I saw a flash of blue at the other end of the corridor, followed by a large lumbering figure. Naboo and Bollo. I had never been so glad to see anyone in my whole life (er, should that be death?). Hurrying over to them, I stood nearby, comforted by their presence, even though they couldn't see me. They were led into a waiting room and I watched over them as they fretted, the shaman's normally expressionless face creased with worry, the ape rocking backwards and forwards, his eyes never leaving the door.
Finally a tall man with glasses entered the room. Introducing himself as Mr Franks, he shook Naboo's hand and eyed the ape with suspicion before sitting down.
"So, Mr Naboo, you are Mr Noir's next of kin?"
"Er, actually I think that's probably Howard but he, er…." Naboo bit his lip, unable to continue.
"Howard die in crash. Is precious Vince going to die too?" finished Bollo, getting straight to the point.
"Mr Noir sustained some serious injuries in the crash. He has a fractured pelvis and was bleeding internally. We've managed to stop the bleeding in theatre and have fixed his pelvis temporarily but he will need to undergo further surgery on it when he's more stable. We're giving him a couple of units of blood which should help but his condition is still critical. He should be out of theatre shortly, if you want to see him."
Naboo nodded solemnly. "With Howard gone, he's going to need us there. Does he know about Howard yet?"
"He hasn't regained consciousness since the accident, I'm afraid."
A nurse poked her head around the door, announcing Vince was out of theatre and we all followed her along the corridor. He lay pale and limp in the bed, barely recognisable as the flamboyant sunshine kid who had lit up the club only hours ago.