Sir, she asked respectfully, have you been here since the dealership opened? Yes. Did anyone hand you the keys? The salesperson was about to. Collins nodded.
Everything Ethan said matched what the staff had already told her. She looked back at Officer Reed. I really think we should verify ownership before going any further. For the first time, Reed didn't answer immediately. Before he could respond, the showroom doors opened again.
Richard Lawson walked in quickly. The employees had never seen him move that fast. Officer Reed smiled slightly. Perfect. He believed the owner was finally here to confirm his suspicions.
Instead, Richard ignored the officer completely. He walked straight toward Ethan with an expression no one could understand. He stopped only a few feet away. His hands trembled slightly. The entire showroom held its breath.
Then, in a respectful voice that shocked every employee, Richard quietly said, Mr. Brooks, please tell me we haven't made a terrible mistake. Richard Lawson's words echoed through the silent showroom. Mr. Brooks, please tell me we haven't made a terrible mistake. No one moved. The salespeople looked at each other with confused expressions.
Customers stopped recording for a moment, trying to understand what they had just heard. Officer Reed frowned. Mr. Lawson, he said confidently, this man claims he owns this SUV. Richard slowly turned toward the officer. He does. The answer came so quickly that even Officer Collins looked surprised.
Officer Reed blinked. What? Richard took a deep breath. The paperwork is complete. The payment cleared yesterday.
The vehicle was prepared this morning. Officer Reed looked at Ethan, then back at Richard. If that's true, why didn't someone tell us? The young salesperson raised his hand carefully. Sir, I tried.
The officer remembered the moment he had stopped the salesman from speaking. For the first time that morning, a feeling of doubt settled into his mind. Ethan remained calm. He wasn't smiling. He wasn't trying to embarrass anyone.
He simply stood quietly beside the SUV. Richard looked at Ethan with genuine concern. I'm very sorry, Mr. Brooks. Ethan nodded politely. I know this wasn't your intention, but it happened in your dealership. Richard lowered his eyes.
You're right. Officer Collins stepped toward the paperwork still resting on the sales desk. May I review the purchase file now? Richard immediately handed it to her. Please do.
She carefully opened the folder. Every document matched. Purchase agreement, vehicle identification number, insurance confirmation, temporary registration, driver verification. Everything was complete. She looked at Officer Reed.
The documents are genuine. Reed stood silently. The evidence was beginning to tell a very different story. Just then, another employee hurried across the showroom carrying a tablet. Mr. Lawson.
Richard looked up. What is it? The corporate office has been trying to reach you. He accepted the tablet. A message filled the screen.
Urgent. Please confirm whether Mr. Ethan Brooks has arrived. Richard's heart skipped a beat. He quietly locked the screen before anyone else could read it. Officer Reed noticed.