Jackson is disappointed, but not surprised, when Drake leads him to the docks. Dressed appropriately, the doctor has little trouble blending with the crowd and gaining easy access to the boxing room, hastily set up for a night's illicit entertainment.

It's one of the hardest things he's ever had to do, standing still and doing nothing but watch as he his lover is beaten black and blue in front of his eyes. But he knows he will make the situation worse, rather than better, if he jumps into the ring and puts an end to things then and there.

So he has to wait until the bell rings, the bout ended, Drake collapsed to the floor. Only then does he jump into the ring, telling those who try to stop him that he is an impartial doctor, pulling his lover close and cradling him against his lap.

"You damn fool," he mutters as he tries to assess the injuries.