Outside, tires screeched sharply on the gravel driveway near the main entrance.
David had forgotten an important folder for his meeting and returned home unexpected.
He opened his car door quickly and hurried up the stone front steps.
As he unlocked the front entrance, he heard loud crying from inside.
He pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped into the hallway.
David: What on earth is happening in here?
He saw his wife kneeling on the floor near Eleanor while clutching Leo.
David ran down the long corridor toward them with massive long strides.
David: Hey, hey… you are safe now, buddy.
He reached down with gentle hands and lifted his crying son into his arms.
David: I am here, buddy. It is okay now.
Leo buried his small face into his father's dark suit jacket.
Clara stood up wiping away her hot tears with the edge of her sleeve.
Clara: She hurts my baby every time you turn your back on her!
David's face turned completely grim as he looked toward Eleanor.
Mrs. Eleanor: She is lying to you, David! She is trying to turn you against me!
David: I saw how you were dragging his harness with my own eyes, mother!
David took a step closer to the older woman while holding his child.
David: Get out of my house before I ruin your life!
Mrs. Eleanor: You cannot talk to me like that after all I have done!
Clara: Thank God you came back in time, David.
David put a warm, protective arm around Clara's trembling shoulder.
David: She will never hurt him again. I promise you that.
Eleanor backed away in absolute shock as her authority crumbled instantly.
Her foot caught the edge of her long dress as she stumbled backward.
Her heavy leather handbag slipped out of her hands and hit the floor.
Several thick paper files spilled across the shiny oak floorboards.
One sealed envelope with a red official seal slid directly to Clara's feet.
Clara: What are these papers doing in your bag?
Mrs. Eleanor: Leave those private documents alone right now!
Eleanor scrambled frantically on the floor to grab the scattered papers.
Clara quickly leaned down and grabbed the official sealed envelope first.
She pulled out a yellowed birth certificate and read the lines carefully.
Clara: Wait… look at this paper, David!
David looked down at the document as Clara pointed to the name fields.
Clara: She isn't even his grandmother!