Julian dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and sprinted across the foyer.
His heart hammered violently against his ribs as he fell to his knees.
Julian: Father! No, God please no!
Julian gently lifted Arthur's shoulders and cradled the old man's head.
Arthur's eyes were closed, and his face was completely pale in the morning light.
Julian: Father, please answer me! Speak to me!
Tears welled up instantly in Julian's eyes as panic overtook his entire body.
He pressed two fingers against his father's neck to check for a pulse.
The faint rhythm was growing weaker with every single passing second.
Julian: Someone call nine-one-one right now!
Julian yelled toward the top of the stairs with a strained, cracking voice.
Victoria stood at the top landing with her hands clutched around her neck.
Her face looked pale, but her eyes were cold and unreadable from above.
Victoria: It was an accident, Julian! He slipped on the top step!
Julian: Just call the ambulance right now, Victoria!
Victoria slowly reached into her gold dress pocket and pulled out her smartphone.
She dialed the emergency number while staring down at the motionless body below.
Julian held his father close, tears streaming down his face onto his suit jacket.
Julian: Please stay with me, dad, please keep breathing!
Arthur let out one soft, rattling breath before falling completely still.
Julian buried his face in his father's chest and began to sob uncontrollably.
The silence inside the grand suburban house felt heavy and unbearable.
Minutes felt like painful hours as Julian rocked his father back and forth.
He thought about all the years they had spent working together in Dallas.
His father had been his mentor, his leader, and his ultimate role model.
The loud, sharp sound of approaching police sirens echoed from the street outside.
Within moments, heavy footsteps sounded across the front porch pavement.
The double front doors burst open, letting in the bright suburban daylight.
An official police officer in full uniform walked quickly into the pristine foyer.
Two paramedics rushed past him carrying emergency medical equipment.
Officer Hayes: Sir, Texas Police are here! You need to see this!
Julian looked up through his blurred vision and wiped the tears from his cheeks.
Julian: He fell down the stairs, officer! It was a terrible accident!
Officer Hayes raised a black digital tablet and stepped directly in front of Julian.
Officer Hayes: Sir, I need you to look at this screen immediately.
security cameras were installed throughout this home last week, correct?
Julian nodded slowly, feeling a sudden wave of ice cold dread in his stomach.
Julian: Yes, my father updated the house security system last Tuesday.
Officer Hayes: Watch this video clip carefully, Mr. Sterling.
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