All of Austin's initial attempts had failed, but he immediately succeeded when Mike gave him a plan. Mike then disappeared. "Why would he help unless he had ulterior motives?" Alexander wondered. "Would he be so kind as to help Austin without expecting something in return?" He couldn't believe it.

After a moment's thought, he blurted, "Mike?"

Austin was stunned. "You know him too?" He added a moment later, "It was him! He saved me! He told me how to escape and what to do. I shouldn't have trusted him! If I'd known this would happen, I'd have been better off staying there!"

Alexander felt conflicted, unsure if Austin was telling the truth. He mused, Did Mike do this on purpose? Knowing Mike, he wouldn't. But his son is captive now, and he didn't mention doing anything for Nick. Perhaps Mike acted under immense pressure or threats from the organization. If so, Mike might know what kind of virus this is—or rather, what kind of symbiote it is.

"Uncle Dom won't let me leave! I'd find that organization and that bastard Mike if I could! I swear I'll spread the virus back to them!" Austin's fury was palpable; he'd kill Mike if given the chance.

Alexander regained his composure. "That's right. You shouldn't leave. I have people guarding this place, and others are attending to your needs. Also..." he paused, "...the old man wants you to help him in three hours."

"Yeah, I got it," Austin replied, glancing at the wall clock. "His herbal bath should take about six hours."

"What does this herbal bath do? Can it remove toxins?"

"I'm not sure; he used many herbs." After spending time at his granduncle's, Austin had matured. He no longer felt Dominic was biased for sharing his expertise with others but not him. Dominic had, in fact, taught him much. Though Dominic hadn't formally taken him on as a student, he'd taught Austin everything he needed to know. Talent, ultimately, was the deciding factor. Hard work paled in comparison. And Austin wasn't as hardworking as he'd thought. "Uncle Dom told me to boil the herbs and pour them into the bathtub. He said he'll be soaking for six hours and doesn't want to be disturbed."

Alexander nodded, sensing Dominic knew the situation but lacked the energy to address it immediately. He decided to wait.

"Take a rest. I'll look after Galen. Also..." Alexander hesitated, "...can you cook?"

Austin was speechless.