Kevin nearly knocked the chair over in his hurry to answer. Neil watched from the doorway as Andrew stopped almost right up against Kevin. Andrew pat Kevin down for imaginary injuries and Kevin stood motionless until he was done. Neil looked from them to Betsy, who came to a rest at the base of the stairs. Wymack was on the stairs with two strangers behind him, and Abby was out of sight. Neil guessed she didn't want to be a part of this anymore.

"Still in one piece," Andrew said with a satisfied nod. "For how much longer, I wonder? This is a bad idea, Bee. You know that as well as I do."

"What's wrong?" Kevin asked.

"Oh, but you haven't heard." Andrew motioned for Kevin to lean closer but didn't lower his voice. "Time's up, off we go. She's going to get rid of this for us." He dragged a thumb across his manic smile and laughed. "Someone should warn the doctors what they're in for! They'll lock the door and throw away the keys by the time I'm done with them."

"Get rid of that," Kevin echoed, but it only took him a moment to catch on. He fixed Betsy with a stunned look. "It's too early. What do you think you're doing?"

"The right thing," Betsy said.

Andrew spun back toward Betsy, delighted by Kevin's reaction. "Look at that face, Bee. He wants me sober more than almost anyone does, but only if the timing's right. I warned you, didn't I? Who will take care of Kevin if I'm gone? I can't trust him wandering around here by himself, and Coach can't be with him all the time. Kevin's kind of a full-time job."

"We'll take care of it," Wymack said.

"Oh, come on, Coach," Andrew said. "You've got to do better than that. Try again; I'll wait here while you think of something more convincing to say."

"I'll watch him," Neil said.

Kevin turned to stare at him, and Andrew pushed Kevin out of the way so he could see Neil better. Neil had startled the smile off Andrew's face with that, but it was back in a heartbeat.

"You?" Andrew asked. That was all he said, but that one word said enough.

Neil didn't respond, content to wait Andrew out. It didn't take long. Andrew took a couple quick steps his direction and shoved Neil as hard as he could. Neil knew it was coming and tried to brace for it, but he still stumbled back a couple steps. One of the strangers started to speak, likely trying to call Andrew to order. Neil saw Wymack move in the corner of his eye, maybe waving the intervention off as unnecessary, but he didn't dare take his eyes off Andrew to check. When Andrew pushed him again Neil caught hold of his arms and pulled Andrew with him.