"Sorry to call so early, but I need your help. You know your doctor friend who dug the bullet out of me?"

"Of course."

"Well, I need him again. As early as possible. And we'll need antibiotics."

"Johnny, were you shot again? If you were, that's too many times."

"No, this one is different. You're on speakerphone, Thomas. Meet Jenny Ryan, the Marine who saved my life last night in Santa Monica."

She rolled her eyes.

"Hello, she said."

"Hello, Marine," Barker said. "And thank you. I'll probably wait until 7:30 or 8:00 to call the doc, but there will be no problem getting a look see and a prescription...