"THIS IS THE OLD ME!" Eliot shouted, then had to slump forward, gasping for breath. He was shaking now, trembling hard against the ropes and cords that held him against the chair. He was spent, had used what seemed like the last of his energy in one bellow. ". . . I ain't . . . th'good guy. Never been. . . ."

He was just . . . so fucking tired.

"Lemme 'lone."