High-key bright daylight beat down under the American flag as Richard rushed across the polished marble floor with explosive speed. The authoritative fair-skinned man in a dark grey suit with greyish hair pushed his physical limits, diving forward with arms outstretched to close the gap in a fraction of a second. Rapid running footsteps and a heavy diving thud echoed off the stone walls as his body launched into the open space. The sheer momentum carried him across the slick surface, but he kept his eyes locked entirely on his descending daughter. Every instinct of a devoted father flared hot and urgent inside his chest, overriding any thought of his own physical safety.
Richard: Almost there! Reach out to me, sweetheart!
Maya: (Screaming loudly in fear) Daddy, catch me!
Richard: I have you right now!
Richard extended his arms to their absolute limit just inches above the marble floor under the American flag. A heavy catch thud resonated through the foyer as his strong hands wrapped securely around the toddler's small frame. He absorbed the brutal momentum of the impact, tumbling over to shield the child completely from the hard stone beneath them. The medium shot captured him sliding across the light marble floor, safely catching the young girl right above the ground and hugging her tightly to his chest.
Richard: I've got you sweetheart! Daddy's here!
Maya: (Sobbing hysterically) Mommy pushed me... she wanted me to fall.
Richard: (His face draining of color) She what?
Maya: She pushed me right over the rail!
Richard pulled her closer, rocking gently on the marble floor while the adrenaline slowly began to recede from his veins. But relief was instantly replaced by a scorching, defensive panic as he heard rapid heel clicks echoing from the upper landing. The sound signaled that Victoria was hurrying down the grand white spiral staircase past the American flag, already preparing her vicious cover story. Richard's jaw tightened into a rigid line as he braced himself to protect his child from the woman who had just tried to murder her.
Richard: Stay right here against my chest, baby. Nobody is touching you.
Victoria: (Descending the stairs) Richard? What is going on down there?
Richard: You keep away from us, Victoria!