Not confusion.
Recognition.
His right hand tightened once against his trouser seam.
Then the surprise arrived.
Too late.
“What is that?”
Camille’s voice became very quiet.
“You tell me.”
Harlan walked closer.
“This is some replica.”
Evan said:
“No.”
Harlan ignored him.
“Camille, step away.”
She did not.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Your driver called office when you dismissed him.”
“I didn’t dismiss him.”
“You told him you’d be fifteen minutes.”
“That was an hour ago.”
“He was concerned.”
Plausible.
Camille looked at Naomi.
Naomi’s expression gave nothing.
Harlan approached the car.
The evidence specialist stepped in front.
“Please don’t touch.”
Harlan stared at him.
“Who are you?”
“Independent preservation consultant.”
“Who authorized?”
“I did,” Naomi said.
Harlan turned.
“Naomi.”
She remained calm.
“We have an unidentified historical asset and potential evidence.”
“Evidence of what?”
Nobody answered.
Harlan looked at Evan.
“This vehicle belongs to Arden.”
Maria immediately said:
“That conclusion has not been established.”
Harlan glanced at her.
“And you are?”
“Counsel for Mr. Mercer.”
Harlan’s contempt was nearly invisible.
Nearly.
“This is corporate property concealed on corporate land.”
Evan said:
“My family’s ground lease remains active until midnight.”
Harlan pointed toward car.
“Not your family’s car.”
Evan’s voice stayed level.
“Then prove it.”
Camille watched Harlan.
Something about his certainty bothered her.
He had not asked whether it was real.
Had not examined serial numbers.
Had not reacted to a supposedly impossible prototype appearing from beneath concrete.
He went straight to ownership.
Camille said:
“Harlan.”
He turned.
“How did you know there was a car?”
His eyebrows drew together.
“What?”
“You said ‘this vehicle belongs to Arden.’”
“Because I can see it.”
“You called it corporate property before anyone told you what model it was.”
“It has Arden markings.”
Camille looked toward the side badge.
The winged A was small.
Visible, yes.
But dust obscured most.
Harlan recovered.
“Camille, you are emotional.”
The words changed the room.
Noah looked at his father.
Evan’s jaw tightened.
Camille stared at Harlan.
“You used to say that to my mother.”
Harlan exhaled.
“That is not what I meant.”
“What did you mean?”