Chapter 2: The Secret Behind the Bruises
Ryan gently convinced Noah to sit down.
A waitress brought hot soup and clean water.
Noah stared at the food as if he couldn't remember the last time someone had served him without asking for money.
Between careful bites, his story slowly emerged.
Months earlier, he had run away from a group of adults who forced children to beg on busy street corners.
Every evening they demanded money.
Children who returned with too little were punished.
The words written on his arm weren't random.
They were instructions.
A warning.
Anyone who helped him would become a target.
Three weeks earlier, Noah had seen Ethan step into traffic.
He never hesitated.
Saving another child felt more important than protecting himself.
Then he disappeared before anyone could ask his name.
Ethan reached across the table.
"You saved me."
"It's my turn now."
Ryan quietly stepped outside and called Detective Maria Sullivan, an investigator who specialized in missing and exploited children.
Within twenty minutes, unmarked vehicles surrounded the restaurant.
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This time, Noah didn't run.
He simply looked exhausted.
