Before he returns to the front of the store, he sends a quick text to Reid, a simple thumbs up emoji so he doesn't come running down the stairs with his gun drawn when Luke doesn't return right away. He does it as he's putting the broom away, not wanting Liesel to see the phone and think he's summoning the police, because he's known since the moment he walked down here and saw her that he wouldn't have any need for them. This isn't a crime. Others might still consider her a thief, they might call the police and have them drag her back to the Home, they might snatch the book back, but Luke doesn't want to do any of them.

All that would do is hurt her and he simply doesn't have that in him. Children need support and protection, not anger and punishment when they've really done nothing wrong. All Luke has really ever wanted is to keep people safe. It was part of being a Shadowhunter and at first it had been part of being in the Circle, too, but he understands the mistakes he's made since then and he knows how to do things properly this time around.

He sinks down onto one of the couch, then leans forward and picks a book up off the table to show her the cover. "Where the Sidewalk Ends," he says. "My son has been enjoying this one lately, but it might be a little young for you."