The sound of heavy running shoes echoed through the front doorway.
Marcus swept through the double doors wearing a dark leather jacket.
He was Lily's uncle who had just returned from overseas service.
He heard the loud scream echo from the high ceilings above.
His eyes opened wide when he saw Lily falling backward down.
Marcus sprinted across the slippery polished white marble floor instantly.
He did not care about his own safety or the hard ground.
He leaped forward across the floor with all his physical strength.
Marcus: I have got you, Lily!
He slid across the marble tiles just under the bottom landing.
He caught the frightened girl safely in his strong arm tight.
They slid together across the shiny floor into the soft rug.
White pearls bounced around them like heavy hail in winter storms.
Marcus pulled Lily close against his chest to protect her head.
He breathed heavily while holding her tight in his arms safe.
Marcus: Are you okay, sweetheart? Talk to me right now!
Lily cried loudly against his leather jacket with deep heavy sobs.
Her arms wrapped around his neck as she shook with fear.
Lily: She pushed me! She tried to hurt me bad!
Marcus: Look at me. Stay with me, you are safe now.
Marcus looked up at the top of the grand staircase landing.
Evelyn was standing up there with a cold satisfied expression on.
She adjusted her heavy diamond rings without any sign of regret.
Marcus felt a warm wave of absolute fury rise inside him.
He stood up slowly while keeping Lily safe behind his back.
Marcus: How could you treat a ten-year-old child like this?
Evelyn: She is a thief who stole my valuable family property.
Marcus: She is a child and you almost let her get hurt!
Evelyn: Get out of my mansion before I call the police.
Marcus: I swear I will make you pay for every single thing!
He wiped a tear from Lily's pale tear-streaked little cheek tenderly.
He knew he had to protect his family from this woman.