'They're going to be all right,' Kane said. 'We've tested every boy for lung damage. Not a sign of it. They'll be nauseous for a while, but there's no permanent-‘

'I want them all to have the best care possible,' Thorn interrupted.

Kane nodded his assurance. ‘They will have,' he said, taking Thorn aside. 'May I see you in private for a moment?' he asked in a discreetly low voice.

'Of course,' said Thorn, and he followed the doctor. back out into the hall.

From his bed, Damien watched them leave with great curiosity.

***

Out in the corridor, Kane waited until a passing orderly had moved out of earshot before he spoke. Thorn could tell from the look in Kane's eyes that something was troubling him deeply.

'We've made every possible test for blood and tissue damage,' he said, 'and every boy was affected to some degree—although, as I said, not seriously.' He paused. ‘That is, every boy but your son Damien.'

A muscle in Thorn's face twitched involuntarily. 'What do you mean?' he asked. 'Is he—'

'No, no, Mr Thorn. It's not what you think.' Kane struggled to find the best way to explain it. You see,' he said, 'Damien wasn't affected... at all.'

***

Back in the hospital room, Damien questioned Ann. 'What do you think's going on?' His eyes were beginning to cloud over with dark and chilling fury.

Ann didn't seem to notice. She was concentrating on the door, awaiting Thorn's return. 'Oh, probably nothing,' she said. 'Doctors love secrets.'

When the two men came back into the room, Thorn looked very upset. ‘The doctor wants Damien to stay here a couple of days,' he said, trying to sound casual. 'He'd like to do some more tests.’

Damien sat up. 'But I'm okay!' he protested. 'Why do I have to stay if-'

'Why do you want to do more tests?' Ann interrupted to ask Kane.

Thorn gave both of them a look that said 'Not in front of the boys.'

Damien cut in once more. 'I don't want to stay here!' Ann moved to take his in her arms.

Mark also rushed to his brother's aid. 'If he can't go, then I won't go!'

Ann looked across at the doctor and shrugged. 'Why can't we take him home now, and bring him back next week? It's been such a terrifying experience.'

'Would that be all right?' Thorn asked.

Kane didn't seem to like the idea, but he knew there was probably nothing he could do about it. 'Fine,' he said.

Ann smiled victoriously and gave Damien another hug. 'Okay, you guys,' she said to both of them, 'why don't you rest, and then we'll come by for you later and take you up to Lakeside, all right? The air will do you good.'