The deputy placed gentle handcuffs around Eleanor's wrists near the door.
Chad stood quietly by the coat rack with his head down low.
Chad: I am sorry for helping with the door earlier today, Sophia.
Sophia: You should have stopped her before things got this far, Chad.
Sheriff Miller led Eleanor and Chad toward the waiting patrol cars outside.
The afternoon air felt clean and cool as the sirens finally faded away.
Mark placed his jacket around Sophia's shoulders as they stood on the porch.
Mark: Nobody will ever hurt you or scare you in this house again.
Sophia: Are you going to stay home with me from now on, Mark?
Mark: I finished my active military duty contract last week, Sophia.
A bright smile finally appeared across the young girl's happy face.
Sophia: So you are staying here for good now?
Mark: I am taking full legal custody of you tomorrow morning.
They walked back inside the warm mansion together and locked the door.
The original will sat safely on the dining room table under the light.
Mark looked at the small flag pin on his black tuxedo lapel.
He knew his father would be proud of how he protected his sister.
Sophia: Can we fix the garden patio door tomorrow morning, Mark?
Mark: We will fix the whole house together, one day at a time.
The sun began to set softly behind the tall trees near the lawn.
For the first time in months, the big house felt quiet and peaceful.
Sophia sat near the fireplace with a warm blanket wrapped around her.
Mark made two hot cups of cocoa and sat down right next to her.
Justice had finally returned home to stay for good.