"Serge! What the hell are you doing here?" Stinson demanded, snuffing the still smouldering cigarette to ashes beneath his shoe.

Serge stopped just short of Stinson. He had to blink his burning eyes to bring the short, squat man into focus. "Came to see how the investigation's going."

Stinson shook his head and placed a sweaty palm onto one shoulder of Serge's crumpled white shirt. "Serge, you know where you should be. And it ain't here."

Recoiling from Stinson's touch, Serge's blank eyes turned to stone, his mouth into an unfeeling slit. "Where do you you think I should be, Alife?"

Stinson sighed. "You know damn well where you should be," Stinson replied quietly as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Serge shook his head, squinting away the mid-afternoon sunshine beating down above. "Here and the force is all I've got left."

Stinson looked at Serge dumbfounded. "What the hell are you talking about?!"

Serge's gaze moved to the ground. "They're all gone now, Alfie. First Mikey and Lizzie, now Coop…" Serge stopped to swallow the lump of emotion that had jumped into his throat. "All I can do now for Coop is to make sure you catch the bastard who did this so I get him before the chair does." Clenching and forming his fist into a hard rock and moved to punch the brick wall nearby.

Stunned, Stinson restrained Serge's flying arm by the elbow and it was a struggle not to be on the receiving end of the fist.

In a daze, Serge froze and tried to block out the curious stares some officers where shooting him as they tried to sneak by without being spotted and forced into a conversation with him. The pain from Stinson's grip becoming impossible to ignore, Serge began to rant and swear under his breath as he tried to twist away.

With great effort, Stinson managed to steer Serge into alley across the road from the police station. When the putrid smell of rotting garbage and the cool shade greeted them, Stinson stopped and pressed Serge against one of the dank, dirty walls. "What the fuck did you just say to me over there, Serge?"

You heard me damn well! Serge wriggled out away from Stinson's limp grasp. "I didn't say nothing."

Drop it. You have no idea what this guy is going through. "Look, Serge. Just come back to the station with me. Come get a coffee and something to eat. You look like hell! I promise we'll get someone to take you back to the hospital after that."

Serge shot Stinson a cold stare. "I ain't going back there."

"Why not? Your kid and wife need you!"

Serge let out a brief, bitter chuckle. "You were my partner for eight years, Alfie. You know damn well Lizzy hasn't needed me in years! And I don't care what medical mumble jumble they fed to me, but that vegetable I saw in that bed last night ain't my son."

Stinson gaped. "Are you trying to telling me you haven't been at Penn General since I told that kid Stillman to take you back there?"

Serge permitted his mouth to form a tight, cold smile. "Not since…midnight? One or two? I dunno. Not like I kept track as I walked here."

"You walked here?!"

Serge shrugged. "My son's gone, Alfie. What else was I supposed to do? Sit there and try to kid myself that Coop's gonna be okay? No. No way."

Stinson shook his head. "Serge, all that shit you've been saying is bullshit. Your kid woke up this morning! Did you know that?"

Serge froze and began wringing his shirt. "What?"

Stinson's fingers fumbled into his shirt pocket, hoping in vain he hadn't smoked his last cigarette. "You heard me right."

"That's just it. I couldn't have heard you right!"

Feeling his packet crumbled and empty, Stinson gave up fishing for the a cigarette. "You damn well heard me right! Some broad, a Dr. Tom-li-something called us about seven. I've made sure the hospital's been keeping us updated and they told us all things considered your son is doing damn well right now!"

My God, it's not too late! "I…I…d-d-didn't k-k-know!" Serge stammered. "I gotta go back there! But you've gotta tell me how the investigation is going first! I gotta be able tell my son something, anything! I can't go back there and not have answers for him!"

Stinson sighed. "Don't make the investigation your priority right now, Serge. You've got to stay away from this one! Let us do our thing and you do yours. I'll get someone to drive you back or we'll get you a cab. We'll figure it out."

Serge crossed his arms. "Not 'til you give me a full rundown of everything going on."

Fucking stubborn bastard! Seeing the hard look in Serge's eyes, Stinson knew trying to argue further would be a fruitless endeavour. The gaze Serge was giving him was a mirror of what had occurred when Michael Cooper had died; before the boy had even been put into the ground, Serge had been back at work and none of his partner's pleas to head home and take time had been successful.

"Fine, Serge. I'll go get Tom. He knows more details than I do."

