"Yes?"
"Oh, Ralph, darling—"
Fenton had slept so soundly for ten hours his wife had to tug at his arm three times to awaken him.
"Joseph," she said. "The hospital just phoned again. Gallison is completely out of danger. You said he was last night, but I could see you were still a little worried."
Fenton came wide awake in an instant. "They're absolutely sure about it, eh?"
"Yes, the bullet's out and he'll be reporting back for duty in two weeks. He told them to tell you that."
"Is he crazy?" Fenton grumbled. "He rates a month's sick leave, at least."
"I'm just repeating the message he asked them to give you."
Fenton sighed and rolled over on his side. "I always thought he was a little crazy. Well ... it's good news, anyway. Will you please go away now."