Investigators were informed.
They began preparing.
Then, on a Saturday afternoon, Hadley Lockwood walked into Sterling's driveway carrying a document.
She was smiling.
Bryson followed her.
This time, she wasn't asking.
She had come to take the Mustang.
“My Son Owns This Car”
Sterling stood beside the Mustang with a microfiber cloth in his hand when Hadley stopped in front of him.
She held the bill of sale.
“My son owns this car now.”
Sterling took the paper.
He already knew what it was.
A forged document.
But he wanted to hear her say it.
“You're claiming I sold you my Mustang?”
“Not me. My son.”
Bryson stepped forward.
“Thirty-five thousand dollars.”
Sterling looked at him.
“When did you pay me?”
Bryson hesitated.
“My mom handled it.”
Sterling looked at Hadley.
“When?”
She pointed to the document.
“It's all there.”
“No.”
His voice remained calm.
“It's not.”
Hadley stepped closer.
“You're refusing to surrender property that legally belongs to my son.”
Sterling looked toward the street.
“You're welcome to call the police.”
“I already did.”
Two patrol cars appeared at the end of the street.
Sterling almost smiled.
He knew neither officer had been briefed on the investigation.
That was intentional.
Sergeant Tucker Brennan stepped out.
Then Officer Lane Murchison.
Brennan saw Sterling.
His face changed.
Both officers approached.
Then they stopped.
Hands rose.
They saluted.
“Chief Halloran, sir.”
Hadley froze.
Bryson stared at the officers.
Sterling returned the salute.
Hadley looked from one man to the other.
“What is this?”
Brennan lowered his hand.
“Mrs. Lockwood, remain where you are.”
“He's stealing my son's property!”
Brennan looked at Sterling.
“Sir?”
Sterling pointed toward the Mustang.
“This vehicle belongs to me.”
Bryson immediately raised the document.
“We have proof.”
Sterling nodded.
“No.”
He looked at Brennan.
“You have evidence.”
Brennan's eyes narrowed.
“Understood.”
Hadley pulled the paper from Bryson.
“This is a legitimate bill of sale.”
Brennan held out his hand.
“Then you won't mind preserving it.”
She hesitated.
“I need it.”
“For what?”
“To prove ownership.”
“Then it will still prove ownership after we document it.”
Hadley slowly handed it over.
Brennan placed it inside an evidence sleeve.