"Only my pride," Gabriel grumbled, leaning back against the wall and pressing his palms against it. At least he'd fallen against the wall instead of away from it. "And my ass. Other than that ..."

He shrugged and gave Twitch a fake smile--or at least aimed one in his general direction. "How's your practice going? Manage to hang up your shingle anywhere?"

Despite his sardonic tone, he was ... somewhat curious. Not because of himself, of course. No medical doctor could help him. And yet.