The high-key bright lighting illuminated the intense scene as the danger finally subsided into a wave of raw adrenaline. A close-up shot captured the baby sobbing hysterically with tear-stained cheeks while the man weeps protectively over her. Loud crying mingled with emotional strings playing in the background, underscoring the sheer terror of the near-fatal incident. Richard rocked her gently, his own hands shaking as the shock of the close call finally registered in his veins.
Baby Emma: (Whimpering softly) Daddy... it hurts...
Richard: I know, my sweet girl. You are never going away from me.
Baby Emma: Mommy pushed us... she wanted us to fall.
Richard: (His face draining of color) She what?
Richard pulled his daughter tighter against his chest, feeling her small frame tremble violently as the truth of what just happened set in. But relief was instantly replaced by a scorching, defensive panic as he heard rapid footsteps echoing from the upper landing. The sound signaled that Victoria was hurrying down the grand staircase, 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 them.
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!