But Joe can't wait for answers. He's been warned by a noted physician that Al will be brain dead if special treatment is delayed any longer. Fighting time, criminal obstacles, and helping to find special and trustworthy medical care adds suspense. He's assisted by DEA buddy Terry Johnson who also helps him discover a variety of suspects, including health care personnel who ignore “red flag” coma warnings and—most surprisingly—a respected politician running for mayor. It seems Al may be the victim of “Pay Back” for his disclosure of drug dealers who want to shut him up.

Suspense increases as days are numbered to wake up Al. Meanwhile, “experts” try describing thoughts and possible nightmares of such comatose patients. Al's thoughts are dramatically told along with some weird experiences. Indeed, Joe may have the “goods” on the bad guys who did this, but trying to get documented evidence to prove what Al knows and has been writing about is very dangerous—needing help from smart docs, cops and clever computer techniques.