The front door swung open wide as three uniform police officers rushed inside the home.
David pointed directly at Evelyn while holding the broken floorboards and papers in view.
David: Officer, she locked my young son inside that hidden hole under the floor!
The lead police officer took one look at the open floor space and gasped loud.
Officer: Ma'am, do not move another step away from us!
Evelyn tried to push past the officer, but he caught her wrist firmly in place.
He turned her around quickly and placed metal handcuffs tightly around her wrists.
Evelyn: This is a massive misunderstanding, you cannot arrest me!
Officer: You have the right to remain silent, ma'am.
Lily and Ethan watched from the couch as the officers led Evelyn out the door.
The heavy front door clicked shut, leaving the living room completely quiet again.
David walked over to his two children and sat down on the couch beside them.
He pulled both of them into a long, warm embrace and kissed their foreheads softly.
David: You are both completely safe now, I promise you both.
Ethan: Are we going to be okay without her, Daddy?
David: We are going to be better than ever before, son.
David knew the road ahead would take time and healing for his whole family.
But the terrible darkness in their house was finally gone for good today.