Sarah grabbed Clara's tiny hand and dashed through the side kitchen exit.
The cool morning air hit their faces as they reached the lawn.
Behind them, Victoria shouted commands to the estate security guards.
Sarah sprinted across the green grass toward the tall iron front gate.
The heavy gate was locked, but a small pedestrian door stood unlocked.
Sarah: Keep running, Clara, do not look back!
Clara: I am tired, Sarah!
Sarah scooped Clara into her arms without slowing her fast pace.
She pushed through the narrow pedestrian gate onto the paved public road.
A yellow taxi was driving slowly down the residential country lane.
Sarah waved her arm wildly in the air to catch the driver's attention.
The taxi pulled over with a sharp screech of its rubber tires.
Sarah: Get in quickly, please take us to the police station!
Driver: Is everything okay back there, miss?
Sarah: Just drive right now, please hurry!
The driver hit the gas pedal just as two guards reached the gate.
Victoria stood at the gate watching the yellow car speed away down the hill.
Sarah looked through the rear window and let out a long breath.
Clara rested her weary head against Sarah's lap inside the vehicle.
Clara: Are we safe now, Sarah?
Sarah: You are completely safe with me, sweet girl.
The ride into the city center took fifteen long, quiet minutes.
Sarah used her phone to call the local police department while traveling.
She reported the entire incident to the officer on duty immediately.
The taxi pulled up to the front entrance of the police headquarters.
Sarah paid the driver with the last cash in her pocketbook.
She guided Clara up the concrete stairs into the bright lobby area.
An officer in a blue uniform walked forward to meet them near the desk.
Officer: Are you the caller who reported the Ashford child?
Sarah: Yes, this is Clara, Arthur Ashford's hidden daughter.
Officer: Step into my office so we can write this down.
Sarah sat down next to Clara in the warm office space.
She knew that Victoria would fight hard to protect her stolen wealth.
The real fight for justice was only just beginning for little Clara.