Kate shifts on her side as he speaks, tucking one elbow under her and resting her head in her hand. She stretches her free arm out across his neck, so her fingers can get at his hair (not teasing, but running slow, soothing strokes from crown to nape). She doesn't say anything; this isn't a bedtime yarn or a campfire story, this is Doc's life, his friends, and his enemies. She listens eagerly, but she'd never push him.

No matter how much she wants to ask what happened next, or get carried away in the tale.

"He sounds like he's got a death wish."