"Now, now, none of that, Mr. Clarke." It was often amazing how quickly the staff could move when it was needed, but this time the nurse halted a short distance behind the red-haired man rather than intervening directly. Whatever Paige had done to upset him had clearly done an excellent job of it, and when he was making such threats it was best not to agitate him further.

But speaking of the young woman, the nurse turned a brief frown on her and shook her head. "And you, Paige, it's not nice to be grabbing people without their permission, mm? Just let Mr. Clarke go and we'll all go back to enjoying our lovely breakfasts, how does that sound?" And behind her the usual brace of orderlies reinforced her polite suggestion with the hint that they'd be more than willing to intervene, should it be needed.