The blonde-haired boy, shivering slightly, found himself trapped in the back of a van, barefoot and frightened.

Suddenly, four ominous figures crowded around him, their eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure as they began to tickle him mercilessly.

Detective Mason was going through his usual paperwork when a missing child's report caught his attention.

He studied the boy's picture. Blonde hair, light skin, and a gleam in his eyes that was now probably extinguished.

Back in the van, the boy's laughter started to fade, replaced by quiet sobs as the men continued their cruel game.

Despite the fear, he was smart. He noticed a phone discarded by one of the men and edged towards it slowly.

Detective Mason was piecing together clues when a call came through. It was a faint whisper, a plea for help.

The voice on the other end was shaky, but he could make out the words. 'Help me. I'm in a white van.'

With the phone call traced, Detective Mason led the chase, his heart pounding in his chest.

The signal led them to a deserted alley, the white van standing out like a ghost under the dim streetlight.

As the police officers swarmed the van, the men were apprehended. The boy was finally safe.

Detective Mason, a sigh of relief escaping his lips, watched as the boy, still shaking, was led away to safety.