By six o'clock in the morning, Victoria was gone.
Her expensive suitcases were loaded into a yellow taxi cab.
David stood on the front porch watching the car drive off.
The morning sun began to rise over the green hills.
He walked back inside the warm, bright kitchen area.
Elena was preparing fresh tea at the granite counter.
She looked up with nervous eyes as he stepped inside.
David: Good morning, Elena. Please sit down with me.
Elena put down the teapot and sat at the table.
David: Victoria will never return to this house again.
David: I know everything that she did to you tonight.
Elena: I am just glad your baby boy is safe.
David placed a thick white envelope on the kitchen table.
David: This is a bonus for your bravery and loyalty.
David: And I am doubling your salary starting today.
Elena looked at the envelope with wide surprised eyes.
Elena: Mr. Vance, that is far too much money.
Elena: I was only doing my job to protect him.
David: You did far more than your job, Elena.
David: You saved my son when someone tried to destroy us.
David: You deserve respect, security, and true appreciation here.
Tears of relief filled Elena's soft brown eyes again.
This time she was crying tears of pure warmth and comfort.
Elena: Thank you, Mr. Vance. Thank you so much.
David walked up to the sunlit nursery room upstairs.
He lifted his son gently out of the wooden crib.
The baby opened his blue eyes and cooed softly.
David smiled for the first time in many hours.
He knew his home was safe and peaceful once more.
Justice had been served, and true loyalty was rewarded.