Richard’s expression tightened, as though something in him had shifted. He straightened and told the officer, “I’ll pay for everything. There’s no crime here tonight.”
But as they walked out of the store, Emily suddenly backed away from him, fear returning to her eyes.
“Why are you helping me?” she whispered.
Richard opened his mouth to answer—
but a loud scream echoed from the alley where her siblings were waiting.
Emily sprinted toward the alley, her small feet slapping the pavement. Richard followed closely behind as they reached the narrow space between two old brick buildings. There, under the flickering glow of a broken streetlamp, stood Tommy and Grace—both terrified, both staring at a stray dog that had gotten too close. The moment Emily appeared, they ran to her, clinging to her legs.
Richard watched silently, his heart tightening at the sight. These were not troublemakers; they were children fighting to survive.
“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Come on. Let’s get you somewhere warm.”
Emily held her siblings protectively. “We’re fine here,” she insisted, though her shaking hands betrayed her fear.