The old mechanic looked toward the red motorcycle in the garage.
Then asked whether anyone had photographed the recovered part.
The detective showed him an image.
It appeared to be a bent section of a brake lever assembly.
The old mechanic leaned closer.
For several seconds, he studied the shape.
Then his expression changed.
"That's not a factory part."
The detective looked up.
"What do you mean?"
He pointed toward the damaged metal.
"The mounting bracket was modified."
She waited.
He continued.
"My son used to make these. He had a way of shaping the support so the lever sat closer to the grip."
The detective nodded.
"Could it be from his motorcycle?"
The old mechanic looked at the photograph again.
"I can't say for certain from this."
He paused.
"But I know what to look for."
The detective asked him to explain the details that might help identify it.
He did.
Then she sent the information to the search team.
For the first time since the little girl entered the garage, the old mechanic felt he was doing something useful.
He couldn't undo eleven years of silence.
But he could help identify a piece of metal.
And perhaps that would help bring his son home.
The business partner emerged from the office while the detective was speaking with the younger mechanics.
He looked surprised to see police inside the garage.
For a moment, his expression tightened.
Then he approached with a practiced smile.
"What's going on?"
The detective introduced herself.
She explained that they were gathering information concerning a missing man with ties to Iron Hollow.
The partner nodded.
"Terrible business."
The old mechanic watched him carefully.
The detective asked whether the partner knew the missing man.
He hesitated.
Then answered.
"Used to work here."
"Did you know he was returning to town?"
"No."
The detective nodded.
"Have you communicated with him recently?"
The partner shook his head.
"Not in eleven years."
For several seconds, the room remained quiet.
Then the old mechanic spoke.
"Are you sure?"
His partner turned.
The old biker looked directly at him.
"Because somebody from this business contacted him three weeks ago."
The partner's face hardened.
"Anybody could've said that."
The detective raised one hand.
She asked the men to let her continue.
Then she questioned the partner about the salvage yard.
He said the garage had used it occasionally but hadn't conducted significant business there for years.
The detective asked who currently controlled the property.