Clarissa stopped on the middle step and listened to the silence.
She scoffed loudly and turned around to walk back upstairs again.
Clarissa: Run away then, you coward. It makes my job much easier!
The heavy basement door slammed shut, and the lock clicked into place.
Elena let out a long sigh of relief and kissed Leo's warm forehead.
She knew she had to act fast before Arthur signed the papers.
She looked up at the tiny high window near the basement ceiling.
It was unlocked and opened out into the rear garden area outside.
Elena pushed an old wooden crate beneath the dusty basement window frame.
She carefully climbed onto the crate while holding Leo against her chest.
She pushed the narrow window open and felt the crisp winter air.
With great care, she passed Leo safely out onto the soft grass.
Then she pulled her own body up and crawled through the frame.
She dropped onto the ground and scooped up the happy baby child.
She ran through the snowy back garden toward the front driveway quickly.
At that exact moment, Arthur's heavy black SUV pulled into the drive.
He had forgotten his signed passport needed for the international business flight.
He stepped out of the vehicle and saw Elena running from behind.
Arthur: Elena! What are you doing out in the cold with Leo?
Arthur: Why were you climbing out of my basement window just now?
Elena: Sir! You must look at this drive right now before you leave!
Elena pulled the small silver memory stick from her apron pocket frantically.
Her hands were bright red from the bitter cold winter temperature.
Elena: Clarissa locked your baby in the unheated basement all alone!
Elena: She wants to destroy your son so she takes your money!
Arthur looked at the flash drive and then looked at his crying baby.
His face turned dark as heavy clouds before a violent storm breaks.
Arthur: Come inside right now, Elena. We are watching this immediately.
Arthur took his son into his warm coat and marched inside.
Clarissa was sitting on the living room sofa drinking hot tea calmly.
She stood up in complete shock when Arthur walked in with Elena.
Clarissa: Darling! Why is this crazy woman back inside our home?
Clarissa: I locked her out after she tried to attack me again!
Arthur: Be quiet, Clarissa! Not another word from your mouth right now!
Arthur plugged the silver memory drive directly into the large television screen.
The room went dead silent as the video feed began playing clearly.
Clarissa's blood ran completely cold as her own voice echoed loud.
The high-definition video showed her cruel actions near the front door.
It showed her smashing the crystal vase to frame the innocent nanny.
It showed her dragging the baby toward the cold basement steps mercilessly.
Arthur stared at the screen with absolute horror and rising fury.
He turned slowly toward Clarissa with eyes full of deep disgust.
The web of evil lies had finally come crashing down around her.