Down in the foyer, Marcus was completing his routine security check of the ground level.
Marcus was a broad-shouldered security guard who had served the family for ten years.
He heard the desperate scream ring out from above and looked up instantly.
His heart plummeted when he saw Clara falling through the air from the second story.
Without a single second of hesitation, Marcus sprinted as fast as he could across the hall.
His heavy black boots slammed hard against the slippery white marble floor.
He watched Clara drop quickly toward the hard, unforgiving surface below.
Marcus dove forward with both arms outstretched just as she reached the bottom.
He caught Clara cleanly in mid-air right before her body hit the ground.
The heavy impact knocked the wind out of Marcus as they both landed on the floor.
He held her securely against his chest to protect her from any harm.
Clara was shaking violently and sobbed hysterically into his dark suit jacket.
Clara: She pushed me!
Marcus: Take a breath, Clara, you are safe in my arms.
Clara: She tried to get rid of me so she could take the house!
Marcus felt a surge of intense rage bubble up inside his chest as he held her.
He looked at Clara's pale face and saw tears streaming endlessly down her cheeks.
He gently pulled his mobile phone out of his coat pocket with a trembling hand.
Marcus pressed the screen quickly to place an urgent emergency call.
Marcus: Send emergency officers to the estate right now!