The metal grate gave way with a loud crunching sound of twisting iron screws.
Marcus threw the bronze statue onto the marble floor and pulled the sharp metal frame free.
He reached his strong arms inside the dark narrow wall space beneath the floor joists.
He felt a tiny cold hand grasp his fingers with a weak desperate grip.
Marcus carefully lifted a small fragile child out from the dark dusty wall cavity.
The little girl wore a faded white nightgown covered in thick dust and gray grime.
Her eyes blinked rapidly against the bright natural sunlight streaming into the grand hallway.
Lily ran forward immediately and threw her arms around her small pale sister.
Lily: I told you daddy would save you!
Marcus pulled both of his daughters tight against his chest while crying tears of deep relief.
He wrapped his expensive charcoal suit jacket around the shivering small child to keep her warm.
Victoria backed away toward the front entryway of the mansion in absolute terror.
She knew her carefully constructed life of luxury and social status was completely ruined now.
Marcus: You will not step one inch out of this house, Victoria!
Victoria: Marcus please, we can explain this to the authorities as a medical confusion!
Marcus: You locked a innocent toddler in a wall space to steal a trust fund settlement!
Marcus grabbed his cell phone from his inner suit pocket with steady hands.
He dialed the emergency number directly while keeping his arm around both small children.
Marcus: Send emergency medical units and police officers to my address immediately.
Marcus: I have caught a criminal inside my primary residence.
Victoria turned around quickly and ran toward the double oak doors of the grand front entrance.
She reached for the brass handle to escape down the long circular driveway outside.
Before she could turn the lock, two private security guards opened the heavy doors from outside.
Marcus had called his estate security detail the moment he entered the front gate earlier.
The guards stepped into the foyer and blocked the exit completely with their wide frame.
Marcus: Hold her right there until the police arrive on the estate grounds!