At the station later, wrapped in a blanket and sipping hot cocoa, the girl told her story in a small, shaky voice. Her name was Lily. She had been playing in the park the previous afternoon when she got lost. A stranger had found her and promised to help her get home. Instead, she was brought to the abandoned house and left in the cellar.

“I was scared,” Lily whispered, hugging the stuffed bunny an officer had given her. “I cried all night. Then this morning I heard barking outside, and it gave me hope. I thought someone would find me.”

All eyes turned to Sunny, who wagged his tail happily, lying at Eleanor’s feet.

“He must have heard her,” Eleanor said softly, stroking his head. “He knew she needed help.”