Dreston Tremont lay peacefully on the hospital bed, still surrounded by machines that continued to monitor every change in his condition. His face looked calmer than it had a day earlier, and although he remained unconscious, the color had slowly begun returning to his skin.
Outside the room, Ray Simpson finished reviewing the latest chart before handing it back to one of the attending physicians.
"His vital signs are improving," the doctor said with a relieved smile. "It is still too early to celebrate, but his body is responding better than we expected."
Ray nodded. "Continue reducing the medication exactly as planned. Don't rush anything."
"We won't." The doctor looked through the glass window into the room. "If this continues...I believe he'll wake up sooner than we thought."
Ray's shoulders relaxed slightly. For the first time in days, hope sounded more convincing than fear.
After exchanging a few more words with the medical team, Ray walked away to check on another patient.
A few minutes later, the ICU nurse gently opened the door. "Mrs. Tremont," she said softly. "You may go in now."
Cassienne slowly rose from her chair.
Jessica instinctively moved to support her, but Cassienne smiled faintly. "I'll be alright."
Abigail gently squeezed her hand. "Don't stay too long."
"I won't."
Cassienne quietly entered the room.
The door closed behind her.
She stood there for several seconds, simply looking at her husband. Every visit reminded her how much she loved him, how close she had come to losing him.
She slowly walked to his bedside and carefully sat down beside him. "Good morning, DT."
Her voice was soft, and relaxed as if they were simply beginning another ordinary day together.
"I heard the doctors talking outside." She smiled gently.."They think you're getting stronger. I knew you would."
She reached for his hand.
It felt warmer than before.
That alone made her heart lighter.
"You know..." She laughed quietly. "Everyone has been ordering me to rest. I think they forget who they're talking to."
Her fingers gently intertwined with his.
"They keep saying our baby needs me."
She looked down at her stomach before lifting Dreston's hand carefully.
With all the tenderness in the world, she rested his palm against the curve of her belly.
"Our little one needs you too."
For a brief moment… Nothing happened.
Then, the baby kicked. It was a tiny kick. Cassienne froze.
Another gentle kick followed.
Her eyes immediately filled with tears. "Did you feel that?"
She laughed through the tears. "Our baby is saying hello to Daddy."
Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she covered Dreston's hand with hers. "We're waiting for you. I'm waiting for you. So...You've rested long enough."
A warm smile spread across her face.
"You should come home."
She leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently.
"I love you."
Unknown to Cassienne, his brows moved. It was brief, but enough to show that Dreston is in there.
…….
Several hours later in Lisbourn.
Justice Elena Simpson stood inside her office reviewing the final arrest documents.
Two senior officers from the Lisbourn Police Department sat across from her while another investigator organized the evidence gathered from Southvale.
Joseph Tremont and Steve had arrived less than an hour earlier after taking the earliest available flight from Southvale.
The atmosphere inside the office was serious. Every document was reviewed one final time.
Justice Elena finally closed the file. "We have Donatus Richardson's confession." She placed another document on top. "We have the recorded statements from both accomplices."

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