Near the frozen section, the man jerked her arm when she stumbled.
“Walk,” he muttered harshly.
Ryan’s jaw tightened.
The man suddenly veered away from the checkout lanes—toward a side exit that led to the back alley.
That was bad.
If they got outside, into a car, the chances of finding her again would drop fast.
Ryan picked up his pace.
The man pushed open the emergency door. Sunlight spilled in.
They were seconds away from disappearing.
“Police!” Ryan’s voice cracked through the air like thunder.
The man spun around, startled, still gripping the girl. For a split second, everything froze—the kind of moment where decisions are made that can’t be undone.
“Let her go,” Ryan commanded, steady and firm. “Hands where I can see them.”
The man hesitated, eyes darting, calculating. For a moment, it looked like he might use the girl as a shield.
Then—
Sirens.
Loud, close, unavoidable.
Two patrol cars screeched into the alley, blocking any escape. Red and blue lights flashed through the doorway.
It was over.
The man released the girl and raised his hands.
Within seconds, officers rushed in, forced him to the ground, and cuffed him.
Ryan didn’t look at the man.
He dropped to his knees, arms open.