Is something wrong? Richard forced a small smile. I need to make one phone call. Can it wait? Richard answered immediately.
No. He stepped a few feet away and dialed a private number. The call was answered almost instantly. Good morning. Richard spoke quietly so the crowd could not hear.
He's here. A short silence followed. Then the voice on the other end asked one question. Is everything ready for today's announcement? Richard looked toward Ethan, then toward the police officers.
His face turned pale. No. What happened? Richard hesitated. Finally, he answered.
There's been an unexpected misunderstanding. Several seconds passed. No one on the showroom floor could hear the person speaking, but they could see Richard's expression changing. His hands tightened around the phone. His breathing slowed.
When the call ended, he walked back toward Ethan. Officer Reed stepped in front of him. Mr. Lawson, I need to know exactly who this man is. Richard looked at Ethan, then at every employee watching. Finally, he took a slow breath.
I can't explain that myself. Officer Reed frowned. Why not? Richard answered quietly, Because the people who can explain it are already on their way here. At that exact moment, three black executive vehicles slowly turned into the dealership parking lot.
Every employee who saw them immediately stood a little straighter. Three black executive vehicles rolled slowly into the dealership parking lot. They had no flashing lights and made almost no noise. Yet, every employee who noticed them immediately stopped what they were doing. Even customers standing outside turned to watch.
Officer Reed looked through the showroom windows. Who are they? he asked. Richard Lawson didn't answer. His eyes remained fixed on the vehicles. I was hoping they wouldn't have to come, he whispered.
The first vehicle stopped near the entrance. Two professionally dressed men stepped out. They were not wearing expensive suits to impress anyone. They carried themselves with quiet confidence, speaking softly into wireless earpieces before looking toward the showroom. Officer Collins noticed something unusual.
They're not acting like security guards, she said quietly. They're protecting someone important. Inside the dealership, Ethan remained exactly where he was. His expression hadn't changed since the police first arrived. He wasn't nervous.
He wasn't excited. He simply waited. Officer Reed looked at him. You've been surprisingly calm through all of this. Ethan smiled politely.
When you know the truth, there's no reason to panic. Those words stayed with everyone in the room. Just then, the dealership doors opened. The two suited men walked inside. Every employee expected them to approach Richard Lawson.
Instead, they walked directly toward Ethan. When they reached him, both men smiled respectfully. Good morning, Mr. Brooks. Ethan returned the greeting. Good morning.
We're sorry we're a little late. No problem. Officer Reed's confusion grew. You know these gentlemen? Ethan nodded.