Elena walked toward Mark with an easy smile across her flawless face.
She paid no attention to Maria, who stepped back against the wall.
Mark glanced between the two women with growing confusion inside his mind.
He could sense that something bad had just happened inside his home.
Mark: Elena, why was Maria running like she was in danger?
Elena: She is just clumsy and ruined another expensive vase, my love.
Maria: That is not true at all, sir, I never broke anything!
Elena: Keep quiet and go back to the laundry room right now!
Elena raised her hand sharply to point toward the lower service stairs.
Maria lowered her head, but tears began falling down her pale cheeks.
Mark stepped between both women and held up his right hand firmly.
He had never seen Maria cry during her five years of service.
Mark: Stop telling her what to do in my own house, Elena.
Elena: I am only trying to maintain order while you work hard.
Mark: Where is Leo right now, Elena?
Elena: He is sleeping soundly upstairs in his peaceful nursery room.
Just as Elena spoke those calm words, a small faint cry echoed.
The crying sound came from the locked storage closet near the hallway.
Mark turned his head fast toward the dark wooden closet door.
His heart started pounding hard against his chest with sudden terror.
Mark: Is that my baby crying inside that dark supply room?
Elena: No, darling, that is just the neighbor's dog outside.
Mark ignored her explanation completely and ran toward the locked door.
Maria quickly pulled a silver key out from her apron pocket.
She rushed forward and handed the key to Mark without delay.
Maria: Please open it fast, sir, he has been in there!
Mark slid the key into the lock and turned it quickly.
The heavy door opened to reveal a heartbreaking sight inside the room.
Little Leo was sitting on the cold floor beside dirty cleaning mops.
The poor boy was weeping silently while holding his small shoes.
Mark dropped to his knees instantly on the hard checkered floor.
He wrapped his strong arms tightly around his frightened little boy.
Mark: Oh my god, baby, are you okay?
Leo buried his small wet face into his father's light jacket.
Mark held his child against his chest while his blood ran cold.