Francesca's expression hardened as she delivered the news to Ernest. She said coldly, "Our deputy chief has a message for you."

Ernest was desperate, willing to do anything to save his life.

"What is it? Tell me quickly!" he demanded before another violent bout of blood-coughing seized him.

He clamped his mouth shut afterward, trying to minimize his speech to reduce the bleeding.

"He can't return to the hospital," Francesca stated professionally, softening the harsh message out of her m