Yeah, he can tell me just who did this to my boy! And he's gonna pay for all of them! "Good. Bring him here. I ain't going in there. I don't those guys who got no idea what I'm feeling telling me they understand. Because they don't!"

Putting his face into his hands, Stinson gave his eyes a hard rub. "I get that, Serge. I'll get him out here as quick as I can. But he still might be in an interrogation, so I can't make any promises."

"Fine," Serge replied carelessly, leaning against the cold cinder blocks as Stinson's chubby backside began to make a hasty retreat across the street. Like hungry sharks swirling around their bleeding victim, twisted seeds of revenge began to take seed inside Serge's sleep-deprived mind.

"Jimmy?" Elizabeth called as she weaved past bustling residents and nurses towards the wall where Jimmy still awaited the doctor's permission to head back into Coop's room.

"Hey," said Jimmy, straightening up and taking his hands out of his pockets as Elizabeth came into focus. "Good to see you back. You're looking better."

Looking down at her pressed yellow dress and polished white shoes, Elizabeth had to agree with Jimmy's assessment that, on the surface at least, she was in better shape. Elizabeth manoeuvred her white handbag to the crook of her elbow and gave Jimmy a light pat on the shoulder. "Wish I could say the same to you, Jimmy."

The burning from his eyes, the itch from two days of unshaven stubble, and the constant throbbing of his lip reminded Jimmy of the fine appearance he was presenting. Jimmy dropped an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "Don't you worry. I'm fine."

No, you're not Jimmy. Sean gave me that same look just before he went to basic training. Elizabeth began to lead Jimmy into Coop's hospital room before he stopped her.

"They're doing some stuff to Coop in there," Jimmy reluctantly explained, leading Elizabeth to some empty chairs nearby so they could both rest their weary bodies. "They thought it best I wait out here 'til they're done. Said they'd come get me when they finish. I'm sorry."

Moving her purse to her lap, Elizabeth gave Jimmy a puzzled stare. "Sorry for what, Jimmy?"

Jimmy leaned back in his chair and let his head rest against a taupe wall badly in need of a good wiping. "Promised I'd not let him be alone. I'm sorry I couldn't do that."

Elizabeth gave Jimmy's hand a firm squeeze. "It's alright, Jimmy. I understand."

Jimmy sighed. You can't begin to know just how many promises I have broken to Coop, Elizabeth. "Did you manage to get some rest at least?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. Had a nap I didn't plan. How's Sean doing?"

Jimmy bit the undamaged part of his lip thoughtfully. "He pretty much slept the whole time. He did wake up for a bit and was talking. He asked for you."

Elizabeth's heart jumped her chest. "Was he scared when I wasn't there?"

Jimmy rubbed his eyes, sleep threatening to invade immediately. "I really don't know, Elizabeth. Coop was out of it when he woke up. He understood what I was saying when we talked, but I don't if any of it registered because of all that stuff they've got him on. I don't think he remembers or knows much of anything's that happened right now. He remembered he was in the hospital, but I don't think he has any sort of clue as to how he got here."

Elizabeth clasped her hands together. "It's probably all for the best anyways. If Sean doesn't remember any of this it's probably a good thing."

For a moment, Jimmy nodded in agreement. If Coop could forget everything, his betrayal then just maybe they still had a chance to the lucky ones. But then common sense kicked Jimmy's wish to the curb. "I get what you mean, Elizabeth. But Coop forgetting it all won't help us catch who did this to him."

Absently, Elizabeth began to pick at a loose hangnail. "This is going to sound strange Jimmy, but that's the last thing on my mind right now. I don't care about who did this because it won't change that it happened. All that matters to me is Sean and getting him better."

"I know," Jimmy whispered.

Staring at the elevator, Elizabeth asked, "Has Brogan been back yet?"

Jimmy sighed, hating to give Elizabeth any sort of bad news. "No. Last time I saw Serge was when you did."

"I see," said Elizabeth tonelessly, a cold shadow through her face. "I figured as much."

Even though the narrow hallway they were in was almost unbearably warm, Jimmy felt a shiver run through his body. "I'll go look for him if you want."

Elizabeth pressed a hand to Jimmy's lap to keep him from rising. "Brogan's at the station, Jimmy. You don't need to go there." That damned place means more to him than his own family. Always has, always will.

