Try to nod…

You blink twice; it’s as close to a nod as you can manage. Alan studies you for a moment before speaking.

‘They’re still trying to work out what the hell went on back there. But I got there just as the plane blew, so I reckon I have a better grasp on it than most people, including the cops here. And I think I know what happened.’

Alan stares down at you, and his expression is unreadable.

‘He’s dead. Which means Emma’s safe. Which means you did what I would have done, which makes you a man, in my eyes. Do we understand each other?’

You match his stare till your eyes burn with the effort, and he nods.

‘Yeah, I thought so. I told the cops you weren’t in your right mind, that you’d escaped from the hospital. That I noticed the skylight unlocked and tracked you down. That part’s true. But then I told them he shot you the moment you showed up. Cold-blooded ****, right there on the docks.

‘Guess he panicked after that. Guess he forgot to unmoor himself.’ Alan looks bitterly amused. ‘It sounds fishy even to my ears, but the pilot’s vanished and the only other person who could tell them what really happened is currently buried at sea. So my testimony is really the only thing they have to go on. That is, until you wake up.’

Alan rests a hand on one of the machines stacked by your bed. ‘I guess it’s up to you whether you tell them the truth. But if the coroner records it as a terrible accident, I… might not disagree with him. That kid one hundred percent had it coming. I’ve heard stories. You weren’t the first guy he fucked with. But I guess you were the last.’

Your lips work soundlessly, and Alan leans in closer. ‘Emma,’ you manage, with an enormous effort that sends fresh pain scraping across your vocal cords. Alan seems to understand.

‘She doesn’t know anything yet. Patient confidentiality’s still a thing, remember, and Doctor Hamada can’t get your consent till you’re lucid. So it’s up to you which story you want to go with.’ He looks down at the padding taped to your side. ‘If you want to play it safe, you’ll stick with the one I gave you. But I’m not saying you shouldn’t tell her. Just that she won’t hear it from me.’

Alan turns to leave, and there’s a new respect in his eyes. ‘You did good, kid. Now sleep. They should be hitting you with more morphine any minute now.’