Tim opened the bus doors and greeted them. “Morning, officers. Glad you’re here.” He gave the slightest nod toward the back of the bus.

The officers didn’t miss it.

One walked casually down the aisle, asking about tickets. The other crouched slightly, meeting the girl’s eyes.

This time she didn’t move her hand, but she didn’t need to. Her eyes—wide, desperate, pleading—said enough.

Within minutes, the man was escorted off the bus in handcuffs. The girl was guided gently forward, her tiny frame almost weightless next to the steady hand of the officer.