Finally, the sound of a bell jingled over the diner door. Two deputies stepped inside, uniforms crisp, voices calm as they greeted the waitress. They scanned the room, and Michael subtly nodded toward the booth in the corner.

“Afternoon,” one deputy said pleasantly as he approached the man. “Mind if we have a quick word?”

The man stiffened. “About what?”

The woman’s hands trembled as she reached for her coffee cup. The little girl sat frozen, clutching the candy with wide eyes.