a few hours , less if you are struck by heat . long enough to kill a guard and stuff him in a freezer . `` you 're joking , surely , '' he said . it was the only way to see straight-to let the poison out of my system . '' do you remember anything else about him ? i nodded a silent thank you as he glanced back at me . he stood there waiting as if he were reluctant to set the drink down . why didnt you tell me i was a carrier ? 