David turned abruptly toward Eleanor, moving closer to the base of the stairs.
His hand slammed hard onto the polished wooden banister, making Eleanor flinch back.
David: How could you do this to a seven-year-old child?
Eleanor: You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment, David!
David: I am seeing things clearly for the first time in years.
Eleanor stepped down to the bottom landing, trying to recover her composure.
She lifted her chin and adjusted her golden earrings with a trembling finger.
Eleanor: I was planning to take that suitcase to my car for my weekend trip.
David: You were going to drive off with my daughter trapped inside!
Eleanor: I didn't know she was inside, I swear to you!
Lily: She lied, Daddy, she took my pink watch off first!
David reached into Eleanor's open coat pocket without asking for permission.
His fingers closed around a small, brightly colored toy watch wrapped in silver plastic.
He pulled it out and held it up right in front of Eleanor's pale face.
David: Explain why this is in your pocket right now.
Eleanor staggered backward slightly, her hands trembling uncontrollably now.
Eleanor: I found that on the floor earlier and picked it up.
David: You are a terrible liar when your money is on the line.
Eleanor: That trust fund belonged to your father, not that little girl!
The truth finally broke through Eleanor's elegant mask with bitter clarity.
She glared at Lily with pure, unrestrained hatred in her eyes.
Eleanor: Your father promised me this house before he died!
David: He changed his mind when he saw who you really were.
Eleanor raised her hand as if to shove past David toward the front entry.
David grabbed her upper arm firmly, stopping her right in her tracks.
David: You are not going anywhere until the police arrive.
Eleanor gasped sharply, pulling against his strong grip with all her weight.
Eleanor: You wouldn't dare call the police on your family!