Blackheath's first impulse had been to satisfy his itching fist and make it just that little bit more even, but he knew a second chance when he saw one, and took it. Dorsey might be awake by now.

Alex was very surprised to see him. "What happened to Jackson! You didn't…"

Blackheath grinned at Alex's alarmed expression, punching his arm.

"You always think the worst. He's fine. He ever give you any trouble, just let me know. He owes me one."

"He owes you one? Well, I guess at least he got Dorsey back."

"What!"

"They're in surgery now. I spose he taught us a new Healer trick: if tempting them with what they want won't bring them to the surface, try taking it away. That sure did it. That poor Soul will be in rehab for months."

"Dorsey wasn't pleased huh?"

"I'm taking it not. Soul said she'd never heard such language in all her life."

Blackheath grinned wider. "You're going to get the shit kicked out of you for letting them take me."

Alex lookec at him with eyebrows raised. "He would have shot any of us if we resisted arrest. Jackson likes to interpret the law to suit himself."

Blackheath grinned. "I don't think Dorsey will let you off the hook that easy."

***

Dorsey walked herself back from surgery, Healers trailing in her wake, grabbed Blackheath and kissed him so hard he sat on the bed.

"Where the hell have you been?" she demanded, while Alex placated the Healers and herded them out the door.

"Just went for a little car ride. Only I had to walk back. Jackson and I had a disagreement."

"I can see that," she said, touching the bruises on his face, "I hope you didn't let him do all the talking."

"I've still got a few things I'd like to say to him. But I knew you wouldn't want me out chatting all night."

He kissed her back then extricated himself from her grip and made for the door. Well, he would have if she hadn't immediately caught his arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked, frowning and swapping hands and as he peeled the other off his arm.

"I've got a Soul to kill," he muttered, losing patience and grabbing both her wrists whilst getting caught by her legs.

"Ah, Blackheath…" Alex cautioned. But Dorsey was right on it.

"Oh no you don't! Don't you think you've done enough of that for a while? And you're the one that kissed her! You're the one that should be shot."

"Well, actually, the way I saw it," Alex began.

"I'm not speaking to you, Alex!" Dorsey snapped disdainfully.

"She knows too much-" Blackheath insisted.

"You think I'd let her anywhere near my memories! What do you think I am? What the hell is this?" she demanded, finding the bruises on her shoulder.

"Ahh, sorry-" Blackheath went to touch them sadly, but got his hand slapped away.

"You're damn right you are! I can't even be in a coma for two seconds and look what you get up to!"

"It's not what you think."

"I caught you sucking face with that whore. Jesus, first Giulia, now a Soul! What's got into you! What!"

This last was volleyed at Alex, who couldn't contain his laughter.

"So good to have you back, Dorse," he said, hugging her shoulders.

"I'm still not speaking to you," she said smiling just a little, and hugging him back.