An hour later, the local family lawyer walked into the front hall.
Arthur set his black leather folder down on the dark dining table.
He examined the official trust forms Mark had pulled from the box.
Arthur: These documents show clear attempt at financial fraud, Mark.
Mark: I want her off my property before the sun goes down tonight.
Arthur: I will draft the protective order and annulment papers immediately.
Elena stood near the front door with her small brown suitcase ready.
She looked back at Mark with tears pooling in her dark eyes.
Elena: I am sorry for how things ended up between us, Mark.
Mark: Pack the rest of your clothes and hand over your keys.
Elena placed the brass house key onto the small glass table.
She walked out through the heavy double front doors into the heat.
The heavy doors shut firm behind her, leaving total quiet inside.
Mark walked slowly back up the stairs to check on his daughter.
Sarah was sitting near her window drawing a picture of the trees.
She looked up as her father walked softly into the bright room.
Mark: She is gone now, Sarah, and she will never return here.
Sarah: Is our family going to be okay by ourselves, Daddy?
Mark sat down beside her and held her in a tight hug.
Mark: We are going to be better than okay from now on.
The late afternoon sun filled the bedroom with soft warm light.
For the first time in months, the house felt peaceful and safe.