“Sir, we received a report and were checking—” Daniels began, but his voice faltered under James’s piercing gaze.

“A report about what?” James interrupted, emphasizing each word with the weight of his indignation. “My daughter is sitting on a bench, waiting for me. What reason did you have to search her?”

Officer Miller stepped in, his tone more conciliatory. “We received a call about suspicious activity, sir. We’re just following up.”