She wasn’t sure what was happening, but Officer Morris’s voice took on a more authoritative tone. “All right, I need you all to stand where I can see you. Make sure I can see your hands.” Becca didn’t want to get too excited, but it seemed things were now in motion. They must have found something that gave them probable cause. Now they were legally within their rights to search the Tribe’s belongings. There could be evidence in the tents, something that might lead them to Ash.

“Did you hear what I said? Hands up,” Officer Morris said again.

The kids ignored his commands, watching Mo. Becca could see the officers tensing, their hands lingering on their Tasers as they prepared to be challenged. Seconds ticked by. Becca held her breath, waiting.

Mo smiled. “You heard the officers,” she said obediently, holding her hands up in the air, ever the martyr. The others followed suit. Officer Ghazalian produced a stack of zip ties from the trunk of the cruiser, and the officers began their methodical search of the kids. They began separating them by gender. Boys on one side of the sidewalk, girls on the other. Becca watched as Officer Morris approached the tattooed man. She could see him balling up his fists again as though he were trying to keep from exploding. One look from Mo and he relented, allowing the officer to cuff him.

Once everyone was secured the officers began a more thorough inspection of their tent city, starting at the far end and working their way down. In a matter of minutes, they had recovered dozens of stolen purses, wallets, and bags, placing them in a pile near the cruiser.

Becca heard more sirens wailing, and she inhaled, bracing herself for Wishard’s arrival. She watched as an unmarked LAPD cruiser pulled up, blocking the entire street. The driver flung the car into park, and Wishard emerged from the driver’s seat. She didn’t even acknowledge Becca, heading straight for Officer Morris.

“Becca!” She was so focused on Wishard she didn’t notice Christian emerging from the passenger’s seat and heading straight for her. His department-issued shades concealed his eyes, but Becca could tell by the tension that gripped the corners of his mouth that he wasn’t happy. Fucking pissed might be more accurate. “Becca, I need you to come with me. Now,” he said.

“Not yet, Chris,” Becca said. She wasn’t going anywhere until she knew for sure that Ash wasn’t in one of those tents. She turned away from him, watching as the search continued.

“Becca, please, at least come with me so we can talk,” Christian said.