Bai Zhu entered the infirmary first.
Morel stood in the corridor with Shuto on his back, water still dripping from his trouser legs. Shuto's head hung behind his shoulder, and his empty left sleeve was soaked through with rainwater and blood. Morel had the severed arm wrapped inside the wet clothes against his chest.
A young nurse was sitting in the infirmary. She was the pretty girl who had followed behind Bai Zhu carrying the fruit platter earlier. When she saw Bai Zhu enter, she hurriedly produced a bunch of grapes from somewhere, ready to get to work. But when she glanced at Shuto, the grapes fell from her hand.
"Quick, get him inside first. I'll get the first-aid kit—"
"No need."
Bai Zhu raised a hand to stop her.
The nurse froze for a moment.
"He's badly hurt. At the very least, we need to stop the bleeding first. The equipment on this ship is limited. I'll contact the port hospital..."
"No need to contact them."
Bai Zhu pushed open the infirmary door.
"This is medical confidentiality."
The nurse opened her mouth.
"Medical confidentiality?"
"Yes."
Bai Zhu jerked his chin toward the corridor.
"You go out. Don't leave anyone at the door either. Whoever knocks, I'll dock their pay."
The nurse stared at him for two seconds, then looked at Morel.
Morel nodded.
"Do as he says."
The nurse left holding the fruit platter, setting the first-aid kit by the door before she went.
Bai Zhu picked up the kit and locked the door behind them.
Click.
Morel laid Shuto on the hospital bed.
The boy's body was very light. He barely made a sound as he landed on the mattress.
Bai Zhu switched on the lamp beside the bed. He checked the back of Shuto's head first, then