The sheriff emerged out of the police vehicle in the front in a rush, his boots crunching on the gravel as he barked, "Lan! What are you doing? Why aren't you with your family or out there searching for your niece?"
Lan stiffened, his posture suddenly rigid as he stammered, "Sir, I was planning to head there after I secured the evidence and suspect—"
The sheriff cut him off with a sharp wave of his hand. "Ms. Banks called me and explained what's going on. This is clearly a misunderstanding. Unhand the boy." He turned to Dan, his eyes narrowing with authority. "Dan, you'll bring your nephew to my office first thing tomorrow morning, right?"
Dan, still stunned, nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, I will. Thank you, Sheriff. Thank you."