Seeing Coop's iron will come through such an unexpected source, Jimmy dropped the subject. To his relief, Dr. Tomlinson at last came out of Coop's room.

"Ah, I see that you are back, Mrs. Cooper."

Jimmy and Elizabeth both looked up into the face of Dr. Tomlinson.

"We have finished up with Sean for the time being," said Dr. Tomlinson, jerking her thumb at the orderly and nurses heading out of Coop's room. "He is still stable and is doing well, when you consider all he has been through the past while. He is still asleep, but I am sure you will want to go in and see him."

Rising to his feet, Jimmy offered Elizabeth his hand, and she accepted it gratefully. As Elizabeth made her way into the room, Dr. Tomlinson stopped Jimmy's progress. Seeing the stern look in the doctor's eyes, Jimmy prepared himself for a lecture.

"Mr. Bruno," Dr. Tomlinson began in a quiet whisper, "now that Mrs. Cooper has returned I really think it best you go down to our pharmacy, get that prescription I gave you filled, and head home for some rest."

"Just give me a few minutes," Jimmy said politely, but firmly. "Let me make sure Elizabeth's okay before I head out."

"Alright," replied Dr. Tomlinson, getting ready to do a check in another room. "Just keep it mind you will be better able to help if you are rested. I will be back in a few minutes to check up on Sean."

"Okay," Jimmy replied, spinning on his heel and heading for Coop and Elizabeth. Knowing that his battle to stay the hospital would soon be coming to an end, Jimmy took a seat beside Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, having resumed her previous position of vigil, reached into her purse and pulled out a small container of Vaseline. Screwing off the lid, Elizabeth took a tiny dollop of the cloudy jelly and gently applied some to Coop's chapped lips. Once she had finished rubbing it in, Elizabeth gripped Coop's hand, softly rubbing his calloused palm with her soft finger tips.

Ma? Even buried in an endless sea of fog, Coop recognized his mother's tender touch leading him back to where it was clear. Instinctively, Coop gave his mother's hand a weak squeeze. Still in the end grips of sleep, Coop managed to crack his eyes open before letting his eyelids downward.

Elizabeth blinked to keep her eyes from welling up. "Hi, sweetheart," Elizabeth whispered, giving her son's cheek a quick stroke.

Weakly, Coop turned his head towards his mother's voice. "H-hey, Ma," Coop whispered, recoiling from the words assaulting his still sore, swollen throat.

Elizabeth's formed a small smile as she brushed hair off of Coop's forehead. "Do you need anything, Sean? Water?"

Turning his head away, Coop managed to give it a brief shake. "I'm f-fine."

"Good," Elizabeth whispered. "I know this is hard, but you're doing a great job, Sean. You just keep doing what you're doing and being a fierce little soldier."

Fierce little solider... Triggered by his grandfather's pet nickname for him, Coop scanned past Elizabeth, trying to find him. "W-where's Pop-Pop, Ma? D-did he come w-with you?" Coop rasped.

Now feeling two sets of confused gazes upon her, Elizabeth struggled for the right words. "Pop-pop couldn't come today, Sean," Elizabeth said. "But Jimmy's here."

Jimmy gave Coop's elbow a soft nudge, longing to do so much more if the situation hadn't been what it was. "Hey, Coop."

Before Coop could speak, Elizabeth and Jimmy turned around when they heard the clearing of a throat. Dr. Tomlinson had returned.

"Hello, Sean," Dr. Tomlinson called out cheerfully, heading for the foot of Coop's bed. "It is good to see you awake."

With effort, Coop shifted his half-closed eyes away from Jimmy and towards a fluttery voice that sounded familiar.

"I can see that you are still feeling pretty sleepy, Sean. I promise that that will start to get better soon and that I will let you go right back to sleep. But is it okay Sean if I ask you to do one or two things for me first?" Dr. Tomlinson asked, hands going into the pockets of her white lab coat.

What kinds of things? Coop thought hazily, trying to make out the fair-haired figure mere feet away from him as he gave his head a small bob up and down.

Pleased, Dr. Tomlinson motioned for Elizabeth to release Coop's hand. "Okay, Sean. Can you show me two fingers, please?"

With a small grunt, Coop forced his shaking hand to hold up two bunny ears before the effort became too great and his hand fell back onto the bed.

"Good, Sean," Dr. Tomlinson replied. She removed the stethoscope she wore around her neck and placed the ear pieces into her ears. "I am going to ask you to take some breaths for me, alright?"

