By three o'clock the grand mansion fell into an uneasy silence after lunch finished.
Richard was scheduled to return home early from his downtown corporate board meeting.
Victoria paced back and forth along the glossy white marble balcony upstairs alone.
She held little baby Lily wrapped loosely inside a heavy silk baby blanket.
Her blue silk gown rustled loudly as she walked closer to the brass railing.
Maria was busy dusting the high framed American flag near the wide lower staircase.
She suddenly looked up when she heard a harsh voice shout from above.
Victoria: Take this child right now!
Victoria held the small bundle over the edge of the high second floor balcony.
Maria gasped loudly as horror washed completely over her warm face.
She sprinted across the polished floor with her arms stretched wide open.
Maria: No! Please stop!
Victoria released her tight grip on the delicate bundle without any warning.
Maria lunged forward and caught the small baby safely against her chest.
She dropped down onto her knees on the hard floor to absorb the force.
The small baby began to cry softly inside the warm silk blanket fold.
Maria held the infant tightly against her beating heart while tears fell.
She squeezed her eyes shut and thanked God that the child was unhurt.
Barefoot footsteps slapped loudly against the grand marble stairs above them.
Victoria rushed down the stairs with a furious expression on her face.
Her eyes were wild and filled with sudden panic as she approached.
Victoria: Give me that kid right now!
Maria: Keep away from her! You almost hurt this innocent child!
Victoria: You dropped her! I will tell my husband you tried to harm our baby!
Maria stared at the wealthy woman in complete shock at the terrible accusation.
Victoria reached out her long manicured hands to snatch the crying bundle back.
Maria turned her back to protect the small infant from the angry woman.
She backed away toward the front entrance while clutching the baby close.
Victoria stepped forward aggressively with her finger pointed directly at Maria.
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe a low maid over the lady of the house!
Maria kept her balance on the slippery floor and stood her ground bravely.
She knew that leaving the house now was her only safe choice left.
Suddenly heavy footsteps echoed outside the huge front entrance doors of the mansion.