The employees believed it too.
That was the problem.
Evelyn walked through the store like someone who had been given authority without ever being formally granted it.
When she pointed at a display, people moved it.
When she complained about music, the music changed.
When she said a particular employee wasn't attentive enough, that employee received a warning.
Nobody wanted to lose Evelyn.
So when she called the police, Martin didn't stop her.
He watched her make the call.
"Yes," she said. "I'm at Bellmont & Rowe on Madison Avenue."
She paused.
"There is a woman here carrying several expensive dresses. I believe she may be attempting to leave without paying."
Martin's face tightened.
"Mrs. Whitmore—"
She covered the phone.
"What?"
"We don't know that."
"We'll let the police determine it."
"But nothing has been reported missing."
Evelyn stared at him.
"Do you want me to tell corporate that you refused to protect the store?"
Martin went silent.
That was the second failure.
The call continued.
Across the room, Camille watched.
She could have ended the situation immediately.
She could have called her regional president.
She could have called the head of security.
She could have called her assistant.
Instead, she did none of those things.
She wanted to see what happened next.
Officer Daniel Reed arrived seven minutes later.
He was forty-two, experienced, and accustomed to entering retail stores under similar circumstances.
The dispatcher had told him:
"Possible shoplifting. Female suspect. Luxury clothing store."
Reed entered.
Evelyn immediately pointed.
"That's her."
Camille looked toward the officer.
"Good afternoon."
Reed approached.
"Ma'am, can you put the dresses on the counter?"
Camille remained calm.
"Why?"
"We received a report of suspected theft."
"From whom?"
Reed glanced toward Evelyn.
"From a customer."
Camille looked at Martin.
"Has the store reported anything missing?"
Martin hesitated.
"No."
"Did anyone see me conceal anything?"
"No."
"Did I attempt to leave?"
Martin looked down.
"No."
Reed sighed.
"Ma'am, I'm just trying to establish what happened."
"So am I."
"Put the dresses down."
Camille didn't move.
"Officer, I'm happy to cooperate. But I want to understand what I'm accused of."
Reed's patience began to disappear.
"You're carrying merchandise you haven't purchased."
Camille looked around.
"We're inside a clothing store."
A few customers turned.