The quiet neighborhood rested under the afternoon sun as Richard pulled his black car into the long driveway.
He had spent two weeks in another state closing an important corporate contract for his expanding firm.
The large stone house stood tall against the bright blue sky like a silent fortress.
Richard stepped out of the vehicle while gripping his leather briefcase tightly in his right hand.
He loved his home, but deep down inside, a sudden feeling of worry began to settle in his stomach.
His younger wife, Victoria, had promised to care for the house and staff while he traveled away.
They had been married for only six months after a short romance that surprised many of his close friends.
Richard walked up the marble steps toward the heavy double doors at the main entry.
He reached into his dark coat pocket and pulled out his brass keys with a soft metallic sound.
The air outside was warm, yet an unusual chill seemed to linger near the front threshold.
He unlocked the door quietly because he wanted to surprise his family with his sudden early arrival.
The heavy doors swung open without a sound, revealing the massive foyer inside the main hall.
High ceilings and grand glass chandeliers made the entrance look like a palace built for royalty.
Richard took one step inside before his polished shoes came to a complete stop on the smooth floor.
The smell of strong lavender chemical cleaner filled his nose and made him wrinkle his face slightly.
In the middle of the cold marble floor, a young woman was down on her hands and knees.
She wore a thin gray dress that looked faded and torn at the lower bottom seams.
Her small hands moved back and forth with a dirty cloth across the white polished surface.
Over on the expensive leather sofa sat Victoria, wearing a stunning black lace gown with gold buttons.
She held a crystal glass filled with red wine and watched the working girl with cold distance.
Richard felt his heart beat faster as he stared at the scene unfolding in front of him.