PART 2
“Step away from the child,” James repeated, his voice now firm.
The man tightened his grip. “You’re making a mistake.”
Rex barked sharply.
Lina flinched—but didn’t move away from the dog.
Instead, she whispered again, barely audible:
“He said I shouldn’t tell.”
James crouched fast. “Who said?”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“The man from the car.”
Silence.
The woman tried to pull her back. “Enough—let’s go.”
But Rex snapped forward, blocking her completely.
“No one is taking her anywhere,” James said coldly, already reaching for his radio.
The backpack shifted again.
This time more clearly.
James acted instantly. “Drop the bag.”
The man hesitated.
Too long.
Rex lunged forward with a warning bark.
That was enough.
Two officers rushed in, pulling the man back as the bag hit the floor.
James opened it.
Inside—
A second phone.
Fake documents.
And a folded paper with a different name written for the girl.
Lina burst into tears.
The woman froze.
The lie was gone.
Completely.
“Where’s her real family?” James demanded.
No answer.
Only silence.
Only fear.
Rex moved closer to Lina and sat beside her again—steady now, calm again, as if the danger had already been confirmed.
James lowered his voice. “You’re safe now.”
Lina looked at the dog.
Then at him.
And nodded slightly.
For the first time—
She believed it.
And Rex didn’t move until she stopped shaking.
