Among the various objects in the bag that the burglar was emptying the package contents into, the officer observed something that made him stop in his tracks. Hayes understood that desperation could drive people to actions they would normally never consider.
He paused for a moment, observing the young man who seemed on the verge of tears. “What’s your name?” Hayes asked, his tone softening. “Eddie,” the young man replied quietly. “Eddie Thompson.” Officer Hayes nodded, his mind racing.