Richard let out a long, shuddering breath, sitting down on the edge of his mahogany desk as he pulled his son close against his neck. The little boy’s soft breathing filled the room, his small fingers clutching his father’s silk tie.
Richard: Sarah... I don't even know how to properly thank you for what you did today.
Sarah: You don't have to thank me, Mr. Sterling. Leo is an innocent child. I would have stepped in front of a train to protect him.
Richard: You put yourself directly in harm's way when she had that lighter. Most people would have panicked and run out of the house.
Sarah: I’ve cared for Leo since the day your late wife brought him home from the hospital, sir. He’s family to me.
Richard: Family... yes, he is.
Richard stood up, looking at the loyal maid who had saved his family from total financial and physical ruin.
Richard: Starting tomorrow, I am appointing you as the full-time head estate manager and Leo’s primary guardian administrator.
Sarah: Mr. Sterling... that's too much! I’m just a maid!
Richard: You are not just a maid, Sarah. You are the most honest, courageous person in this entire house. Your monthly salary will be quadrupled, and you’ll have full executive authority over the entire estate staff.
Sarah: I... I don't know what to say, sir... thank you!
Richard: You don't have to say anything. You earned every single bit of it by standing up for my boy when nobody else was here to protect him.
Baby: Ba-ba... hungry!
Richard: Hear that? Somebody wants his afternoon milk!
Sarah: I’ll head up to the kitchen right away and prepare a fresh bottle for him, sir.
Richard: Take your time, Sarah. We have all the time in the world now.
Sarah smiled warmly, nodding as she stepped out of the study and headed toward the grand kitchen steps. Richard walked over to the large bay window overlooking the sunny front lawn. Outside, the police car drove away down the long iron-gated driveway, its red and blue lights fading into the bright Florida afternoon.
Richard kissed his son’s soft cheek, feeling the steady, calm heartbeat of the little boy resting peacefully in his arms. The darkness that had hovered over their mansion was finally gone, replaced by the warm, clean light of truth and justice.