Chapter 14
Edmond Clive's conscious mind broke the surface suddenly like a flying fish, with the same effect of spray inside his skull. He opened his eyes, and then everything was white.
He stirred. Very slightly, but too much.
A piece of the whiteness detached itself with a rustling noise and leaned over him. He squinted, trying to focus.
After a while he whispered, "Your face is on upside down. Take it away." He retched, and the sweat rolled down his cheeks.
The nurse wiped him with a cold towel and said, "Just lie still, Mr. Clive."
"My God," he said. "Mick." He started to get up. The pain hit him then. Really hit. He lay under it dazed and quiescent, and it was a long time before he heard the nurse again.
"That's better. Everything's all right. Lie still." He began to curse her.
