The morning light streamed into the grand mansion hallway.
Brenda stood near the marble stairs holding little baby Joey in her arms.
The child was whimpering softly while clinging to her soft apron.
Brenda had worked as a nanny for the wealthy family for two full years.
She loved the little boy as if he were her own family.
Clara: Put him down this instant!
Clara shouted as her high heels clattered loudly across the hardwood floor.
She wore a bright metallic silver dress that glittered under the chandeliers.
Her red hair was styled neatly, but her face was twisted with anger.
Brenda: He is terrified right now, ma'am.
Brenda took a small step backward toward the wooden nursery door.
Clara: I am his stepmother and I order you to hand him over!
Brenda: You were screaming at him just a minute ago.
Brenda wrapped her arms around the baby to protect him from the harsh noise.
Clara: How dare you question my authority inside my own home!
Clara stepped closer and pointed her finger directly at the nanny's face.
Brenda: I am only thinking about the baby's safety.
Clara: You are just a hired maid who does not know her place!
Brenda felt tears stinging her eyes as she held her ground.
She knew that something was deeply wrong with Clara's sudden aggressive behavior.
Ever since the baby's rich father left for a business trip, Clara had changed.
Clara: Give him to me before I call the police on you!
Brenda: Please calm down so we do not scare him more.
Clara: You have been stealing his affection from day one!
The baby began to cry louder as the tension filled the long hallway.
Brenda rubbed the boy's back while praying for someone to help them.
She knew that Clara was hiding a dangerous secret from everyone in town.