Grace Found an Old Place Card at the Family Table — Then Grandma Margaret Said, “You Told Me You Got Rid of Everything
Chapter 7 — The Photograph in Robert Lane’s Office
Police reopened questions surrounding Evelyn’s disappearance.
The old investigation file was pulled from archives.
Detective Nora Wells noticed something immediately.
Robert Lane had been interviewed seventeen years earlier.
He told investigators he barely knew Evelyn.
The blue file suggested otherwise.
Evelyn had recorded six private meetings with him.
She had copied emails bearing his initials.
And she claimed he threatened to fire her if she continued examining property transfers.
Police visited Harper & Lane headquarters.
Robert was eighty-one now.
He denied everything.
“Evelyn was confused.”
Detective Wells asked:
“Then why did you tell police you hardly knew her?”
Robert looked irritated.
“It was seventeen years ago.”
During the interview, Victoria noticed a framed photograph on Robert’s shelf.
It showed a charity dinner.
Victoria recognized the venue.
Then she noticed the date.
Two months after Evelyn disappeared.
In the background stood a young woman.
Blonde hair.
Profile turned toward the camera.
Margaret saw it too.
Her legs nearly gave way.
“That’s Evelyn.”
Robert turned sharply toward the photograph.
Detective Wells immediately took a closer look.
If Margaret was right, Evelyn had been alive two months after everyone believed she vanished.
Robert’s explanation came quickly.
“That could be anyone.”
Victoria looked at him.
“Then you won’t mind telling us where that dinner was held.”
Robert didn’t answer.
Detective Wells checked the event program.
Location:
PORTLAND, OREGON.
Evelyn’s abandoned car had been found more than two thousand miles away.
