It took a moment for the implication to set in.

“Oh, man, Welcome. You missed the speech. You never gave your speech?”

“Believe me, it wouldn’t have helped,” Lou said. “Like I told you, he was doomed from the start.”

“But you know how Filstrup thinks. He’s going to blame you for the loss.”

“I’m sure he already has. I called him while you were in the OR. If his wife wasn’t in the ICU, I think he would have flown down here to bellow at me in person.”

Lou stood up and went over to the blinds, adjusting them to let in a little more sunlight.

“Your job gonna be in jeopardy?” Cap asked.

“No way. He’s headstrong, but not that headstrong.”

“Why am I not hearing that in your voice? Which job handles your health insurance?”

“The Eisenhower one.”

“Maybe you can get me a job there, then. I don’t have any insurance, you know.”

“I know that. I have an appointment in a few minutes with the financial services office.”

Humphrey cruised back into the room.

“Who’s job is in jeopardy?” he asked.

Lou gestured at the small parabolic receiver on the wheelchair console.

“No one’s job is in jeopardy. What’s the range of that damn thing, anyway?”

“I was at good angle. Wasn’t that far. Hope you keep job.”

“Thanks, Humphrey.” Lou checked the time on his Mickey Mouse watch and turned back to Cap. “Listen, pal, I’ll stop by later. My flight home is first thing in the morning. I’ll catch up on work and settle things down with Filstrup, but I’ll be back on the weekend or before. Do you think you’ll be okay without me for a little while?”

“What did I say about me being a big boy?”

“Well, just in case, I may get in touch with Atlanta Central Service and see if some of our brothers and sisters in the storm can stop by for an impromptu meeting.”

“Fine by me. Now, you go take care of what you’ve got to take care of. I’ll put in a call to my aunt Dorothy if I get lonely for company. Besides, ol’ Humphrey here will come and visit me. Right?”

“Right.”

Lou bent over between the IV tubing and hugged his friend.

“I’m so sorry, buddy,” Lou whispered.

“Nonsense. Go do what you need to do.”

At that moment, surrounded by the ropes and pulleys and fixation hardware and pillows and IV infusers, the former unbeatable prizefighter looked extremely small.

Lou paused at the door.

“I got your direct room line,” Lou said. “I’ll give you a call before I come back and then tomorrow when I land.”

Cap returned a thumbs-up and then pointed to the door, giving Lou his permission to leave without any guilt.