Fuck. Nervously, Jimmy watched the doctor move to the other side of Coop's bed. Jimmy hoped and prayed against hope that he wouldn't be treated to another episode of Coop writhing in pain.

The sudden placement of cold metal against his bare chest brought Coop back from the brink of sleep and he gave Dr. Tomlinson a weary gaze.

"Okay, Sean, when I say in, I want you to breathe in. Alright?"

"Sure," Coop rasped, the warming metal a soothing distraction from the periodic pricks of pain breaking through the morphine barrier.

"Okay. Breathe in now, please."

Whoosh. Anti-septic burning his nostrils slowed Coop's breath even before the knife plunged into his chest and forced him to expel all the air in his lungs. Screwing his face up, Coop gritted his teeth and forced back in as much air as he dared. Beside him, both Jimmy and Elizabeth turned away from the unearthly look that had overtaken Coop's handsome face.

"And out," Dr. Tomlinson directed, seemingly oblivious to the ordeal her patient was going through.

Fuck. Okay. Slowly and with the same cunning he used in stalking unsuspecting thieves, Coop released the air in bits and pieces, outwitting the pain and letting the sweat pouring down his face cool off the fire emanating from his cheeks.

Dr. Tomlinson removed her stethoscope from Coop's chest and placed it back around her neck. She gave Coop's blanketed thigh a light pat. "Good job, Sean. When you wake up again I want you to try and do as many deep breaths as you can. I know it is painful for you, but it is important. Alright?"

Exhausted, Coop let out a grunt of agreement before letting his eyes close.

Shuffling past Jimmy and Elizabeth, Dr. Tomlinson gave them a quick nod before heading towards the doorway.

Relieved her son was back to sleep, Elizabeth swallowed her nausea down and rose to her feet. "Doctor, can I have a quick word with you before you go? Please?"

"Of course," said Dr. Tomlinson, gesturing for Elizabeth to follow her into the hallway.

Once sure they were out of Coop's earshot, Elizabeth faced Dr. Tomlinson."First, I want you to know how grateful I am for all the care you've given Sean so far," Elizabeth began, crossing her arms. "But I can't stand by and let anyone put him through any more suffering than is necessary."

"I am afraid I do not understand what you mean, Mrs. Cooper."

"I think you know what I'm getting at. Sean was in so much pain that he almost passed out a minute ago when you made him breathe like that!"

Dr. Tomlinson began to fiddle and tighten her bun. "Mrs. Cooper, I am sympathetic to what you are saying. And please believe me when I say we are doing everything we can to keep Sean's pain and discomfort to a minimum. But it is a constant balancing act. Now that he is waking up, it is imperative that we get Sean to exercise his lungs. Because he is laying down, the secreations that he would normally expel from his lungs are left to sit there and build up. And that build up is one of those things that could pneumonia. Pneumonia could threaten Sean's life."

Shivering, Elizabeth stole a quick glance at Coop. With eyes shut and his breathing steady and even, he appeared to be sleeping peacefully. "This whole thing is so cruel."

"It is," Dr. Tomlinson acknowledged. "But sometimes it is just as cruel to be kind. The more we push now, the better off Sean will be in the long run."

"So…are we talking long-term now?" Elizabeth asked, rubbing her hands together. "Are you saying that Sean will be okay?"

Dr. Tomlinson put a hand up. "One step at a time here. It is still far too early to say what Sean's long-term prognosis is. But, focusing on right now, Sean is doing very well and I am very pleased with his progress. The first twenty-four to seventy-two hours are critical and Sean has steadily improved throughout that period. But I cannot say without certainty that he is out of the woods yet. It is just too soon to tell."

Elizabeth sighed. "I know. I guess I was just hoping you could."

"And I am very sorry to cut this conversation short, but I must be going. I need to check up on another patient." With a brief wave, Dr. Tomlinson quickly disappeared through the doorway and past the bustling triage desk.

Feeling shaky, Elizabeth was relieved to see Jimmy had come up to the doorway and was glad when he moved to steady her. "Thank you, Jimmy."

"No problem. Let's sit down," said Jimmy, desperate to give his sore legs another breather.

Elizabeth shook her head and removed Jimmy's arm from around her waist. "No, Jimmy. I appreciate all you've done and you staying here so long. But it's time for you to get home to your own family. If there is any change with Sean, I promise to phone you right away."

