The bright chandeliers in the grand mansion lit up the white marble floors like silver glass.
Dominic stood near the big American flag in the study, talking to his corporate lawyer about his late father's estate.
He was a strong man who always put his family before any business deal or money.
Suddenly, the sound of tiny rapid footsteps echoed down the long grand hallway.
Little four-year-old Harper came running around the corner as fast as her small legs could carry her.
Her bright blue dress was messy, and tears were spilling down her red cheeks.
Harper: Daddy! Please help me, Daddy!
Dominic immediately dropped his legal paperwork onto the mahogany desk.
He rushed across the room and dropped down to his knees in the doorway.
Dominic: Harper, what is wrong? Take a deep breath for me, sweetheart.
The little girl threw her small arms tightly around her father's neck and sobbed uncontrollably.
She was shaking like a leaf in a high wind.
Harper: Mommy’s trapped behind the hidden door in the dark basement!
Dominic froze completely as a cold wave of horror rushed through his chest.
His wife, Clara, had been missing for over six hours that morning.
Everyone in the house had claimed she went downtown to shop for new clothes.
Dominic: What did you just say, Harper?
Harper: She is locked inside, Daddy! She told me to run and get you!
Before Dominic could stand up, heavy footsteps tapped against the hard floor.
His stepmother, Eleanor, stepped out from the library with a forced smile on her pale face.
Her hands were trembling slightly as she adjusted her expensive pearl necklace.
Eleanor: Oh, don't pay any attention to the child, Dominic.
Eleanor: She has been watching too many cartoons this afternoon.
Eleanor: Clara is just at the salon down the street having lunch.
Dominic stood up slowly, keeping his daughter wrapped securely in his arms.
He noticed how Eleanor avoided eye contact with him completely.
He also noticed that Eleanor was holding a heavy iron key ring behind her back.
Dominic: Harper never lies to me about her mother, Eleanor.
Eleanor: You are being dramatic over a toddler's silly imagination, son.
Harper: I am not lying, Daddy! The mean lady locked Mommy inside!
Dominic's eyes narrowed as he looked at his stepmother with deep suspicion.
He knew Eleanor had been furious about his father's new will and trust fund.
The entire family inheritance was supposed to pass to Clara and Dominic that very afternoon.
Dominic: Show me your hands, Eleanor.
Eleanor: Excuse me? How dare you speak to me in that tone in my own home!
Dominic: I said show me your hands right now!
Eleanor took a step back, her face turning as white as a bedsheet.
Dominic did not wait another single second for an answer.
He held Harper's small hand firmly and started walking toward the cellar stairs.