Victoria pulled back her arms with a sudden cruel motion.
She let go of the soft blue blanket at the top of the steps.
The tiny baby began to slide fast down the carpeted stairs.
Leo let out a loud cry of fear.
Sarah did not wait a single second.
She dropped her duster onto the marble floor.
She ran directly toward the bottom of the grand staircase.
Her shoes made quick slapping sounds on the shiny stone.
The baby rolled over the top three steps.
Victoria stood at the top with her arms crossed.
She watched the fall with a harsh smile.
Victoria: Take this child!
Sarah: I have got you little Leo!
Sarah threw her body across the hard white floor.
She slid on her knees toward the bottom step.
The cold stone hurt her legs through her dress.
She stretched her arms out as far as she could reach.
The wrapped blanket reached the last few steps.
Sarah caught the baby tight against her chest.
She rolled onto her back to absorb the bump.
The child was crying loudly in her arms.
Sarah held him close to her beating heart.
She checked his small arms and legs quickly.
He was scared but he was safe.
Tears rolled down Sarah's pale cheeks.
Sarah: Oh god, poor baby! Shh, I've got you, you're safe!
Victoria: You should not have caught him girl!
Sarah: How could you do something so terrible to a child?!
Victoria: Give me that kid right now!
Sarah: Stay away from us!
Victoria hurried barefoot down the wooden stairs.
Her green dress swished loudly around her legs.
Her face was red with pure anger.
She wanted to grab the baby out of Sarah's hands.
Sarah scrambled backward across the slick floor.
She kept her body between Victoria and the baby.
The front doors were still locked tight.
There was nowhere left for Sarah to run.
Victoria reached the bottom of the staircase.
She raised her hand to strike the young maid.
Sarah pulled Leo close and covered his head.
She closed her eyes and waited for the blow.
The heavy house felt full of terrible danger.
Sarah prayed for someone to come save them.