"If you don't let us help you," Tom said firmly, going around and slipping an arm under Neil's shoulder, taking as much of the other man's weight as Neil let him, "It's just going to be more dangerous for all of us."

He looked at Neil, which was almost hard to do. Beaten, battered, eye swelled shut and clothes in obvious disarray. Jesus. Who knows what would have happened if they'd been later, what had already happened that they hadn't been here for.

"Don't argue," he said softly, starting to help him up the stairs.