The bright Texas sun streamed through the high windows of the grand Dallas estate.
Mark stood near the white marble staircase while holding his leather briefcase tightly.
He had just returned home early from a long business meeting downtown.
The house felt far too quiet for a normal Tuesday afternoon.
He placed his car keys onto the dark mahogany side table near the entryway.
Mark: Hello?
His voice echoed off the tall white walls of the empty foyer.
Mark: Is anyone home right now?
No one answered his call from the upper floors of the big mansion.
Mark felt a sudden wave of strange anxiety deep inside his chest.
He walked slowly toward the back hallway near his late father old office.
His stepmother Victoria was supposed to be looking after his baby son Tommy today.
Mark had trusted her despite all the sharp arguments about his father estate.
Mark: Victoria?
He heard a faint rustling sound coming from the top of the grand stairs.
Mark turned around quickly and looked up toward the second floor balcony.
An American flag hung proudly from the wooden railing above the front entrance.
Victoria stood right near the balcony edge holding baby Tommy in her arms.
She wore a dark green velvet dress that looked rich and heavy.
Her face looked pale and strangely cold in the afternoon sunlight.
Mark: What are you doing up there with Tommy?
Victoria: I was just taking him out of his nursery, Mark.
Mark: You look nervous about something.
Victoria: I am not nervous at all.
Mark noticed that her hands were shaking while holding the small child.
He took three fast steps toward the base of the marble staircase.
Mark: Please move away from that open railing right now.
Victoria: Why are you always telling me what to do in this house?
Mark: Because that child is my whole world.
Victoria: This entire estate was supposed to belong to me after your father died.
Mark: We can talk about the legal trust fund later today.
Victoria: There is nothing left to talk about with you, Mark.
She held the baby out slightly over the edge of the polished railing.
Mark felt his entire body freeze in pure horror.
His breath caught in his throat as he looked up at his young son.
Mark: Do not move another inch!