The following morning, Sarah sat inside a downtown law office with Evelyn Whitmore, attorney Rebecca Hayes, and Officer Brooks.
She had barely slept.
Gregory had sent three messages after she left the diner. The first repeated that she was suspended. The second accused her of damaging the business. The third warned her against discussing the incident with anyone.
Sarah saved all three.
Rebecca reviewed them carefully.
"These messages may become relevant if he retaliated against you for protecting a child or cooperating with the authorities," she said.
Sarah nodded, unsure what would happen to her income.
Noah needed new shoes. Her father's medication was due to be refilled. Losing even one week's wages would hurt.
Evelyn noticed her expression.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm just worried about my job."
"We'll address that separately," Rebecca said. "First, let's understand what Lily witnessed."
The attorney explained that investigators were reviewing security footage from the office building where Evelyn and Lily became separated.
The building's alarm had apparently been activated manually.
There was no evidence of an actual fire.
That fact troubled Evelyn.
She had been meeting with Rebecca to review documents connected to Andrew's estate when the alarm sounded.
A security officer directed them toward a crowded stairwell.
During the evacuation, Lily lost hold of Evelyn's hand.
The girl followed the crowd outside, became frightened, and began walking away from the building.
She remembered her mother telling her to find a safe public place if they were ever separated.
After walking several blocks, she saw the diner's lights through the rain.
Sarah listened without interrupting.
Rebecca then asked about the brown handbag.
Lily had refused to release it even while eating.
Evelyn explained that Andrew gave Lily the little bag shortly before his death.
"He told her it was for her most important treasures."
Rebecca looked at Evelyn.
"Did you ever examine it?"
"Of course. There were photographs, a toy bracelet, and some notes."
"Nothing else?"
Evelyn shook her head.
Lily, sitting nearby with crayons, looked up.
"Daddy said the secret pocket was for grown-up emergencies."
Every adult in the room turned toward her.
Rebecca approached gently.
"Sweetheart, what secret pocket?"
Lily opened the handbag.
She reached beneath the lining and pulled back a narrow strip of fabric secured by a hidden zipper.
Inside was a small brass key.
Attached to it was a paper tag bearing a number.
And underneath, folded into a square, was a note written in Andrew Whitmore's handwriting.