Little Lily ran out from behind the side hallway doors with tears streaming down her face.
Her pink dress was slightly wrinkled, and her eyes were red from heavy crying.
She ran straight toward Marcus and wrapped her small arms tightly around his waist.
Lily: Dad! You came back home! Please help Grandma right now!
Marcus immediately dropped to one knee and took his daughter by her shaking shoulders.
Marcus: What happened, sweetheart? Tell me what is wrong.
Lily: Aunt Victoria locked Grandma in the small back room behind the kitchen pantry!
The crowded patio suddenly grew very quiet as nearby guests turned to listen.
Victoria: Lily is just making up stories, Marcus, do not listen to a child.
Lily: I am not lying! They took away her phone and would not let her eat!
Julian: That is enough, Lily, go back upstairs to your bedroom right now.
Marcus stood up slowly, his body stiff with an intense surge of anger.
He looked directly at Julian with a gaze that made his brother step back.
Marcus: Do not speak to my daughter like that ever again.
Victoria: Marcus, she is confused and exaggerating a simple misunderstanding.
Marcus: Lily never lies to me, Victoria.
Marcus walked past his brother and headed straight for the rear entrance of the mansion.
Julian tried to grab Marcus by the arm to stop him from moving forward.
Marcus brushed his brother's hand away with a cold, powerful push.
He walked quickly down the long marble hallway toward the storage pantry in the back.
The heavy wooden door to the small utility room was locked from the outside latch.
Marcus unhooked the brass latch and pulled the door open with a sharp jerk.
Inside sat Clara on a small wooden chair in the dim light of the room.
She looked pale and weak, holding a thin wool blanket over her frail shoulders.
Marcus: Mom! Oh my goodness, what have they done to you?
Clara raised her eyes and let out a soft sigh of immense relief.
Clara: Marcus, my dear boy, I was praying you would come home soon.
Marcus helped his mother stand up carefully and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Marcus: How long have you been in this cold room, Mom?
Clara: They locked me in here several days ago, Marcus.
Marcus felt his jaw tighten in absolute fury as he carried her back outside.