Almost ready to fall over from sheer exhaustion, Jimmy had to accept that the time had come for a break. I'll be of no use to you or Coop if I pass out here and crack my head open. "Alright. I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning. You promise to call me if anything happens?"

"Yes."

"Okay," said Jimmy, reaching into his pocket for his car keys and trying to remember where he had placed his prescription.

So engrossed he was with Gone with the Wind, Danny didn't look up until Coop plopped down beside him and bounced him upward.

"Danny, we gotta talk," Coop said tersely, fumbling with his belt buckle.

Hmmm, time has once again loosened your lips, eh, Cooper? Taking off his baseball cap and tossing it onto the coffee table with the book, Danny turned to face Coop. "Sure. What's up?"

"Hell, I don't even know where to begin this time," Coop began, pulling Robin's sleeping body onto his lap from the top of the couch. As the sleepy feline began to resettle himself onto Coop's lap, Coop petted him absently as he stared off into space.

Satisfied Coop was settled, Danny offered him shrug. "It's alright if you don't have a set topic of conversation in mind. How was your nap?"

Coop sighed, barely noticing the prickling pain from Robin beginning to claw his thighs in contentment. "Not great. Think I got twenty minutes of shut-eye before I was back down there."

Danny raised his eyebrows in surprise. "How'd it go?"

Coop shook his head and leaned back. "I dunno. Ma looked a bit better. Jimmy looks like a wreck from the bits I was able to make out. It's all a confusing blur now. I still can't seem to focus down there for more than five seconds at a time. And it's driving me crazy!"

Danny put a hand onto Coop's shoulder. "I know. The morphine did that to my dad, too. He was completely out of it for a least a week. Kept asking when his parents were coming to come visit him when they'd both been dead for at least five years."

"And that's what's happening to me! Ma said something that reminded me of Pop-Pop and I was asking where he was! But now that I'mtback here and got my wits back I know damned well he's been dead for ten years. And I hate feeling so out of it and what all this shit is doing to Ma and I'm sick and tired of the pain each and every time I'm back!" Coop bellowed, wincing in pain as Robin clawed him before taking off into the kitchen.

Danny gave his chin a thoughtful tap. "Well, remember the alternative of no pain, no gain, Coop? Being six feet under and maybe doing what I do for a living."

Coop shuddered; it was inconceivable now that he had even considered the idea of wanting to die and throw away the amazing second chance he had been given. "God, Danny. You know I didn't mean it like that. No matter what crap I gotta put up with when I'm back down there for good, I'll handle it. Just like I always have."

Danny smiled. "That's more like the Coop I know; the stubborn bastard who never gives up or backs down when he knows he's right!"

Coop rubbed his eyes. "That does bring me to something I really do gotta talk to you about, Danny."

"And what's that?"

Coop cleared his throat before speaking. "I appreciate you letting be here instead of having those dreams; with everything going on, 'Nam is one less thing I need to think about right now. But,I gotta ask you to do the same favour for Jimmy. Don't let him go through what I went though."

"How do you mean?"

Coop sighed. "I know Jimmy fucked up when he didn't go out with me the other night. And I know he knows that. But please, I gotta ask you not to let what he did run over and over in his head like that 'Nam shit runs through mine. Please don't let him end up like me. I couldn't stand that happening to him."

Damn. Danny reached for his baseball cap and began to bend its brim. "Coop, I know you're looking out for your pal and all, but I'm afraid there's not much I can do about that. I'm not Jimmy's agent. He's outside my jurisdiction. Jimmy's going to handle what happened somehow. How he copes with it is not something I can control."

"Danny," Coop said tiredly, getting to his feet to grab some time alone with his thoughts. "I don't know how you've managed to do half the shit you've done so far, but you gotta be able to do something. I promise to never ask you for another favour if you'll just do this one thing for me. I don't care how," Coop stated as he began to head for the den. "I dunno, send him good visions, let him come here maybe. Just do whatever you can do!"

Bring Jimmy over here? Hmmm, maybe. Deep in thought, Danny leaned back to consider the dynamics of the idea Coop had just planted inside his head.

With a sigh, Jimmy banged the door of his shut and dropped the small paper bag containing his antibiotics on the side table along with his car keys. He didn't care to admit it, but being home was a relief.

"Daddy!"

