Brian knelt back down in front of the large broken wall opening carefully.
He removed his leather belt and tossed it onto the marble floor aside.
He cleared away sharp wood splinters so they would not hurt the small girl.
Brian: Maya, sweet heart, give me your hands. Daddy has got you.
Maya looked up at Brian with big doubtful eyes full of heavy tears.
She clutched her dirty teddy bear closer to her small chest timidly.
Maya: Will Mommy be mad if I step out into the light?
Brian: No baby. Mommy will never hurt or hide you ever again.
Maya reached out her tiny dusty hands toward her father's open arms slowly.
Brian took her small wrists gently and lifted her lightweight body out easily.
She was far too thin for a five-year-old child living in luxury.
Brian pulled her close against his chest and held her tightly in tears.
The smell of dust and old plaster clung to her soft curly hair.
Maya wrapped her small arms around Brian's neck and held on firmly.
Maya: It is so bright out here, Daddy.
Brian: You never have to stay in the dark again, my precious girl.
Sarah took a slow step toward the front door, trying to slide away.
Brian turned his head sharp and caught her moving toward the entrance lock.
Brian: Don't you dare move a single inch toward that front door!
Sarah: Brian, please, let's talk about this privately before calling anyone!
Brian: There is nothing to talk about! You belong in a prison cell!
Brian carried Maya over to the living room couch and sat her down.
He grabbed a warm soft fleece blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders.
Lily ran over with a glass of fresh water and handed it to Maya.
Lily: Here Maya, drink this water. You must be very thirsty.
Maya took the glass with both small hands and took slow quiet sips.
Sarah stood in the middle of the hallway, sobbing loudly into her hands.
Sarah: I was going to tell you when they turned eighteen, I swear!
Brian: You are a sick and heartless woman, Sarah. You ruined everything.
Brian picked up his phone from the kitchen counter with steady strong hands.
He dialed three digits rapidly and pressed the phone against his left ear.
Sarah: Brian, no! Please don't call the police on me!
Brian: Operator, I need police and an ambulance at my address immediately.
He gave the suburban address in a clear, sharp, and cold voice.
Brian: My wife has kept my twin daughter hidden in a wall for five years.