"Did she finally send someone to deliver the one million dollars? Or..." his voice dropped, "...are you from the police? If this is some kind of investigation, I am not saying anything. I will not get involved."
Theodore shook his head and raised both hands in a gesture of sincerity.
"No. I'm not here to cause you trouble. I just… I need the truth." His voice caught slightly before he steadied it.
"I will pay you $20,000. Just show me any proof you have... audio, video, anything. After that, I will leave. I won't tell anyone what happened here. I don't even think it's something shameful. I only… need to understand."
The bakery owner stared at him for several seconds, long enough to evaluate the pain in Theodore's eyes, the urgency in his voice, and the sincerity in his posture.
Finally, the tension eased from his shoulders. He sighed and gave a small nod.
"Come with me."
