[Not a word seems to reach his ears. As the episodic memory comes to an end and the pain begins to fade, he growls under his breath, furious. Still panting, Slugger raises his head and gives it a hard shake. For just an instant, a bright red glimmer flashes beneath the bill of his cap and his teeth look much too large for his face, much too sharp.

Then he freezes. Perfectly still and silent, head bowed. Evidently, someone has been watching him and he looks up slowly to see who it is.]

...