Alaric waited long enough for his father to regain consciousness. It was evening by the time he did, and Frankie had already dashed out to get something.
Baxter didn't show up the entire time. Alaric needed no one to tell him the young man was hurt and probably drinking himself to stupor. He wouldn't deny feeling bad for him, but he loved Ivanka too much to lose her again.
Coming awake, it took Mr. Stones a while to register his environment. Everything seemed strange to him, and only Alaric seemed familiar. The last thing he could remember was passing out in the HCRA office.
"Alaric," he called feebly, relief somehow echoing in his voice.
He stretched out his hand to Alaric, who hesitated a little before taking it.
"How're you feeling?" Alaric asked in a lowered register.
"I'm f...
