Evelyn stepped forward and grabbed Leo roughly by his small shirt sleeve.
Leo started to cry as her sharp nails dug into his arm.
Evelyn: You don't belong here!
She shoved the five-year-old boy hard against the decorative iron balcony frame.
Leo lost his balance completely and slipped right off the upper ledge.
The little boy let out a sharp scream as he fell toward the floor.
Leo: Daddy! Help me!
David heard his son's terrified voice echo straight through the grand mansion.
He dropped his legal documents and sprinted instantly toward the main courtyard floor.
He saw Leo falling through the air near the giant American flag banner.
David did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second.
David: I'm coming!
David dove across the polished marble floor with his arms wide open.
He slid hard against the stone just as Leo came falling down.
David caught his small son securely against his chest in mid-air.
They slid together across the slick floor before coming to a stop.
David wrapped his arms tightly around Leo to absorb the sudden impact.
The wind was knocked out of him, but he held the boy close.
Leo sobbed hysterically into his father's dark suit jacket on the floor.
David checked his son's hands and legs to ensure he was unharmed.
David: Are you okay, son?
Leo: Daddy, I'm scared!
David felt his heart beating wildly against his ribs from the shock.
He looked up slowly toward the second-floor balcony high above them.
Evelyn stood at the railing in total silence and absolute shock.
She had not expected David to react fast enough to catch him.
Her hands trembled as she looked down at the father and child.
David felt a deep wave of anger rise up within his chest.
He stood up slowly while cradling his shaking son in his arms.
Leo: Daddy, she pushed me!
David: You monster!
David pulled his smartphone out of his jacket pocket with one hand.
He dialed three numbers without taking his eyes off his mother's face.
David: 911, send the police immediately!
David: My mother just tried to hurt my five-year-old son!
Evelyn gasped and backed away from the balcony railing in sudden fear.
She realized her action had crossed a line she could never undo.