The darker hand felt heavy and warm on top of his own. Under normal circumstances, it might have just been a little comforting, but the rash on both their arms mostly served to steel Barnaby's determination. The stakes were high, and they both had too much to lose if they didn't act now.

But more importantly, the two of them were going into this together. Although Barnaby would never admit as much out loud, he was not only relieved to get some confirmation that Kotetsu didn't intend to leave him behind, but also quite pleased to learn that he was still counting on him despite his injuries. He didn't want to think about how he would have felt if Kotetsu had decided to move on without him.

Instead, Barnaby fought to keep his mouth from pulling into a smile. He busied himself with glancing over the maps. "That is true," he remarked. "I suppose it can't be helped, then." Of course, if they were headed for the x-ray room, Barnaby didn't exactly need his maps. He remembered the way from last night well enough. As he tucked the papers inside of his jacket, he glanced toward his partner. "If you'd get my flashlight, please."