Round one... two... three...

Carson takes a deep breath and moves to the sink to prepare for the dishes that would be coming his way. He was tired and a little sore too. But he was glad that Mabel and Herb didn't have to worry about things right now. Herb needed rest, and Mabel certainly didn't need to be worrying about any of this.

Part of him wished that the rush had continued though, because now, once again, his mind had time to wander, and he didn't like it. Alec, Mackenzie, Herb, Alec, Australia, Mackenzie, Herb, Ryder, Alec, Mackenzie. Carson shakes his head and cleans off the kitchen counter.


Luke draws closer to Angel, returning the embrace, his own tear running down his face. "Don't be sorry," he whispers. "It wasn't your fault."

Pulling back, he keeps his hand in hers, and nods. "We've got a few people here to thank for going all the way to Australia to find your antidote. Rick said if you woke up, that the worst part would be over."

Jeff stands nearby, just leaving Luke and Angel alone for now. Backing quietly out of the infirmary, he goes out to the main floor, to the exit, and up a level. Taking his cell phone out of his pocket, he dials Austin.


"Fifty bucks says you'll lose."

Ryder stares at the grizzly man across from him at the table. A smile spreads. "Seventy-five."

"Come on, Leroy, do it!" The man's friends prod him to take the bed. "This guy's a loser. He ain't got enough meat on him to soak nothin' up. You'll have him after three rounds! Do it! Do it!"

Leroy's eyes narrow and he slaps seventy-five dollars down on the table. "Harriet! Bring the bottle!"

Boredom creates an unexplainable phenomenon where something happens in the brain to trigger ideas that normally wouldn't occur, and at the same time, severs the area in which sensibility is stored.

Ryder places his own money on the table and sits up straighter, waiting for the contest to begin. He had nothing to do. He had nowhere to go. And he could earn a quick buck... or seventy-five. The bar isn't too crowded, but just enough to be a bit noisy and smoky. Music plays, but nobody cares. Most are paying attention to the newcomer with the accent.

The whiskey comes. Round one starts. Two shot glasses, two drinkers. Leroy and Ryder down them easily, and fill up again. Round two... three... four... Onlookers start placing their own bets with each other to see who would pass out first.


Con wanders the hospital, asking questions, and not getting very far with the nurses. Frustrated, finally he's able to find Jamie and Mable on another floor in a waiting area. Coming to them quickly, he gives Jamie a hug, worry in his eyes. "I got your message. How is he?"