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groomed, with an air of self-confidence and positive energy about him. At the moment, he was none of those things. He was unshaven, his clothes were rumpled, and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked haggard. Even worse, he looked humiliated—and scared.
    Danny smiled weakly at Blair as he was led past him to the duty sergeant behind the counter. He signed some documents relating to his discharge and personal effects.
    “You’re free to go, Mr. Moran,” said the sergeant. “The State’s Attorney’s Office will be contacting you.” He glanced up from his paperwork and gave Danny a hard look. “You better hope that guy survives. If he doesn’t, you’ll be looking at homicide charges on top of the DUI and reckless driving.”
    Danny said nothing. He collected his belongings and turned toward Blair, who was now standing behind him.
    “Hello, Dano,” Blair said softly. “I don’t know what happened, but whatever it is, I’m here for you. You’ll get through this.” He did his best to sound reassuring.
    Danny was unable to meet his gaze. He stared at the grimy tile floor, a tear trickling down his cheek.
    “Come on, pal, we can talk outside,” Blair said, putting his arm around Danny’s shoulder and leading him outside.
    They walked in silence to Blair’s Lexus and climbed in. As Blair started the ignition, Danny turned and faced him. “I’m in serious trouble, Blair. I almost killed someone last night. This is such a nightmare.” He sounded despondent.
    Blair turned off the ignition and gave his friend his full attention. “Take it slow, Dano. Why don’t you tell me exactly what happened?”
    “That’s just it—that’s the worst part. I don’t even know what happened. I don’t remember anything! All I remember is waking up in my car a block from my house with a policeman staring me in the face, telling me that I had run somebody off the road. He said the guy was really hurt and that he might not make it.”
    “You don’t remember anything about the accident at all?”
    “Nothing. It’s a total blank!”
    “Well, don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions. Maybe it wasn’t your fault. Maybe the other guy was driving recklessly.”
    Danny looked doubtful. “But that won’t matter in court. I was drunk. There’d be a presumption that I was at fault. And I probably was. Hell, I blacked out. I’d have to be really drunk for that to happen. But it just doesn’t make any sense. I know sometimes I drink too much, but I never drive when I’m drunk. I just don’t. That’s been programmed into my brain forever. How could I have done that?”
    “We’ll find the best DUI lawyer in town, Dano. You may not be able to get off completely, but—”
    “I’m not worried about getting off! I’m worried about what I’ve done! This guy might die because of me. And the cop told me he’s got two little kids. How can I live with that?”
    “Well, don’t assume the worst. Maybe he’ll pull through.”
    Danny turned toward the window and wiped tears from his eyes. “It’s so scary, Blair, not having the faintest recollection of what happened.” There was pain etched across his face and anguish in his voice.
    “What’s the last thing you remember, Dano?”
    Danny closed his eyes and thought for a moment. “I remember having a couple of pints of Guinness with Brendan. After that, it’s just a total blank. I’ve been trying all night to force my memory to come back, but it’s no use. It’s just not there.” Danny hung his head and took a deep breath as if bracing himself for the cold truth. “I guess it doesn’t matter,” he said with quiet resignation. “Whether I remember it or not, it’s pretty clear what happened. I got loaded, I tried to drive home, then I either passed out at the wheel and ran that poor guy off the road, or I ran him off the road and then passed out. Any way you cut it, I’m responsible. It’s my fault, and now I’ve got to deal with the consequences.”
    “Let’s