[The shocks running through Howard's body make him grit his teeth, wrap his hands even more firmly around the steering wheel of his 1947 Ford Roadster, and push down on the gas even harder. To the effect that if the Cult wanted 'peace and quiet' for their dubious deeds after dark? They weren't getting it tonight. Howard was pretty sure he took out at least three garbage cans, one patrolling Cultist's vehicle, and a bush.]
[He felt bad about the garbage can and the bush.]
[He swerved the car into the Tower's basement, stumbled out of the car and into the elevator, all but falling to the ground, as the pain rolled through him. The doors opened to the penthouse, and he lurched out, searching -- finding. Sofa.]
[He stumbled over to the sofa, falling beside Maria, naked panic and fear running through him, as he touched her face gently.] Maria? Maria, baby, wake up, I'm here ... please, wake up...
[He looked up to Tony, and that fear suddenly spiked when he looked at his son, shaking and pale. Without thinking, he put his hand on Tony's arm.] Are you all right?