Swamped

"Sevethrian wine," he continues. "Small island a bit to the northeast, if you weren't aware. There's something very potent in their grapes, and it only seems to get stronger as they ferment. But it's also very sensitive, and if you get it cold enough and someone drinks it... well, their body becomes very eager to get rid of it. And that usually takes quite a few other things out as well. Patterson across the street reserves a bottle for emergency use, let me just make you a quick note so they know it's official. It'd be best to send one of the nurses, but I'll need them both here if things get worse."

It takes him a few minutes to get to the note, because he's still poking and prodding at Flame. What is he even doing?

"Sorry about that. Breathing was slowing down. I can keep that under control, but not all night. Hurry. And I guess we'll need to think of a way to wake him up... but one thing at a time."

He doesn't seem to be very good at sticking to one thing at a time right now. All the more reason you should help out. Quite aside from your interest in both Flame and in whatever's going on at Patterson's place.

Not that you'll be in time for the show, but perhaps you can ask about it while you're there. You walk out, and the nurse soon confronts you again.

"Where are you heading now?" he asks. Still skeptical, you see.

"The doctor needs something from Patterson," you say, holding up the note. "Sevethrian wine, I think?"

The nurse glances over it.

"Why send you and not me?"

"He thinks things might get worse here. You can help more than I can if that happens."

"Well, if you're on the up-and-up he's definitely worried. Totally forgot to mention how much ice we'll need," the nurse says, grabbing it and scribbling on it. "We don't ask for this often, so I doubt Patterson knows the amount by heart. Now, we do got a lot more patients than usual tonight, so I guess it is better if I'm here. But, I got one quick question before I agree to let you go over there."

Of course he does. Tonight is the sort of night where there's always one more little thing to deal with.

"What's your connection to our new clerk, exactly?"

You can't say you were expecting that particular question, though.