She left the observation room and stood before the suite's main door for several seconds, debating with herself. If Dave was conducting an interrogation with Mike's help, she'd feel foolish intruding--but if one or both of them was hurt, she'd never forgive herself if she didn't. Deciding, she opened the door. "Mike? Dave?" "Oh, God," a muffled voice said. More strongly, she heard, "In the bathroom, Joanie. Sis with you?" "No." Cortin covered the distance to the bathroom in record time, appalled at what she saw when she opened the door. "What happened? Is he alive?" "Yeah--but he needs help. Take a look." Cortin did, and crossed herself. There were no apparent injuries, but Mike looked horrible--so pale the scar across his face looked bloody-fresh, his muscles spasming in tiny tremors. It was obvious he'd been severely tortured, though she couldn't imagine how, with no wounds. She still wanted to know what had happened, but that desire was nothing next to her need to remedy whatever had been done to her second-in-command and heir. "Go get Sis--she and Tiny are in his room. Have him bring down as many blankets as he can carry. Then call Ivan, he may have information I need." "Right." Bain hurried out. Praying as hard as she could, Cortin knelt beside the tub, touching Odeon's forehead. He wasn't chilled, so Dave was treating him for shock rather than cold. Wrists and ankles were bruised, consistent with the padded shackles--but it didn't make sense! Even if she ignored the impossibility of Dave interrogating one of the team, he wouldn't use padded shackles, and his subject would certainly have more serious injuries than simple bruises! Yet Mike had been terribly hurt, despite his lack of wounds, and Dave had been there--watching, if nothing else. What was going on? At least Mike didn't seem to be in immediate danger, as far as she could tell. His pulse was weak but steady and his breathing was regular, not labored, though also not as strong as she'd like. The muscle tremors were slowing too, which was a good sign. Moments later she heard the door open, and turned. "Sis? We're in here." "Dave told me." Cortin moved aside, making way for the medic to kneel beside her patient. Chang opened her kit and began checking Odeon's condition. "What was done to him?" "I don't know," Cortin said, controlling her frustration with an effort. "I can't even make a realistic guess--didn't Dave tell you anything?" "He was too upset to tell me more than the basic information I required--that Mike had been hurt, but only minimally injured." Chang continued her examination for a few minutes, then stood. "He is exhausted, and there may be some muscular strain in addition to the bruises; otherwise, he is well. He requires only warmth, rest, and time for complete recovery." "He'll get all he needs." Cortin turned to Pritchett, who'd come in while Chang was working. "You brought the blankets?" "In the office."