddy?
Leo: I heard Grandpa weeping in there, Dad.
Daniel stood up quickly and faced his stepmother with rising suspicion.
He noticed how pale her face had suddenly become in the sunlight.
Her hands trembled slightly around the dark paper folders she held tightly.
Evelyn: The boy is just confused because he misses his grandfather.
Daniel: Why are you acting so nervous right now, Evelyn?
Evelyn: I am simply trying to protect this delicate historic home.
Daniel turned his gaze directly toward the large framed flag picture.
He took a deep breath as a strange dread filled his chest.