Gregory then quietly confirmed that the restaurant had preserved all security footage and booking records.

The waiter, a young man named Marcus, stepped forward bravely.

“I heard him threaten her at the table,” he told the officers.

Spencer stared at him angrily.

“You were eavesdropping on our conversation?”

Marcus’s face reddened, but he didn’t back down.

“I was serving your table, sir.”

Gertrude turned toward the manager.