Two local police officers walked into the bright kitchen with their arms resting on their utility belts.
The lead officer had a warm face and introduced himself as Sergeant Miller.
Sergeant Miller: We received a panic call regarding a child held against his will.
Elena stood up and pointed toward the small boy sitting calmly at the kitchen table.
Elena: I found him locked inside the wall vent in the main hallway just twenty minutes ago.
Sergeant Miller looked at the thin child and then looked at Richard with sharp concern.
Sergeant Miller: Sir, we need to understand how a child ends up locked inside a house wall.
Richard: My wife tricked me into believing Leo was staying at a special boarding school in Vermont.
Richard: She showed me forged letters and fake progress reports from doctors every single month.
Victoria was led into the kitchen by a female officer, her wrist wrapped in shiny metal handcuffs.
Her gold sequin dress was wrinkled and her high-maintenance hair was completely messy.
Victoria: This is a massive misunderstanding! I was keeping him safe from a kidnapping threat!
Elena: You locked a small boy behind a heavy painting with a padlock, Mrs. Sterling!
Victoria: You are just a maid! Nobody cares about your opinion in a court of law!
Sergeant Miller raised his hand to stop the shouting and turned to the second officer.
Sergeant Miller: Take Mrs. Sterling out to the patrol car and secure her in the back seat.
Victoria glared at Elena with pure hatred as she was escorted down the long hallway.
Victoria: You lost your job today, maid! You will never work in this town again!
Elena ignored the threat and leaned down to help Leo put on a warm jacket.
Elena: You don't have to be scared anymore, Leo. The bad lady is gone.
Leo: Are you going to leave too, Elena?
Elena looked up at Richard, who was watching her with deep gratitude in his eyes.
Richard: She isn't going anywhere, Leo. Not if she doesn't want to leave.