Elena walked out the heavy front doors into the cool afternoon air.
She sat on the stone porch steps with Leo in her lap.
The baby finally stopped crying and fell asleep in her arms.
Elena pulled out her small smartphone from her apron pocket.
She opened her messaging app to text Arthur Vance directly.
She had his personal number saved for home emergency calls.
Elena typed a quick message asking him to return home at once.
She attached a short video clip she had taken moments earlier.
Her phone had been recording from her apron pocket near the columns.
The video clearly showed Victoria pulling the strap across the floor.
Ten minutes later, a sleek black car pulled into the driveway.
The brakes squealed loudly as the vehicle stopped near the steps.
Arthur Vance stepped out of the back seat with a worried look.
He rushed up the marble stairs toward Elena and his baby.
Arthur: Elena, what is the meaning of that horrible video?
Elena: Look at your son's knees, Mr. Vance.
Arthur knelt down on the cold stone next to the maid.
He saw the red marks on little Leo's small legs.
His face grew pale with deep sadness and growing rage.
Arthur: Where is Victoria right now?
Elena: She is inside the house, sir.
Arthur stood up quickly and held the door open for Elena.
Arthur: Come inside with me right now.
They walked back into the grand foyer together.
Victoria was sitting on the velvet sofa sipping a glass of wine.
She gasped when she saw her husband standing in the doorway.
Victoria: Arthur! You came home early from the office!
Arthur: Explain what you were doing to my son, Victoria!