Looking down, Jimmy almost fell over as Patty wrapped herself around his sore legs. Seeing his daughter dressed in only a white undershirt and underpants, Jimmy wondered where Eileen was.

"Whoa, Pattycake!" said Jimmy, scooping the pudgy girl in his arms and scooping her into his arms for a quick toss in the air that made her giggle with delight. Lowering Patty back to the floor, Jimmy gave her a small smile. "Where's your mother?"

"She and Tommy are upstairs having a nap," Patty called, running back to the colouring book and crayons she had abandoned in the middle of the living room. "I was having one too, but I woked up."

"Well, Patty," Jimmy replied, joining Patty in the living room and dropping onto the couch. "Daddy's also pretty tired and a nap sounds like a mighty good idea right now. Where's your brother?"

"Adam's over at Frank's house," Patty said slowly, staring at orange and green cat she was filling in. "Daddy, why weren't you home last night? You was supposed to play with me."

Jimmy sighed, wishing Eileen was here so he would have some idea of what had gone on or been explained to the children over the past twenty-four hours since he'd been home. "Your Uncle Coop had a bit of an accident, Patty. I was visiting him at the hospital to make sure he's getting better. Your Aunty Elizabeth also needed some company."

Absently chewing on one of her pigtails, Patty joined Jimmy on the sofa. "Mommy told us Uncle Coop was hurt. But that's all she tolded me before she sent me out of the kitchen. What's wrong with Uncle Coop, Daddy? Does he have an owie?"

God. Patty's naïve innocence over the whole situation almost made Jimmy tear up, but losing it with a confused five-year-old was not about to be added to his laundry list of sins. Jimmy grabbed Patty under the arms and hauled her onto his lap. "Come here, Pattycake. And you listen good, okay?"

Wrapping her arms around Jimmy, Patty leaned into his chest. "Okay, Daddy."

"Your…your Uncle Coop has got quite a few owies," Jimmy said slowly. "But I want you to know that the doctors and nurses at the hospital are doing a good job fixing him up and that I think he's going to be okay."

Patty looked up at Jimmy with tearful, hazel eyes. "Do you think of I tooked all the Band-Aids in the bathroom over to the hospital that will help Uncle Coop get better?"

If only everything was that easy to fix, Patty. Jimmy gave Patty a quick kiss on the top of her head. "That's alright, Patty. The doctors and nurses have lots of Band-Aids at the hospital for Uncle Coop. Anyways, I think it's time you get back to your nap, honey. You know your mother won't be happy to wake up and find you didn't finish it."

Patty tried in vain to stifle a yawn. "But I'm not sleepy, Daddy."

Jimmy's eyes began to close. "But Daddy's very, very sleepy, Patty. Do you think you could lay with me here a while and help me fall asleep?"

Patty nodded, letting Jimmy pull her onto his chest as he sprawled over the couch. Hugging Patty, it was only a few minutes before her eyes closed. Seconds later, the sound of Patty's even breathing lulled Jimmy into instant unconsciousness.

Though the room was temperate, Jimmy shivered as he began to awaken. The worst dream of his life had been so vivid, so real. Coop shot and clinging to life, warm blood gushing through his fingers...shaking his head, Jimmy closed his mind to the visions he had seen. It was just a fucking nightmare. Get over it!

Groggily, Jimmy groaned and stretched as the ancient, heavy oak furniture of Coop's bedroom came into focus. He was unsure exactly how he'd ended up in Coop's bed. As a rule, he did his best to not drink too much and overnight it at his partner's house to avoid Eileen's wrath the following morning or whatever time he happened to make it home. But with the way things were progressing between them it must have finally happened.

Trying to remember just how many beers or shots of whisky he'd had, Jimmy stumbled to his feet and began to make his way towards Coop's kitchen for some water. Letting out a sigh, Jimmy was sure his partner would already be up and ready to poke fun at whatever antics had occurred the night previous.

Being mindful to watch his step in case Robin had curled up in some random spot in the hallway, Jimmy shot a glance at one of the love seats to see if that cat was resting there and his journey onward could be made in peace. Then Jimmy froze.

No purring cat was curled up on the sofa. Instead, hunched intently over a copy of Newsweek, was a lanky man that looked startlingly familiar to Jimmy from somewhere. Then it hit him. No longer a mere phantom captured in a long ago black and white photo, Danny Holtz sat mere feet away from Jimmy in full living colour.