Nobody moved.
Jonathan walked rapidly toward her.
"I'm sorry."
Camille said nothing.
Jonathan looked at Officer Reed.
Then at Evelyn.
Then at Martin.
His voice became very quiet.
"Why is the owner of Bellmont & Rowe standing here with a police officer?"
The silence was absolute.
Evelyn blinked.
"The owner?"
Jonathan nodded.
"Yes."
He turned toward Camille.
"Ms. Carter owns the company."
Evelyn stared at Camille.
"No."
Jonathan looked at her.
"Yes."
"That's impossible."
Camille finally spoke.
"Why?"
Evelyn's mouth opened.
No answer came.
Jonathan continued.
"Camille Carter founded Bellmont & Rowe. She is the majority shareholder and chairwoman of the board."
Reed looked at Camille.
Then at the three dresses.
Then at Martin.
Martin looked sick.
Camille didn't appear triumphant.
She appeared tired.
"Jonathan."
"Yes?"
"How long have you been here?"
"About twenty minutes."
"And you knew I was downstairs?"
"No."
"Then how did you come down?"
Jonathan swallowed.
"Security called my office. They said there was a police incident."
Camille nodded.
"Interesting."
She turned toward Martin.
"You knew there was no theft."
Martin looked down.
"Yes."
"You allowed a customer to call the police on another customer."
Martin swallowed.
"Yes."
"And you never verified the accusation."
"No."
Camille looked at Evelyn.
Evelyn was still frozen.
Then Camille asked the question that nobody expected.
"Why?"
Evelyn finally found her voice.
"I was trying to protect the store."
Camille nodded slowly.
"From what?"
Evelyn looked at her.
"I thought you were stealing."
"Based on what?"
"You were carrying three dresses."
"Inside the store."
"You were near the entrance."
"Because there is a window there."