By Friday afternoon, a fierce autumn rainstorm was beating loudly against the tall glass foyer windows.
Mark was away at an urgent downtown board meeting with his chief legal advisors and company bankers.
Sarah was polishing the wide marble staircase near the entrance while keeping an eye on Noah's crib.
The sweet infant was sleeping wrapped safely in a warm white fleece blanket inside his padded cradle.
Victoria walked out onto the second-floor indoor balcony wearing a dark beige silk robe and high heels.
She looked down at Sarah with a bitter sneer curling across her face in the pale light.
Victoria: Pick up that heavy carrier bundle and bring it upstairs to my room right now, maid.
Sarah: Mrs. Henderson, the baby is sleeping so peacefully inside his soft blanket bundle right now.
Victoria: Did I ask for your foolish advice regarding my home routine, you ignorant girl?
Sarah sighed softly, wiped her wet hands on her apron, and walked gently toward the cradle.
She carefully lifted the heavy wrapped blanket carrier containing the sleeping child into her arms.
Victoria stood right near the second-floor carved railing with her hands crossed over her cold chest.
Victoria: Hand that wrapped bundle up to me over the balcony railing so I can inspect it.
Sarah: Please let me carry him up the safe stairs instead of reaching over the drop!
Victoria: Do as I tell you immediately or I will have Mark fire you on the spot!
Sarah felt a terrible knot of worry form inside her stomach as she climbed up the stairs.
She held the wrapped blanket package tightly against her body while stepping toward the high railing edge.
Victoria snatched the heavy blanket carrier out of Sarah's hands before the maid could step back.
Victoria: Oh dear, my hands are feeling so slippery and weak on this wet afternoon, Sarah!
Sarah: What are you doing with that bundle over the edge, Mrs. Henderson?
Victoria leaned right over the carved railing and deliberately pushed the wrapped package over the edge.
A sharp gasp tore out of Sarah's throat as she saw the white bundle plummet downward fast.