He managed a smiled. “Yes, that’s a fair assumption.”

She waited for more.

“I lost a bet.”

“Naturally. You have visitors. Feel up to having some company? I get the distinct impression they’re pretty important. One of them is a United States senator from New Mexico.”

“No kidding?”

“He seemed quite concerned when I spoke to him a few minutes ago. He must have grilled me for five minutes about your condition.”

“What makes you think the others are VIPs?”

“Let’s just say this hospital looks as though the president’s here to take a tour. Lots of business suits with bulges, if you catch my drift.”

“I’m intrigued.”

“You must be a very important person yourself.”

“Nope, just an everyday joe.”

“Right….”

“Trust me, I’m nobody special.”

Dr. Rosson smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. “Well, Mr. Nobody Special, I’m going to bring in your guests.”

“You’ve got nice bedside manner, Doctor.”

“Thank you. Think you can avoid any gunfights for the next few weeks?”

“Absolutely.”

“You sure about the visitors?”

“Yes.”

“Good, because that senator I mentioned? He’s extremely worried about you. Like a father might be about his son.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Your eyes.”

“It’s not common knowledge. Will you keep it that way?”

“Of course.”

“Is Harvey out there too?”

“Mr. Fontana? He’s done everything but pitch a tent outside your door.”

“Yeah, that’s Harv, all right. How’s Holly Simpson doing?”

“She’ll be fine. She’s outside with Mr. Fontana.”

“I need to use the head.” He swung his legs out of the bed and sat up. The world spun.

“Slowly, please.”

“I’m okay.”

“Navy or Marines?”

“What makes you think I was in the service?”

“You said head, not ‘bathroom.’”

“Marines.”

“I’ll bet you could tell a few campfire stories.”

“A few.”

Dr. Rosson grasped his arm firmly as he stood. “Any dizziness?”

“I’m okay.” It wasn’t entirely true, but he wasn’t going to say anything that might prolong his stay.

“I want you sit down when you use the toilet. Use the rails to steady yourself. I’ll be right out here, okay?”

“No problem, Doctor.”

Inside the bathroom he used the mirror to examine the wound. It looked just as Dr. Rosson had described. A three-inch long incision—closed with a dozen, quarter-inch-long staples—marred his head just forward of his left ear. Surprisingly, his hair wasn’t shaved around the wound. He’d have to ask about that sometime. Overall, it didn’t look too bad. Then again, compared to his scarred face, what would?