PART 2: The Interrogation in the Shadows
The cold scent of the police cruiser still clung to my clothes as we entered the station. My hands trembled so violently that I could barely hold my own bag. Mr. Van Dijk didn't leave my side for a second, but the presence of the two officers felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders. They led Mrs. Kramer to a separate room, while I was escorted into a fluorescent-lit space with a simple wooden table and two chairs.
An older detective with a tired expression and a dark coat sat down opposite me. He laid down a notepad and studied me for a long time before speaking. "Mrs. Jansen," he began in a calm yet piercing voice, "we understand this is a nightmare for you. But we need to know every detail. This document found in the abandoned car—a relinquishment statement... your signature is on it." I shook my head fiercely, feeling the tears burn behind my eyelids once more.
"No! That's a forgery! I never signed anything like that! I would never give up my child, never in my life!" The detective nodded slowly, as if he heard such denials all the time. "They all say that at first," he muttered almost to himself. "The problem is that forensics says the signature displays digital authenticity markers that appear to have been copied from your original pay stub or employment contract." My breath caught.
An employment contract. Where was that kept? It was in the restaurant office... inside Mrs. Kramer's personal safe. I gripped the edge of the table. "She has access to all my paperwork! She manages the personnel records!" The detective raised an eyebrow and jotted something down in his notepad. Just then, the door swung open and a young female officer stepped inside. She leaned over and whispered something into the detective's ear. The man's expression changed instantly. He looked at me with a gaze that sent shivers down my spine. "A package has just been delivered to headquarters," he said tightly. "Addressed to you. And there is something inside from your daughter."
