Dr. Wiseman stumbled into the lab. The open wound two inches above his left ear still slowly oozing blood. It had only been twenty minutes since he awoke from the blow to his head but all was becoming clear now.


He mentally grasped tightly to the formula that would save his family. He had to repeat it over and over in order to keep it from disappearing into the mist. His wife and children's lives were at stake.


Carefully he prepped the counter. Three test tubes on the right. Necessary chemicals were collected. Two beakers and an eyedropper on the left. He ran the cure though his mind one more time. He felt glad that the solution finally presented itself but he feared there would not be enough time.


Dr. Wiseman started the process of mixing the chemicals. He glance at the clock on the wall hoping the hands would somehow slow or stop. Time was as much the enemy as anything else.


Suddenly there was a noise from the hall. He knew who it was. At this time of night it could only be one person. He frantically mixed the chemicals but time could not be bent. A frame appeared out of the shadows as did the outline of a baseball bat.


The first strike was partially blocked by the Dr.s natural reflex to raise his hands. The next hit its mark. The original wound was doubled with a direct hit. As blood flowed freely, the doctor could only think of his kids. He had failed them.


His last vision was that of his killer. The doctor looked up not asking for mercy but looking for forgiveness. 'I tried' was the last thought that crossed his mind as his wife swung the bat one last time.