With all the manhandling that had come from feigning unconsciousness, God. Maybe he did need a doctor!

But then Rose was gone, and his new hired hand was sitting on Mr. Meijer [i]like he was furniture. Reflexively, he swatted away the hand approaching his face.

"Mr. Benjamin," Mr. Meijer sad flatly and all too lucidly, though he did not bother opening his eyes. "Get off of me."