The next morning was just as hectic as the last. Harry had to deal with a large number of patients now that Guppy was out of action. He knew that he had meant for him to be gone forever, but in light of what had happened the previous night, not only the attack, but also the plain fact that Guppy was as sorry as he could be, if not more, Harry could not find it in his heart to stand by his decision any longer. Guppy was a great asset to Holby and he had a bedside manner that Harry admired despite his stern exterior.

Harry was exhausted by the time he had dealt with his fourth Resus patient. It had been a particularly taxing job and he felt the strain. He was relieved when Maggie came in to cover for him, knowing that he had been working non-stop through the night before.

'I appreciate it, Maggie,' he said, as he picked up his things, ready to leave for home, 'but promise me you'll call me if you need any help.' He walked out of the door with Maggie following. He turned back to her and said, 'And keep me posted on Guppy and Luke.'

'Will do, Harry.' Maggie replied.

'Thanks.'

Harry climbed into his car and put his key in the ignition. As he turned it, he noticed that there was a small post-it note stuck to the outside of his windscreen. He opened his window and reached around for the note and read it:

Three hours…

Harry looked at his watch. It was 12:30pm. Something told him that he should stay at Holby General and keep an eye on things, but something else told him that he would be of no use if he was half-asleep while trying to save lives. That could be a huge risk to both his career and his patient's life. He turned the key and drove out of the car park.

When he reached home, he went straight to his kitchen and made a cup of tea. He drained the mug and then went upstairs to greet his children, who were home for the summer holidays. He met Jordan first.

'Hi,' he said, 'Everything all right?'

'Yeah,' Jordan paused, studying his father's face, 'Are you OK, Dad?'

'Me? No, not really. Two of my colleagues have been taken ill.'

'Why? What's wrong with them?'

'Nothing that concerns you, Jordan,' Harry answered firmly, 'I'll worry about them. You just go and do whatever you were doing.'

Jordan went downstairs and Harry continued on his way to find his other children. After talking with all of them he went to his bedroom for a lie down. He felt tired enough to sleep for a week, but he knew that he had to keep an ear out for a call from Maggie.

He opened his eyes when he heard the sound of his telephone ringing. He looked blearily at his bedside clock. It showed that the time was 15:36pm. Harry jumped up and ran to the phone. He picked it up.

'Hello; Harry Harper speaking.'

'Harry! We need your help!'

'Maggie? What's wrong?' Harry was alarmed.

'It's Charlie… just come quickly, please, Harry!'

Harry felt a horrible sinking feeling inside him as he pulled his suit on and ran down the stairs, grabbing the keys from a table as he got to the bottom. Jordan came out of the living room as Harry had disturbed him when he crashed down the stairs in his hurry.

'What's going on?'

'Something's come up. I have to go into work.' Harry said hurriedly. 'Look after the others for me.'

Jordan agreed. There was little else he could do. Harry jumped into his car and drove to the hospital as quickly as he could.

The hospital was full of people waiting to be treated, but Harry pushed his way forward and got to the receptionist behind the desk.

'Where's Charlie?' he demanded.

'He's in Resus.' The young receptionist answered, ashen-faced.

'Resus?' Harry ran towards the familiar room and pushed open the doors to find Maggie, Abs and Tess standing around a trolley, on which lay Charlie Fairhead.

'Stab-wound?' Harry asked quietly.

'Yeah, same as the others.' Abs said, looking ill.

Harry said nothing else except, 'Hang on in there.' which was directed at the wounded nurse on the trolley. The consultant worked quickly and efficiently, as he had done before. Soon Charlie was prepped for theatre. Once again, Harry was left with Abs in Resus.

'This needs investigating.' said Harry, his face pale.

'Yes…' Abs replied. 'Harry… any of us could be next.'

Harry turned swiftly towards Abs at this shocking remark. Harry realised with horror that it was entirely true. He tried to comfort Abs.

'Nobody else is going to end up like this, Abs. I promise you.' He said, looking Abs straight in the eye. 'Nobody.'

Abs left to get a cup of coffee and offered Harry one. Harry refused and went to visit Luke. The paramedic lay still in the bed and didn't look up when Harry came in.

'Luke?' Harry moved towards the bed. 'Luke, it's me, Harry.'

There was no reply. Harry knew that Luke was awake. He tried again.

'Luke… come on, it's all right. You're safe now.'

Still Luke didn't answer. The sorry sight nearly brought tears to Harry's eyes. He blinked them away and sat on the chair next to Luke's bed. He placed a tentative hand on Luke's shoulder. Luke still didn't move. He didn't even blink much. He just lay, staring at the ceiling, his hair lank and greasy, his eyes dull and his face white. Harry squeezed his shoulder and bent close to him.

'You'll be all right. I know you will.'

'Really? And what about everyone else? Will they be all right, Harry?'

'Of course they will, Luke. I'd never let anything happen to them.'

'Harry, that's just it. You can't do anything. Not really. Sure you can save us, it's your job to save lives and by hell you're great at it but, but it doesn't stop more people from being attacked. I know what happened to Charlie. Claire was up here earlier crying her eyes out about it. Three members of staff in less than twenty-four hours… there'll be another attack soon… mark my words…' He winced. After this long outburst he felt weaker than ever and he shut his eyes.

Harry stood up and headed for the door. He turned to Luke and said, 'Get some rest, Luke. God knows you need it.' And with that, he left.

He headed towards his office. He knew he would find a message there and, sure enough, there it was, lying on his desk. A piece of torn paper which had been scribbled on, somewhat hastily, it seemed to Harry. It read:

So… it seems I'm winning the game.