The high-key bright daylight beat down under the prominent American flag as Richard rushed across the polished white marble floor with explosive speed[cite: 1]. His light grey suit jacket flew open with his momentum as he dove forward with outstretched arms, closing the distance in a fraction of a second[cite: 1]. Rapid footsteps and a loud sliding thud echoed off the stone walls as his body skidded across the slick surface[cite: 1]. The sheer friction of the polished floor burned against his clothes, but he kept his eyes locked entirely on the descending child[cite: 1]. Every instinct of a protective father flared hot and urgent inside his chest, overriding any thought of his own physical safety[cite: 1].
Richard: Almost there! Don't let go!
Maya: Daddy, catch me!
Richard: I've got you!
Maya: (Screaming loudly in fear) Ahhh!
Richard extended his arms to their absolute limit just inches above the marble floor[cite: 1]. A heavy catch thud resonated through the foyer as his palms wrapped securely around his daughter's small frame[cite: 1]. He absorbed the brutal momentum of the impact, tumbling over to shield her completely from the hard stone beneath them[cite: 1]. The sudden stop knocked the wind from his lungs, but his grip remained as unyielding as iron[cite: 1]. Little Maya buried her face against his chest, her frame shaking uncontrollably as loud sobbing filled the open hall[cite: 1]. Richard held her tightly in a fierce embrace, letting out a ragged breath of pure relief as he realized she was alive[cite: 1].
Richard: I've got you Maya[cite: 1]!
Maya: (Sobbing softly against his shoulder) You saved me, Daddy.
Richard: I will never, ever let anything happen to you. You're safe now, I promise.
Maya: She pushed me, Daddy! Mommy pushed me over the rail!
He pulled her closer, rocking gently on the marble floor while the adrenaline slowly began to recede from his veins[cite: 1]. But relief was instantly replaced by a scorching, volcanic rage as he looked up toward the grand staircase[cite: 1]. The sound of rapid heel clicks signaled that Eleanor was rushing down the steps past the American flag, already preparing her defense[cite: 1]. Richard's jaw tightened into a rigid line as he prepared to confront the monster who had tried to murder his child[cite: 1].
Richard: You stay away from us!
Eleanor: (Descending the stairs) Listen to me first!
Richard: Not another word, Eleanor!