The sound of approaching sirens sent a flash of panic straight through Arthur's eyes.
He scrambled up off the cold floor and looked toward the emergency exit hallway.
Arthur: You have ruined everything I worked so hard to build!
David: You did this to yourself the moment you locked her away!
Arthur turned and ran toward the small wooden door near the rear courtyard.
David decided not to chase him, prioritizing his daughter and the helpless woman.
He ran back to the open hatch and looked down into the dark pit.
David: Sarah, the police are arriving at the front gate right now!
Sarah: Please do not let him close the door from the outside control!
David: I am standing right here beside the hatch, you are safe now!
Two heavy bangs echoed against the locked front doors of the grand hall.
Officer: Police department! Open this door immediately!
David ran to the heavy wooden doors and pulled the manual security latch back.
Four armed police officers rushed into the grand room with their flashlights raised.
David: Over here! The suspect just fled down the rear hallway exit!
Two officers immediately sprinted down the corridor toward the back yard.
The lead officer ran over to the open stone hatch and looked down inside.
Officer: Dispatch, we have located the missing person inside a subterranean space!
Officer: Requesting emergency medical services to the main estate hall right now!
The officer reached down into his utility belt and pulled out a sturdy nylon rope.
He secured one end to a thick steel radiator near the marble wall.
Officer: Hold tight down there, ma'am! We are coming down to get you!
David wrapped his arm around little Lily and pulled her into a warm hug.
Lily: Is the lady going to be okay now, Daddy?
David: Yes, sweetie. She is finally going home today.