At the hospital, Rogers was reluctant at first. He denied involvement, refusing to admit guilt. But Jones was patient, calmly presenting evidence and testimony. After tense questioning, Rogers finally broke, confessing to stealing dogs and returning them for rewards—exposing the cruel scam that had plagued the town.
When Jones asked about the strange barking at the oak tree, Rogers admitted he fed stray dogs there daily. His week-long hospital stay had disrupted the routine, leaving the dogs hungry and agitated—explaining the barking Lukas had witnessed. The pieces finally clicked together for Jones.