Twenty fourSnapping his bag shut, Doctor Hennesey studied Josh for a moment before getting to his feet and looking across the room to Stella, standing against the wall, chewing her nails, tear stains running down her cheeks. “Will he be all right?”
“That, I cannot tell,” he said. “The piece of lead is still in there, but I daren't attempt to extract it, not yet. But he's strong and I suspect he will rally in the next day or two. Then I'll take a second look.” He waddled across the room, a short man of tremendous girth. At the door he paused, solemn faced. “Stella, I don't wish to pry …”
She looked at him, eyes wet, nose red from holding a handkerchief there too long. “What?”
“The man downstairs, I think he may need attention also.”
“He's drunk. He's always drunk.”
“He's also fairly ba
