The Face In Light

Officer Thomas stood in front of Victoria with an authoritative hand on his belt.

Officer Thomas: You are not going anywhere, ma'am, sit down right now.

Victoria collapsed onto an entry chair with a pale face full of defeat.

Officer Thomas returned to the open trapdoor and helped Sarah up the ladder.

Sarah slowly climbed up into the bright natural daylight of the familiar foyer.

She squinted her eyes against the bright sunshine filling the tall entry room.

Mia ran directly into her mother's arms and hugged her with all her strength.

Mia: Mom! I found you! I knew you never left me behind!

Sarah: Oh my sweet baby, you saved my life! I prayed every day!

Sarah sobbed in overwhelming relief while holding her daughter close to her chest.

Officer Thomas draped his suit jacket over Sarah's cold frail shoulders gently.

Officer Thomas: Ma'am, how long have you been kept in that underground vault?

Sarah: Victoria trapped me down there three weeks ago after my husband got sick.

Sarah: She wanted control of the family estate and forced me to sign papers.

Officer Thomas: Those fake papers will never stand in any court of law now.

Siren lights began flashing through the front glass windows of the Dallas mansion.

Two police officers rushed through the open front doorway with fast heavy steps.

Officer Thomas pointed directly at Victoria sitting quietly in the hallway corner.

Officer Thomas: Take her into custody for kidnapping and illegal confinement immediately.

The officers handcuffed Victoria and led her away from the grand property.

Victoria glared at Sarah and Mia with anger as she was marched out.

Sarah held Mia tightly as they watched the police cars drive away.

The nightmare that had hidden beneath the marble floor was finally over.