December 2003: Pertinacity

Unable to keep looking at her husband's dubious eyes, Raeliana spun around and returned by her daughter's side. She wanted to feel happy that Syn had finally awoken, but the circumstances had encaged her merriment in the prison of betrayal. Still, it wouldn't do her any good if she had shown on her face that she was conflicted about the situation. She didn't desire to make her daughter feel the same way. 

"Syn, baby, it's mommy. I'll call for the nurse, okay? You can tell them what you're feeling." 

Just as she was about to take her first step away from the bed, she felt a brusque hand gripping her shoulder lightly. She looked at who it was and saw Rolo who had no expression on his countenance.

"Raeliana, I've already called for the doctor. Just stay here. Also, let me take care of Maxwell. I'll handle the talk with the police. You're fine with that, right?" Rolo said in a voice enough for Maxwell to hear everything.