Sarah took a closer look at the photograph.
Gregory stood beside Victor Langley at a formal reception, holding a glass of champagne. Both men wore expensive suits, and behind them hung a banner displaying the Whitmore Development logo.
"When was this taken?" she asked.
"About four years ago."
Sarah frowned.
"Gregory always says he barely knows anyone outside Brookfield."
Evelyn examined her face.
"Has he ever mentioned my husband's company?"
"Not to me."
Officer Brooks joined them after speaking with his department.
He studied the photograph without drawing conclusions.
"Knowing someone isn't evidence of wrongdoing," he said. "But given the circumstances, I'll document the connection."
Evelyn agreed.
Sarah appreciated his caution. She didn't want to accuse someone simply because a photograph existed.
But Gregory's behavior had become difficult to dismiss.
He had tried to force Lily outside despite the storm. He reacted angrily when Sarah contacted police. And he seemed unusually eager to remove the child before anyone verified her situation.
The officer asked Gregory to speak with him.
At first, the manager acted offended.
"This is ridiculous. You're treating me like a suspect because I wanted to run my restaurant."
"Nobody has accused you of a crime," Brooks replied. "I'm asking routine questions."
Gregory claimed he had never met Victor Langley.
Brooks showed him the photograph.
The manager stared at it for several seconds.
"That was a charity event. I meet hundreds of people."
"Then you do recognize him?"
"Vaguely."
Sarah noticed Gregory's right hand moving repeatedly toward his phone.
Brooks asked him whether he had contacted anyone about Lily's arrival.
Gregory hesitated.
"I may have mentioned it to a friend."
"What friend?"
"I don't remember."
Brooks remained calm.
"Please think carefully."
Gregory became defensive.
"Am I under arrest?"
"No."
"Then I'm finished answering questions."
He returned to his office and locked the door.
Evelyn watched him go.
"That man is hiding something."
Sarah didn't disagree, but she also knew that suspicion alone could not protect Lily.
She asked Evelyn whether she could accompany them to the attorney's office to provide a written statement.
Evelyn seemed surprised.
"You'd do that?"
"Your daughter was frightened in my workplace. I want to make sure what happened is documented."
Evelyn's eyes filled.
"Thank you."
Then Lily approached them, clutching her little handbag.
"Mommy, can Miss Sarah come with us?"
Evelyn knelt.
"Why, sweetheart?"
Lily glanced toward Gregory's closed office.
"Because that man called somebody and said he'd found me."