Arthur arrived at his large home in Dallas after a long day at the office.
The sun was starting to set over the quiet suburban street.
He opened the heavy front door and stepped onto the cool white marble floor.
The house was completely silent, which felt very unusual for a Friday evening.
Arthur set his black leather briefcase down by the front coat rack.
He expected his eight-year-old son Leo to run down the stairs to greet him.
Leo always loved showing his father his newest school drawings or outdoor treasures.
Arthur walked into the spacious kitchen and poured himself a glass of water.
His new wife Sarah was standing near the kitchen counter with her hands folded.
She looked up quickly, and her face turned pale for just a second.
Sarah adjusted the belt of her blue dress and offered a small polite smile.
Arthur asked her where Leo was hiding this evening.
Sarah said that the boy had gone over to a neighbor house to play video games.
Arthur felt a sudden wave of confusion wash over his heart.
He walked back toward the hallway and looked at the wooden coat rack.
Leo favorite red winter jacket was still hanging right there on the brass hook.
His small blue school backpack was resting on the marble floor underneath it.
Arthur turned around slowly to face his wife near the hallway wall.
He asked her why Leo would leave the house without taking his heavy winter coat.
Sarah laughed softly and said that children often forget their warm clothes when they hurry.
Arthur knew his son would never run outside in the cold without shoes and coat.
He stepped closer to the partition wall near the large framed flag artwork.
A tiny metallic clicking sound came from deep inside the dry wall structure.
Arthur stopped walking and held his breath to hear the faint noise again.
Sarah quickly walked up and grabbed Arthur arm with a tight grip.
She told him that they should go upstairs to get ready for dinner right away.
Arthur pulled his arm away and placed his palm flat against the white wall board.
He could feel a slight vibration coming from behind the painted partition sheet.
His heart started beating fast against his ribs as fear took over his mind.
He knew that something was deeply wrong inside his quiet home tonight.
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