He nodded cautiously.
"Yes, ma'am."
She pointed toward the orange bag without touching it.
"Is that the incident number?"
Jordan glanced down.
For a moment, his expression changed.
He recognized the format.
Then he looked toward Mercer.
The sergeant was speaking with dispatch.
Jordan lowered his voice.
"I'll need to verify the actual incident record."
Amanda nodded.
"Please do."
She looked toward Naomi.
The pregnant woman was still crying.
Her breathing had become shallow, and she appeared increasingly uncomfortable.
Amanda immediately stopped focusing on the bag.
Her friend's health mattered more than solving a mystery in the parking lot.
She walked toward Naomi.
Knelt carefully despite the impractical boots.
And took her hand.
"Hey. Look at me."
Naomi tried to speak.
But the words dissolved into tears.
Amanda's expression softened.
"I'm here."
Naomi shook her head.
"He pushed me."
Amanda nodded.
"I know."
"I fell."
"I know, sweetheart."
Naomi gripped her hand.
"What if something happens to the baby?"
Amanda felt a wave of fear so powerful she almost couldn't breathe.
But she kept her voice steady.
"The paramedics are coming. We're getting you checked."
Naomi looked toward the pharmacy bag.
"My medicine..."
Amanda squeezed her hand.
"We'll make sure the medical team knows exactly what you take. We'll deal with the bag through the proper process."
For several seconds, Naomi cried.
Then she leaned toward Amanda.
The champion carefully embraced her.
Around them, the parking lot had become crowded.
Several customers were recording.
A pharmacy employee stood near the entrance, speaking with the store's supervisor.
And Jordan was requesting that a second supervisor respond to the scene.
Mercer watched from beside the patrol car.
His expression had changed.
He no longer looked completely certain of his control.
Amanda's attorney answered on the third ring.
Her name was Sarah Whitfield.
She was forty-six, experienced in civil-rights litigation and professional ethics, and served as outside counsel to the foundation.
Amanda spoke quickly but clearly.
She described Naomi's pregnancy.
The physical shove.
The alleged seizure of medication.
And the number she recognized on the orange bag.
Sarah's tone changed.
"Is Naomi receiving medical attention?"
"Paramedics are on the way."
"Good. Her safety comes first."
Amanda nodded.
Sarah continued.
"Do not touch the evidence bag. Don't interfere with the officers' work physically. Preserve any footage and identify the witnesses."
Amanda looked toward the security camera mounted above the pharmacy entrance.