"Good idea. I'll try that next," Tillman muttered. He stepped closer and pressed his body into Crane's, stilling a good portion of the pained squirming. He withdrew the tweezers and examined the extricated piece briefly.

Crane didn't look good: pale, shaky, with a fine sheen of pain induced perspiration. It was a wonder he hadn't passed out already. The next bit was going to be worse. Their current position would not be optimal, especially if the doctor did go limp.

"You're going to have to lay down," he instructed calmly as he threaded a needle.