The last month had been the longest of his life. He still wasn't used to not being able to use his hands nearly as much as before or the fact that his eyesight wasn't working out for him. He hated not being able to see the things around him, even though he had basically memorized the hospital room he had been cooped up in for what seemed like forever. He didn't understand why he couldn't do all of this recovering in his own bed, which was a lot more comfortable than the one he was in right now. Nick sighed heavily. He was slightly comforted by the fact that his ribs didn't hurt as much when he breathed, and everything else that had hurt like hell before was starting to heal. But all he wanted to do was go home.

There was a soft knock at his door, followed by the knob turning and Dr. Manah walking in without Nick having to say anything. He was smiling from ear to ear, and Nick took this as meaning he had some good news. At least he hoped.

"Please tell me I can go home now." Nick said hopefully.

Manah held up a hand, but was still smiling. "Soon. I have some even better news though. About your eyes."

"You're giving me new ones?" Nick's humor never ceased, even in times like these.

Manah shook his head. "Not exactly." He opened the folder in his hands and glanced at it quickly before looking back at his patient. "There's a prescription eyeglass that can help with your unique situation. They'll bring the things you aren't looking directly at more into focus so it won't be so blurry."

"Well that's good news. But what about my job? I can't really find any evidence or process it if I can't see it."

"On the contrary. You'll be able to pick things out better because you can't focus on much. You'll be able to see the details rather the the big picture. And you'll remember obscure things better because you'll see everything individually. Think of it as putting a puzzle together. I just talked it over with your boss, he agrees."

"Sounds good to me." Nick said, a smile forming on his face for a brief moment. "But what about my hands?"

Manah's smile faltered. "That's where it gets tricky. Mobility is limited, but I think with enough practice and patience you should be able to manage. It won't be near normal, but it can get better with time."

Nick nodded. "I'll take your word for it. So when do I get to get out of here?"

"How does in about an hour sound?" Manah asked, his smile returning.

"Are you serious?" Nick's voice was full of excitement and hope. Manah nodded. "That's about an hour too long, but I'll take it."

-

Nick couldn't remember a time when he was so happy to be home. It felt like he hadn't been home in years and he was glad to finally be back. He slowly sank down into his leather arm chair and let his eyes close as his head fell back against the soft seat behind him.

Warrick smiled. He was just as glad as Nick that his best friend was back at his house, safe and sound. Nick had managed to pull through yet again, but not without it taking a huge toll on the young man. Nick wasn't going to be able to use is hands or his eyes as well as he could before, and Warrick just hoped that he'd be able to learn how to work with them. The last thing he wanted to see was his friend make it out of something as bad as he had and not be able to do what he loved anymore. Nick's job meant a lot to him, and if he lost it because of this...

Nick's eyes were still closed when he spoke. "You can yell at me now." He said.

"Why would I yell at you?" Warrick asked as he sat down on the couch so he could face Nick in the chair.

"For being stupid and ruining a lot of people's lives. And for getting an innocent person killed in that alley."

Warrick held back a sigh. He had been dreading, yet waiting to talk to Nick about this. "Look at me Nicky." He said. Nick opened his eyes slowly and looked at Warrick. "Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they're younger. Whatever you did...it probably wasn't right, but I'm sure you had a good reason. You didn't want anyone to die. I know you better than that man."

"I only did it because I was afraid they would kill Jeremy, so I helped him pay back his debt. Then I was too afraid to leave because I thought they'd kill me too. So I stayed as long as I could and got out."

"Why did Jeremy stay in?" Warrick asked.

Nick shrugged. "I don't know. I guess he was making a lot of money and Eric trusted him more. But he could tell it was getting out of hand, and he wanted out too. That's why he kept everything...he knew he would be able to use it against Eric if he ever had to. He didn't realize it involved me a lot too though."

Warrick nodded slightly. "What did you exactly do for Eric?"

Nick didn't hold back his sigh. "I stole cars for the first couple years and that was it. They needed fast cars that they could get rid of easily to move drugs and guns and whatever else they wanted. I was young, so they didn't give me too much responsibility or tell me what they were doing. Then when I turned 18, Eric had me selling drugs, making deals, and stealing other stuff, not just cars."

"I take it you were pretty good at it too."

"I got the hang of it." Nick said simply.

Warrick shook his head. "But you did drugs too? You didn't just sell them?"

Nick closed his eyes again, but opened them after a few seconds. "I had to. I was going to school for 7 hours then working for Eric for 8. I needed a way to stay awake for an extended amount of time and to keep me going. Plus, it made me not think so much about what I was doing. I couldn't feel bad because I couldn't feel anything at all."

Warrick thought for a second before he was able to think of something to say. "Regardless of all that, you're still my best friend. Nothing can change that Nick." He knew that was all Nick needed to hear right now, and it never was a bad time to say it anyway.

-

Ryan Taylor sat in his office, carefully thinking over his plan of action. He had everything all worked out in his mind, he was just polishing off the final details. He had no doubt whatsoever that this was going to work, possibly even better than expected.

"Andrea," he called to his secretary. "I'm heading out now, I'll be in Vegas for a little while. Hold down the fort for me." Andrea smiled as he boss walked by and out the front door. Ryan drove toward the airport, where he would get onto the plane that would take him to his ultimate goal.

Revenge.

Sorry this chapter was so short and took a long time to update, but I was setting up for a longer chapter that should be posted soon. Thanks for the reviews, keep 'em coming. Any suggestions are also welcomed.