Mark backed away slowly toward the sidewalk, keeping his body between his family and the parked silver sedan.
Maya began to cry again, confused by the sudden terror in her parents' voices and tight grips.
Maya: I just wanted the little car!
Sarah: Shh, baby, it is okay, just stay close to Daddy.
Mark looked closely at the object now sitting tilted on the curved metal hood of their vehicle.
It was shaped like a classic red sports car, but underneath lay a small black casing with wires attached.
Mark: Somebody placed that there on purpose while we were inside the store.
Sarah: Who would do something like that? Is it dangerous?
Mark: I am calling the police department immediately.
Mark pulled out his smartphone and dialed emergency services while keeping a firm grip on Maya's shoulder.
The dispatcher answered on the second ring, her calm tone contrasting sharply with Mark's racing heartbeat.
Dispatcher: 911, what is your emergency location?
Mark: We are parked outside the shop on Elm Street. There is a suspicious electronic device on my car.
Dispatcher: Stay away from the vehicle, sir. Officers are dispatched to your location right now.
Mark hung up and guided Sarah and Maya behind a low brick garden wall near the curb.
Sarah fell to her knees on the hard concrete pavement, sobbing softly while hugging Maya as tightly as possible.
Sarah: Oh God, what if she had picked it up five seconds sooner?
Mark: Don't think about that. We are safe right here.
The sound of approaching sirens echoed in the distance, cutting through the warm suburban quietness.
Two police cruisers pulled up along the curb with their blue lights flashing against the surrounding houses.
Officer Miller stepped out of his car with a stern expression and gestured for the family to remain seated.
Officer Miller: Sir, stay right where you are. Is anyone hurt?
Mark: No officer, but look at the hood of my silver car over there.
Officer Miller approached the sedan cautiously, keeping his distance while inspecting the little metal toy.
He noticed a small serial number etched into the side frame of the custom miniature chassis.
Officer Miller: This is not an explosive device, but it is a sophisticated GPS tracking unit.
Sarah: A tracker? Why would someone track our family car?
Officer Miller: Does anyone have reason to follow you or your daughter?
Mark looked at Sarah with sudden realization dawning over his pale face.
Mark: The legal estate dispute with my former business partner, Richard.
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