Emma backed away quietly into the narrow carpeted hallway away from the living room.
Her small heart hammered loudly in her chest as she heard Marcus raised voice.
She looked up at the wall where the brass landline receiver hung quietly.
Her grandfather Arthur had installed that traditional phone line for emergency situations only.
Arthur was a retired military commander who lived only ten miles down the road.
He always told Emma that the landline would work even if cell phones failed.
Emma stood on her tiptoes and stretched her arm upward toward the wall mount.
Her tiny fingers grasped the smooth black handle and lifted it off the hook.
She pressed the heavy plastic buttons slowly while remembering her grandfather's strict instructions.
Each button press made a sharp metallic tone that echoed softly in the hall.
She held the black plastic receiver tightly against her ear while tears spilled down.
On the third ring a deep calm voice answered the call clearly.
Arthur: Hello this is Arthur speaking on the emergency line.
Emma: Grandpa! Mommy is in trouble and she needs you right now!
Arthur: Emma calm down sweetie and tell me where you are inside.
Emma: Uncle Marcus and Evelyn are locking mommy inside the living room!
Arthur: Is anyone hurt or in immediate physical danger right now Emma?
Emma: They took her phone and mommy looks like she is going to cry!
Arthur's tone shifted instantly from gentle grandfather to sharp focused military commander.
Arthur: Stay where you are Emma and do not go near Marcus under any circumstances.
Emma: Please hurry grandpa they are making mommy sign old papers!
Arthur: I am leaving my driveway right now with my security team behind me.
Out in the main living room Marcus heard the faint sound of talking.
He turned his head quickly toward the hallway archway with a sharp glare.
Marcus: Who is that talking in the hallway right now Evelyn?
Evelyn stood up from the sofa and gasped in shock as she listened closely.
Evelyn: The girl is on the old wall phone in the pantry!
Marcus marched furiously toward the hallway while pointing his long finger aggressively.
Marcus: Hang up that phone right now you little brat!
Emma: Grandpa please hurry up before uncle Marcus gets to me!
Clara: Do not touch my daughter Marcus!
Clara threw herself between Marcus and the hallway door to shield her child.
She grabbed Marcus by his blue jacket sleeve and pulled him backward firmly.
Marcus stumbled slightly against the hardwood floor but kept his aggressive balance.
Marcus: Move out of my way before I handle this estate matter myself!
Clara: You will never put your hands on my child in this house!
Emma held the receiver with both hands while weeping hysterically into the speaker.
Emma: Grandpa I hear uncle Marcus screaming at mommy again!
Arthur: Keep the line open Emma because I am turning onto your street now.
Evelyn hurried into the hallway while clutching her designer handbag against her coat.
Evelyn: Marcus we need to grab those signed documents and leave immediately!
Marcus: Not until she signs over the house deed and trust fund ownership!
Clara pressed her back against the hallway wall to block the phone line completely.
She looked at Marcus with fierce determination burning deep inside her eyes.
She knew help was coming down the driveway at any second now.