At the police station, Bel reviews her typed statement with Chief Dave Winter. Dave tells Bel that Rachel is being interviewed by federal authorities to determine jurisdiction, since Rachel may have been held out of state, and that the attorney general’s office will also speak with Rachel.

Bel cautiously tests Rachel’s story without fully revealing her doubts. Bel asks whether police have proof Rachel walked from Lancaster and whether they found the tote bag Rachel said had been placed over her head. Dave says police have not verified everything yet, but there were calls about a dirty woman walking along the highway, and investigators will process evidence, locate the drop-off site, check footage, and search for the abductor.

Bel then mentions the discrepancy in Rachel’s account: Rachel first said the abductor left the car engine running, but later told Charlie the car had been turned off. Dave dismisses the inconsistency as an understandable mistake from a traumatized, exhausted woman. Bel tries to accept this explanation as proof that her unease is only overthinking.

Dave attempts to reassure Bel that Rachel’s return can become a new normal and promises that the police will bring the abductor to justice. Bel lashes out at Dave for having suspected Charlie for sixteen years, and Dave says he has already apologized to Charlie. Bel signs her statement, though her anger and suspicion remain unresolved.

Dave explains that Bel will next give a cheek swab for a DNA test, as Rachel has done, to prove Rachel’s identity. Dave insists there is no real doubt Rachel is Bel’s mother. While Dave turns away, Bel secretly steals the pen, and then asks what will happen to Rachel that night. Dave tells Bel that Rachel will be allowed to come home with the family.