Mark pulled his luxury sedan into the long concrete driveway of his Dallas estate.
The sky above the quiet suburban neighborhood was growing darker by the minute.
Heavy rain clouds rolled over the roof of the large multi-million dollar family house.
Mark had left his executive office early because he missed his young children terribly.
His new wife Evelyn had promised to take wonderful care of them all afternoon.
He stepped out of the car and walked toward the heavy front door.
The air felt damp and cool as lightning flashed softly in the distant sky.
Inside the foyer, the house was unusually quiet and completely dark.
Mark called out for his young daughter and his baby boy in the hallway.
No one answered his call from the grand staircase or the open kitchen.
He walked deeper into the home looking for any sign of his family.
Mark: Evelyn, where are the kids right now?
Evelyn walked out of the master bedroom wearing a long black coat.
She looked startled for a split second before forcing a calm warm smile.
Evelyn: Oh sweetheart, you came home much earlier than we expected today.
Mark: Where are Lily and the baby right now?
Evelyn: They are playing a fun game of hide and seek inside.
Mark looked around the empty living room with growing confusion and mild worry.
He did not hear any laughter or little footsteps running on the floor.
Mark: It sounds far too quiet in this house for two young kids.
Evelyn: They are resting quietly in their room after a long busy day.
Mark pulled out his smartphone to check the security camera mobile application.
He tapped the screen to open the live video feed of the backyard.
The camera showed the heavy rain pouring down over the green lawn grass.
Mark stared at the small screen as his heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Near the edge of the yard sat the old wooden playhouse shed.
A thick heavy rope was wrapped tightly around the outer metal door handle.
Mark: Why is the playhouse door latched shut from the outside?
Evelyn: I locked it earlier so the yard equipment stays dry.
Mark leaned closer to the phone screen to look at the picture.
He saw small hands pressing against the clear glass window of the shed.
His young daughter was crying inside while holding her tiny baby brother.
Mark: You locked my children in the shed during a rainstorm!
Evelyn: It is just a simple discipline game to teach them manners!
Mark pushed past her and sprinted directly toward the rear patio doors.