Monday, May 7th, 3:13 PM

Mako's head throbbed in rhythm to his heartbeat. He held an ice-cold glass of jack and coke up to his forehead with his eyes sealed shut as he sat at one of the many bars on the exterior of the main deck. Alone at the bar, he remained in silence, equally fighting off the pain of his injuries and the confusion surrounding Elise's entire situation.

He took a deep drink from the glass, emptying it except for the ice cubes, and cleared his throat after ...