Elena backed away slowly toward the end of the hallway near the guest window.
Her face dropped all expressions of confidence as she realized there was no escape.
She slowly reached into her oversized uniform pocket with a small bitter sigh.
She pulled out the small black velvet box along with several bound stacks of cash.
The total value inside the pouch exceeded twenty thousand dollars in heirlooms and savings.
She dropped the items onto the white-dusted runner rug with a heavy thud.
Elena: Please, Sarah, do not call the police officers.
Elena: I needed money for my mortgage payment this month.
Sarah: You tried to frighten my young child to cover your crime.
Sarah: You used a fire extinguisher inside my home to hide your theft.
Elena: I lost my head for a moment!
Elena: I was desperate and did not mean to cause any real harm.
Sarah: Desperation is no excuse for threatening a little girl.
Sarah reached into her dark blue blazer pocket and pulled out her smartphone.
She dialed the local emergency number while keeping her eyes fixed on Elena.
Sarah: Hello, operator, I need police officers at forty-two Maple Drive immediately.
Sarah: I have caught my housekeeper committing active theft inside my residence.
Elena dropped the red extinguisher onto the floor, sending a hollow metallic ring echoing.
She sat down on the wooden bench nearby and buried her face in her hands.
Lily squeezed her mother's waist tightly as they waited near the main stairway door.
Lily: Is she going away now, Mom?
Sarah: Yes, sweetie, everything is safe now.