Instead, she was standing in a store office while police officers documented an assault.
She typed a brief message saying that there had been an unnecessary misunderstanding and that she would explain later. Then she put the phone away.
The officers asked whether anyone else had witnessed the incident. The assistant supervisor confirmed that several employees had been working nearby. One was helping another customer at the opposite end of the boutique and had not seen the slap directly, but had heard the argument. Another had arrived after it happened. Their accounts were less complete than Claire's, but they supported the general sequence of events.
The officers recorded each person's name and role. They asked the assistant supervisor to ensure that the footage was not overwritten by the store's routine recording system. David confirmed that the relevant time window had been identified and that the company would preserve the original file.
The process took longer than Victoria expected. She repeatedly asked how much longer the officers intended to remain. Each time, Officer Reed gave a brief answer and returned to the questions.
VICTORIA: "I have other commitments today. I cannot spend the entire afternoon here."
OFFICER REED: "We are working to complete the necessary steps."
VICTORIA: "Then complete them."
OFFICER REED: "That is what we are doing."
VICTORIA: "I should not have to wait like this."
OFFICER TURNER: "Everyone involved is being asked to cooperate. We are not making decisions based on who has the most expensive schedule."
Victoria gave him a cold look.
VICTORIA: "You have no idea what my schedule involves."
OFFICER TURNER: "That is correct. It is not relevant to whether we document the incident properly."
David lowered his eyes briefly, concealing neither amusement nor approval. The officer had not insulted Victoria. He had simply refused to treat her time as more valuable than everyone else's.
At last, Officer Reed explained the next steps. He told Victoria that the officers would complete their initial report and assess the available evidence under the relevant procedures. He made no promise about the final outcome. The footage, witness accounts, and statements would be considered together, and any further action would depend on the applicable law and the authorities responsible for the matter.
VICTORIA: "So I can leave?"
OFFICER REED: "We need to finish confirming your details and explain what happens next. Please cooperate with that process."
VICTORIA: "I have cooperated."
OFFICER REED: "You have answered some questions. We still need to complete the record."
Victoria sighed dramatically and provided the requested information. She looked toward David as though expecting him to intervene, but he remained silent.
When the officers had finished the immediate questioning, Officer Reed turned to Natalie.
OFFICER REED: "We have recorded your statement and the witness accounts. If you experience any additional discomfort or decide you need medical attention, please seek appropriate care. We will explain the reporting process before we leave."
NATALIE: "Thank you."
OFFICER REED: "Do you have any concerns about remaining in the store while Ms. Blake is here?"
Natalie considered the question. She did not want to appear frightened, but she also did not want to pretend that the situation had no effect on her.
NATALIE: "I would prefer not to be left alone with her. I do not think she will hit me again, but I do not feel comfortable being alone with her right now."
OFFICER REED: "That is understandable. We will make sure the immediate situation is handled appropriately."
David immediately agreed that Natalie would not be required to serve Victoria or interact with her directly. If Victoria remained in the store for any reason, another manager would handle any communication. The store would also ensure that Natalie had time away from the sales floor.
VICTORIA: "I have no intention of speaking to her again."
NATALIE: "That is fine with me."
Victoria seemed irritated by Natalie's calm response. She had expected tears, anger, or an emotional outburst that she could use to portray the employee as unprofessional. Instead, Natalie was answering questions, setting reasonable boundaries, and allowing the process to continue.
The officers prepared to leave the boutique after explaining how the report would proceed. They reminded the parties to retain relevant records and to follow any instructions they had been given. They did not announce a dramatic verdict or declare that the matter had been settled. The incident would be assessed through the appropriate channels.
Before leaving, Officer Turner looked once more at the security monitor.
OFFICER TURNER: "Mr. Collins, please make sure the footage is secured and that the original recording remains available."