Marcus heard the loud commotion from across the busy courthouse rotunda floor.
He looked up and saw his pregnant wife sitting shaken on the marble stair landing.
His heart dropped instantly as he dropped his briefcase right onto the floor.
Marcus: Clara!
Marcus ran as fast as he could toward the grand central staircase.
His heavy shoes clattered loudly against the checkered marble floor of the lobby.
Onlookers pushed back against the brass railings to give him space as he sprinted.
Julian stood frozen near the top steps with his hands held up in total panic.
He looked around at the growing crowd of security guards and local visitors.
Clara leaned against the stone steps, gripping her bump while breathing very fast.
Marcus reached the middle landing in seconds and rushed to his wife's side.
He dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around her shoulder gently.
Marcus: I'm here! Stay awake, Clara!
Clara: The baby... I was just so scared when I slipped, Marcus.
Marcus: Don't move at all, honey, the paramedics are on their way right now.
Clara: Don't let them leave with those files!
Clara pointed her hand toward the papers blowing across the lower staircase steps.
Marcus looked up toward the top landing where Julian was slowly backing away.
Julian was trying to slide behind a group of tourists heading toward the side exit.
Marcus felt a surge of protectiveness and anger wash over his chest instantly.
Marcus: Close the doors! Nobody leaves this hallway right now!
Two uniformed courthouse security guards immediately sprinted toward the main entrance doors.
They pushed the giant brass handles shut and stood right in front of the exit glass.
Julian stopped in his tracks, realizing he was completely trapped inside the building.
The crowd stared at Julian as he tried to hide a second folder under his dark coat.
Clara rested her head against Marcus's chest, taking slow and steady deep breaths.
Marcus held her hand tightly while keeping his eyes locked onto Julian above.
Marcus: You're not getting away with this fraud, Julian!
Julian: It was an accident! She slipped on her own accord!
Marcus: You pushed her to the edge to steal her inheritance!