Marcus set his leather briefcase down on the cold floor with a thud.
He marched up the grand marble staircase three steps at a single time.
His face was red with anger as he looked between the two women.
Elena stood near the velvet armchair, holding the crying baby against her shoulder.
Victoria backed up until her heels touched the polished wooden baseboard behind her.
Marcus: Explain to me right now how this stroller almost fell down!
Victoria: Marcus darling, you must listen to me very carefully right now!
Victoria: I was taking Tommy out for fresh air in the sunny garden.
Victoria: The wheel got caught on the rug and slipped out of hand!
Victoria: Elena ran over like a lunatic and startled the poor baby boy!
Elena shook her head firmly as hot tears welled in her eyes.
Elena: That is a complete lie, Mr. Sterling, please hear the truth!
Elena: I saw her hand push the handle right toward the top step!
Elena: She looked around first to see if anyone was watching her do it!
Victoria: How dare a maid speak to me like that in my house!
Victoria: Marcus, she is trying to cover up her own terrible mistake now!
Victoria: She was holding laundry and bumped into the stroller herself frame!
Marcus looked at his wife and then turned his gaze to the maid.
He saw the spilled white towels laying scattered across the top hallway floor.
The stroller sat tilted slightly near the edge of the heavy wool rug.
Marcus reached out and took his crying son into his own arms.
He rocked the little baby gently until the loud sobbing began to stop.
Marcus: Elena, you have worked here faithfully for three long years now.
Marcus: But Victoria is my wife and part of this family household now.
Marcus: This is a serious accusation that you are making right now.
Elena: I would never lie about the safety of your sweet little boy.
Elena: I love this child and saved him from a terrible fall.
Victoria: Marcus, fire her immediately before she causes more trouble for us!
Victoria: She has been jealous of my position here since the wedding day!
Victoria: She wants to turn you against me so she feels important!
Marcus stroked his chin as he thought about the heavy choice ahead.
He looked down at the marble steps that led straight to floor.
A fall down those stairs would have caused severe harm to baby.
Marcus: I cannot figure out who is telling the truth right now.
Marcus: Elena, go down to the kitchen and pack your personal belongings.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, please do not dismiss me like this without proof!
Victoria: You heard my husband, pack your things and leave us now!
Elena felt her heart break into a million small sharp pieces.
She looked at baby Tommy one last time before turning her back.
She walked down the long back hallway toward the staff quarters quietly.
Victoria smiled softly as she watched the housekeeper walk away forever.
Marcus stood near the window with a dark shadow across his mind.