Frank sighed and stepped away from the window. He came walking out of the front door (which did currently have a door installed) and met them where the freshly leveled sidewalk ran up to the brick stoop. Frank looked a bit smaller when he was closer to them standing out in the light of day. He looked as if he hadnt slept well in the last few days, looking to the agents as if he might zone out at any moment.

This is about Maria, right? Frank said.

Yes.

You know who did it? he asked as if he might actually care but that the news would not really affect his day all that much.

No, Rachel said, getting extremely irritated with his I-dont-give-a-damn attitude. Thats why wed like to talk to you. I assume the police spoke with you?

They did. They told me what happened and asked lots of questions. But apparently, they did nothing with my answers if youre here. I mean, how many times do I need to be questioned?

Mr. Ramirez, you have a son with Maria, correct? Jack asked. Rachel could tell that he was also getting annoyed by Franks attitude.

I do.

And where is he right now?

Frank narrowed his eyes at them, as if trying to understand why they were asking these questions. Hes with my mother.

Here in town?

Yes. But what does that have to do with anything? You planning on questioning him, too? Because honestly, Id really rather he not have to go through that.

Just making sure we have our facts right, Jack said. Rachel was started to grow a little worried. She didnt know how much more Jack would be able to tolerate before he snapped. Shed only see it once before, and it was not pretty.

Mr. Ramirez, Rachel said, do you happen to know why Maria had an appointment at the hospital?

No. Maria and I did not talk. The only time we ever spoke is when we needed to figure out who was keeping our son. We hadnt shared anything about our personal lives together for a few years now.

I take it the marriage ended on bad terms?

Yes. We were married for seven years, and it never really gelled. We only married because she got pregnant. I dont say that to be cruel. She would tell you the same thing if she were here. We were just trying to do the right thing, you know?

Can you think of any friends she had that might know why she went to the hospital two days ago? Jack asked.