Malachi frowned at that, looking genuinely concerned with the constable's statement.

"I apologize, constable, but I don't remember saying such a thing. Did you hear me say that?" he asked the boy, meeting his gaze for a moment.

Turning back to the constable, he added, "you do not look like a fool, sir, I am only trying to save you the trouble of processing children that are already in someone's care."