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It was all over the evening news. Special Agent Lucas Wellstein stood before the microphones in front of Paradise General Hospital, fielding questions from reporters and newscasters.
He credited the FBI with the arrest and thanked Captain Healy for his assistance. He made no mention of Jesse.
The case took off when cell-phone photos and videos began to appear on TMZ and other websites, showing Ryan Rooney being carried from the ambulance.
Close-up shots revealed a face rendered all but unrecognizable by vivid red welts. He seemed incoherent and appeared to be sobbing.
The coverage went viral, raising questions as to exactly what had happened to him. The press and the public couldn’t get enough of the story. Soon the tabloids were screaming cover-up.
Jesse watched it all on the TV in Frankie Greenberg’s room, enjoying himself immensely. Hank Greenberg watched with him.
Frankie remained unconscious.
When the footage of Ryan arriving at the hospital appeared once again, Jesse smiled.
When he looked over at her, he saw that Frankie’s eyes were open.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey yourself,” she said hoarsely.
She looked around.
“Daddy?”
Hank hurried to her bedside. He held her in his arms. He was unable to control his tears.
“Welcome back, honey,” he said.