Mark held the swaddled baby tightly against his navy blue suit jacket.
Margarethe followed him out onto the white marble balcony with fast, angry steps.
Margarethe: Give me that child right now, Mark!
Mark: Do not come any closer to us!
Margarethe: You are ruining this family name over a stupid investigation!
Mark: You are the one who broke this family apart with your lies!
In her fit of frantic anger, Margarethe reached out to grab the yellow blanket.
Mark stumbled backward on the slick marble floor as she pulled hard on the cloth.
The sudden pull knocked his balance off near the edge of the low railing.
The swaddled baby slipped out of his arms near the top of the steep stairs.
Mark screamed out in terror as the child fell into the open air above the foyer.
Time seemed to stop completely as the yellow bundle dropped toward the cold marble floor.
Mark did not hesitate for even a single second as he moved instantly.
He sprinted forward with all his strength, diving across the white stone steps.
Mark: I am coming!
He stretched his arms out as far as he could reach into the open space.
His heart pounded wildly against his ribs as he leapt toward the center of the room.
He caught the falling baby securely in his hands just inches above the floor.
Mark crashed hard onto his knees against the cold marble surface of the foyer.
He held the baby tight against his chest as he rolled safely over to the side.
The heavy impact echoed loudly through the large, empty house.
He took a deep gasp of air, his whole body shaking from the shock.
He looked down at the yellow blanket to see if the child was unharmed.
Little Leo blinked his tiny eyes and began to cry softly in his arms.
Tears of pure relief streamed down Mark's face as his lip quivered with emotion.
Mark: Are you okay, little one? Daddy has got you. You are safe now.