The Voice Near the Pool

The morning sun washed over the sprawling Dallas estate in brilliant golden light.

Caterers moved quickly along the light marble deck near the sparkling swimming pool.

Dozens of white roses lined the wide stone walkway leading to the grand garden altar.

Seven-year-old Lily walked through the crowded patio with panic in her chest.

She clutched a tiny silver bracelet that belonged to her mother, Sarah.

Sarah had vanished from the bridal suite just an hour before the ceremony began.

Nobody in the busy mansion seemed to notice that the mother was missing.

Lily searched every hallway and dressing room without finding any trace of her.

She wiped tears from her cheeks as she stepped toward the poolside area.

Lily: Mommy, where are you?

A harsh shadow suddenly fell over the young child on the bright deck.

Chloe stood above her in a breathtaking custom lace wedding gown.

Her eyes narrowed with pure frustration as she glared down at the girl.

Chloe: Shut this noise off right now!

Lily: I cannot find my mommy anywhere!

Chloe grabbed Lily firmly by her upper arm and leaned down close.

Chloe: Your mother left this estate hours ago because she did not care.

Lily: That is a lie and you know it!

Chloe: Do not ever raise your voice at me again!

Chloe tried to push the girl toward the dark side entrance doors.

She wanted to hide the crying child before any valuable guests arrived.

Lily stumbled back against a large stone planter near the pool deck.

Lily: You are taking her spot at the wedding!

Chloe: You need to keep your quiet mouth shut today!

The heavy glass patio doors opened with a loud, sudden bang.

Mark stepped out onto the sunlit deck wearing his light blue shirt.

He saw the bride towering over the shaking little girl in fury.

His eyes burned with immediate anger as he crossed the marble deck.

Mark: What on earth are you doing to her, Chloe?

Chloe quickly pulled her hands back and tried to smile brightly.

Chloe: Mark, sweetie, she is just having a major temper tantrum!

Mark ignored Chloe and rushed directly to the young child's side.

He lifted Lily up safely and held her close in his arms.

Then he stepped firmly in front of Chloe to shield the child.

Mark: Touch her again and you are finished!

Chloe: I was only trying to calm her down before guests see!

Mark: You do not ever talk to my niece like that!

Lily wrapped her small arms around Mark's neck in pure relief.

Her entire body trembled as she sobbed against his shoulder.

Lily: Uncle Mark, she is lying about where mommy went!

Mark: Where is your mother, Lily?

Lily: She did not leave the mansion at all!

Chloe's face drained of all color as she stepped backward slowly.

Chloe: Mark, the child is completely confused right now!

Lily pointed her tiny finger directly toward the back garden wall.

A heavy wooden storage shed sat hidden behind the lush green hedges.

A thick brass padlock secured the dark wooden door from the outside.

Lily: She locked my real mommy in that shed!

Mark turned his eyes toward the locked door in deep horror.

A faint muffled thud sounded from inside the wooden building.