"Slade didn't get lucky, he planned it. Shot me full of elephant tranqs so I couldn't dodge," Bart said, quietly. "If Vic hadn't been able to get the docs in line at the hospital, I might have lost the leg, not just a kneecap. I heal fast, but that doesn't mean I heal right."

A pause. "It doesn't mean I'm not still the fastest, though. The difference barely registers most of the time, but I know it's there, and I have to add strides to take corners right sometimes."