Evelyn stood near the upper landing railing while wearing a bright blue silk blouse.
Lily backed away slowly until her small pink dress touched the decorative wooden posts.
The grand foyer felt dead silent except for the faint hum of air conditioning above.
Richard watched from behind a thick hallway pillar with a heavy pounding heart.
Evelyn: You need to understand your true place in this vast house now.
Lily: I just want my daddy to read me a bedtime story today.
Evelyn: Your father is far too busy dealing with real adults to care about you.
Lily: That is not true, he loves me more than anything else!
Evelyn: He only pretends to care because he feels guilty about your past.
Lily wiped a quick tear from her soft eye as her voice cracked completely.
Lily: Why are you being so mean to me when daddy leaves?
Evelyn: Because this home will belong entirely to me very soon, little girl.
Evelyn grabbed the young girl's wrist firmly and guided her toward the top step.
She pointed down at the steep stone steps that led to the lower foyer.
Evelyn: If you slip down here, everyone will think it was an accident.
Lily: Please let go of my arm, you are hurting my wrist!
Evelyn: Stop crying before I give you a real reason to weep today.
Richard felt pure shock wash over his entire body as he heard those words.
He could not believe the sweet woman he married was threatening his daughter.
Evelyn nudged Lily roughly toward the edge of the high wooden railing step.
Lily lost her balance on the smooth edge and gasped in sheer sudden terror.
She reached out desperately into the air as her foot slipped off the wood.
Lily: Daddy, save me please!
Richard sprinted forward across the slick floor like a lightning bolt in dark suit.
His heart hammered against his ribs as he covered the distance in seconds.
Lily fell down the lower portion of the steps toward the hard marble floor.
Richard slid onto his knees with outstretched arms right at the bottom step.
He caught his small daughter safely in his arms with a heavy loud thud.
The impact knocked the breath from his lungs, but he held her tightly.
Lily sobbed uncontrollably into his chest while wrapping her arms around his neck.
Richard looked up toward the top landing with a face full of fury.