The highway was still ringing in their ears, the screech of tires, the blur of movement as Kara and the child vanished into the chaotic night. Connor was forced to hold back, Hank had insisted that deciding to chase was too dangerous. Connor, had wanted to dive in headfirst.

As they drove back to the precinct in Hank’s worn out car, the silence between them was heavy, thick with unspoken frustration. Connor broke it first, voice low and tense. “I should have followed. I should have caught it.”

Hank snorted. “You? Blaming yourself for everything? That’s a new one.” He glanced at Connor, eyes sharp. “Look, kid, sometimes you gotta know when to cut your losses. Chasing a deviant and a child with a highway? That’s asking for a disaster.”

Connor’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. “Besides,” Hank added, “We’ll get her next time. We always do.” Connor wasn’t sure if lieutenant Anderson was being sarcastic. The car rolled on, and they decided to do some extra patrols, something to shake off the tension. That’s when Connor spotted the small figure crouched by a pile of trash, shivering in the cold.

“Lieutenant. There’s something in that alleyway…” Hank slowed down, peering out the window. “Well, ain’t that something.” He opened the door and stepped out, voice rough but gentle. “Hey there, kid. What’re you doing all alone out here?”

Hank glanced quickly for the telltale LED, but there was nothing visible. “Could be a runaway, or maybe just lost. Either way, we can’t leave ‘em here.”

The kid looked up, eyes wide but cautious. The streetlights flickered overhead as the two detectives exchanged a glance, silent questions hanging between them. Hank cracked a rare, softer smile. “Well, looks like tonight’s not over yet.” Connor nodded, already running calculations and possibilities in his mind as they prepared to help whoever this kid was.