Daniel removed his jacket and gently draped it over Sophie’s shoulders, guiding her to sit. “Family issues are exactly why I’m here,” he replied evenly.
Sirens grew louder outside. The neighbor’s call had been answered faster than Karen expected. She backed toward the counter. “She’s difficult,” she snapped. “She lies. Her mother spoiled her.”
Sophie flinched, clutching the jacket sleeves. Daniel knelt to her level. “You don’t have to say anything right now,” he said softly. “You’re safe.”
Police officers arrived moments later, followed by a child services representative. Daniel showed the video—brief, clear, undeniable. Karen’s protests dissolved against the evidence.
As Sophie was escorted outside, wrapped in a blanket, Daniel stayed nearby. He gave his statement, then shared his background—his time in foster care, his work with child advocacy organizations, and why he couldn’t look away.