The grandmother sighed, her expression a mix of embarrassment and pride. “I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And I was afraid you’d take them away.”

The crowd that had gathered around began to murmur, some taking out their phones to capture the moment. The officer, realizing that there was no threat, began to carefully repack the figurines back into the suitcase. He turned to the woman and said, “You have a gift, ma’am.