Evelyn Whitmore handed Officer Brooks her identification, then opened her handbag to retrieve documents bearing the names of her daughter, her attorney, and the family court handling an ongoing dispute.
She was thirty-six, beautifully dressed, and visibly exhausted. Dark circles appeared beneath her eyes despite carefully applied makeup.
Sarah noticed how tightly she gripped the edge of the counter.
Officer Brooks reviewed the information, contacted the attorney, and completed the necessary verification before allowing Evelyn to approach Lily.
The little girl spotted her mother and scrambled out of the booth.
"Mommy!"
Evelyn dropped to her knees.
Lily ran into her arms.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Evelyn held her daughter as though she were afraid someone might take her away if she loosened her grip.
"I'm sorry, baby," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."
Lily began crying.
"I waited, but I couldn't find you."
"I know."
"Did I do something wrong?"
Evelyn pulled back enough to look into her face.
"No. Absolutely not."
Sarah stood nearby, feeling an unexpected ache in her chest.
She thought about Noah and the terrible helplessness she would experience if he disappeared for even a few minutes.
When Evelyn finally stood, she turned toward Sarah.
"Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me."
"Yes, I do."
Evelyn looked around the diner.
"I was told someone here protected Lily when another employee wanted her removed."
Sarah glanced toward Gregory's office.
"Your daughter needed somewhere safe."
Evelyn's expression hardened.
"Who tried to make her leave?"
Before Sarah could answer, Gregory appeared.
He had been watching through the office window.
"Mrs. Whitmore, I assume?"
"Yes."
Gregory offered his hand with an exaggerated smile.
"I'm Gregory Vance, the manager. I'm glad we could provide assistance."
Sarah stared at him.
Evelyn did not take his hand.
"Did you order my daughter outside?"
Gregory laughed nervously.
"There seems to have been a misunderstanding."
Evelyn looked toward Sarah.
"Was there?"
Sarah hesitated.
She had already lost her job.
There was no practical reason left to protect Gregory.
"No," she answered. "There wasn't."
The manager's smile disappeared.
Officer Brooks reminded everyone that the child was still the priority and that any complaints could be documented separately.
Evelyn nodded.
Then she turned back toward Sarah.
"May I speak to you privately once my daughter is settled?"
"Of course."
Evelyn lowered her voice.
"Because I believe the man who frightened Lily has a connection to this restaurant."
And Sarah suddenly remembered the black sedan.