The hospital hallway was too bright.
Marcus walked beside Ryan toward Owen's private room, his stomach twisting with anxiety.
Sam had met them at the entrance looking exhausted, his usual composure cracked around the edges. "He's awake," was all Sam had said. "Coherent, but the tests came back, the poison has done significant damage."
"You should wait here," Marcus said quietly when they reached the door. "Let me talk to him first."
Ryan nodded and settled into one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs without argument.
Marcus pushed open the door.
Owen Jensen sat propped up against pillows, looking almost normal. His color was good, his eyes alert, if Marcus hadn't known about the poison, he would have thought his father was just tired.
"You look like hell," Owen said.
Marcus let out a surprised laugh that was half sob. "You're the one in the hospital bed."
"Right." Owen gestured to the chair. "Sit. You're making me nervous hovering like that."
