Elena stood in front of the tall iron gates of the Sterling mansion.
The air felt cold as the wind rustled the high oak trees.
She adjusted the collar of her simple black maid dress.
Her younger brother needed expensive medical treatment back at home.
This job was her last hope to pay the heavy bills.
The head housekeeper opened the front door with a frown.
Mrs. Gable: You are five minutes late, girl.
Elena: I am so sorry, the bus was delayed.
Mrs. Gable: Excuses do not clean marble floors in this house.
The older woman handed Elena a heavy plastic bucket.
Mrs. Gable: Mr. Vance does not like to see the staff.
Elena: Who is Mr. Vance?
Mrs. Gable: He is the owner's adult son who lives upstairs.
Elena took the cleaning supplies and walked down the hallway.
The grand home had expensive paintings hanging on every wall.
A huge American flag hung near the formal dining entrance.
Everything smelled like costly lavender polished wax.
She began scrubbing the baseboards along the long corridor.
Her arms burned from the hard physical labor.
She knew she could not afford to lose this position.
A shadow suddenly blocked the sunlight from the high window.
Elena looked up and saw a tall man standing over her.
He wore a dark blue suit that fit him perfectly.
Arthur: You must be the new helper.
Elena: Yes, sir, my name is Elena.
Arthur: I am Arthur, the family attorney.
His voice was calm and gentle compared to the housekeeper.
Arthur: If you ever need anything, let me know.
Elena: Thank you, sir, I appreciate your kindness.
He gave a warm nod and walked toward the study.
Elena felt a slight relief in her heart.
Maybe this job would not be as terrible as she feared.
She picked up her bucket and headed toward the main stairs.
The upper floor was quiet and dark.
Heavy red curtains blocked out the natural daylight.
She heard a door slam shut at the end of the hall.
A deep male voice was muttering harsh words inside.
Elena froze with her hand on the brass railing.
She remembered the housekeeper's strong warning about Vance.
She decided to start cleaning the guest bathroom first.
She walked quietly to avoid making any sound on the wood.
The bathroom was built with high white marble walls.
A golden chandelier hung directly from the tall ceiling.
Elena set her sponge down by the marble sink.
She noticed a white towel crumpled in the corner.
She reached down to pick up the dirty linen.
A sharp stain on the cloth made her breath catch.
It was a dark red patch of fresh blood.
Her hands began to shake as she held it.
She tried to tell herself it was just an accident.
Suddenly heavy footsteps sounded right outside the bathroom door.
Elena dropped the towel onto the bright tile.