A young girl flashes a hidden signal to a royal guard, prompting him to abruptly halt the parade in stunned disbelief

Vale noticed again how she didn’t respond to the name. Young lady, Vale said gently, kneeling to her level while blocking escape routes. The signal you made.

We teach children to use it when they need help. Was that why you made it? Before she could answer, the man interrupted. She was just brushing her hair.

This is ridiculous. I need identification, Vale stated firmly. And documentation of your relationship to this child.

Palace security arrived. Sergeant, what’s the situation? Suspected child endangerment, Vale responded crisply. The child displayed the international distress signal.

I’ve observed multiple signs of abuse. The man produced ID. Daniel Harwick, British citizen.

My niece Sophie is visiting from Manchester. I have temporary guardianship while her mother is hospitalised. This is a misunderstanding.

The security officer examined the ID. While Vale watched the girl, who trembled now that adults stood between her and her captor. Can you tell us your full name? A female officer asked the girl.

The girl’s eyes checked with the man before whispering, Sophie Harwick. Vale noticed her unnatural delivery, forming the name as if reading rather than stating her identity. How old are you? The officer continued.

Eight, she replied after another glance at the man. Your uncle says your mother is in hospital. Can you tell me her name? Panic crossed the girl’s face.

Aunt, I mean, my mum is… The man interrupted. Her mother’s name is Elizabeth, my sister. This questioning is upsetting her.

The elderly woman stepped forward. Earlier, she didn’t react to the name Sophie until after he responded for her. And look at her backpack, added the young mother.

The name tag is turned inward. Vale reached for the pink backpack. The man lunged to stop him, but security blocked him.

Vale turned the tag outward, written in childish handwriting. Lily Bennett, Year 3, Oakwood Primary. That’s not her backpack, the man said quickly.

She must have picked up another child’s by mistake. Lily? Vale asked directly. Is your name Lily Bennett? Recognition flickered in her eyes before she looked fearfully at the man.

It’s OK, Vale assured her. He can’t hurt you now. Are you Lily Bennett from Oakwood Primary? Tears filled her eyes as she nodded.

Yes, my name is Lily. He took me from school. He said my parents were dead and nobody wanted me anymore.

The crowd gasped as security immediately restrained the man, whose face transformed to cold fury. You’re making a mistake, he snarled, pretense abandoned. You have no idea who you’re dealing with.

A tourist stepped forward. I recognise her. Lily Bennett.

Missing for three weeks. It’s been all over Manchester News. She showed her phone with a missing child alert matching the girl.

Security tightened their grip on the man, radioing for police. Daniel Harwick. If that’s even your real name, Vale said with contained fury, you’re under arrest for kidnapping and child endangerment.

I suspect police will find evidence of worse crimes. For a moment, stillness descended. The calm before a storm.

The man’s charm vanished, replaced by cold calculation. His eyes flicked between security, exits and witnesses, assessing options with predatory precision. You’ve got nothing, he said quietly…