The boy... flew-FLEW-away. Jack watched, his mouths lightly agape.
He gave Fred's hand a gentle squeeze. He wanted to hug her, to kiss her forehead. To show that he was glad Rufio hadn't hurt her. But there was still a crowd of people staring at him and his campaign manager was now hurrying over, most likely to tell him to get on with it.
So instead, Jack met Fred's eyes, trying to convey all of that in a glance. And also trying to promise that she could ask all the questions she'd like then.
By then, his campaign manager had reached him and insisted that Jack do something, anything to save face here.
Jack approached the podium, wiping off a little bit more paint from his face.
"Well, I think that illustrates the strong need to focus on the City's youth quite well."
There were a few titters in the crowd as Jack launched into the speech he'd had planned.