Collision Course, Prologue
 

" Grandfather, Sally notified me that you wanted to speak with me?", Ethan said into the telephone in the Library.

" Yes, Ethan. Make sure that the door is closed, and that you don’t put this on speakerphone. I have things to discuss with you. Private things. Things that will change your life."

Ethan did as Alistair wished, as he got up and closed the door.

" What is it, Grandfather. You’ve obviously heard about my proposing to Theresa."

" Yes, I did, Ethan. And, I have to tell you, that I’m very disappointed in you, Ethan."

" Well, I’m sorry, Grandfather. I love Theresa with all my heart, and we’re going to be married."

" No, Ethan. I don’t think so."

" Pardon me."

" Not unless you’re willing to give up everything you hold dear."
 

Gwen and Rebecca Hotchkiss rushed into the Emergency Room. They went to the first nurse they saw.

" We’re looking for Johnathan Hotchkiss. Do you know him? Can you help us?", Gwen asked, pleading. The woman checked her charts.

" Trauma One.", and she pointed in the right direction.

Gwen and Rebecca got to the trauma. They see Jonathan Hotchkiss hooked up to the machines. Tubes everywhere. Rebecca goes to one side, and Gwen to the other.

" John…it’s Bec. Can you hear me?"

" Daddy? Daddy? Wake up.", Gwen pleads.

Johnathan opens his eyes. He smiles at Gwen, and then at Rebecca.

" Bec. Would you get the doctor?"

" Sure, John. Anything." Rebecca leaves the room, and Gwen sits on the side of the bed, holding her father’s hand.

" Daddy, as soon as the doctor gets here, we’ll make sure he gives you everything you need."

" There’s no need for a doctor, Gwenny. I needed to talk to you."

" Talk…about what?"

" About what needs to be done after I’m gone. "

" Daddy, don’t."

" We have to be realistic. I want you to promise me that you’ll look after your mother and brother."

" Daddy.."

" They’ll need your strength. Your mother especially. You have to see her through this. I know she feels our marriage wasn’t well, but, I think she’ll surprise herself about my death."

" Don’t talk like this.", Gwen pleads.

" I have to. I want you to look after your mother. Promise me."

" Ok…I promise."

" The company..well, I know that will be fine. You’re brilliant Gwenny. My company couldn’t be in better shape."

" Daddy, all this is just ridiculous. Because, you’ll be back behind your desk in no time."

" No, Darling. I won’t. It’s time."

" No, Daddy.", Gwen says with tears in her eyes.

" Let me be, Gwen. Let me be. I love you.", Johnathan says taking his last breath, and then the monitor flatlines. The monitors alert the nurses at their station, and they come in, and try to revive Johnathan, but, they are unsuccessful. Rebecca watches, and they try to resuscitate him, but, nothing works. Gwen is standing in the corner, saying the same words, over and over..

" Please don’t leave me, Daddy."

After some time, the doctor turns off the machines, and pulls the sheet over Johnathan Hotchkiss. He goes over to Rebecca, who is just staring at the body.

" I’m so sorry, Mrs. Hotchkiss."

The doctor leaves, with Rebecca and Gwen standing at separate points in the room, both staring at the body.
 
 

" Hi, Harold. You called?", Eve said, entering the Hospital Lab.

" Yes, Dr. Russell. You wanted me to know when the computer had come up with results on that DNA comparison that you gave me."

" I sure did."

" Well, a match came up around an hour ago. Now, you know, the computer was instructed to do matches of 90% or more. It’s not absolute confirmation until a second, more thorough DNA test is done."

" I know. All I need now, is the name of the person."

" Dr. Russell…."

" I know, Harold. I know that you went around procedure helping me with this."

" Yes, I did. But, since I could have never made it through my Pre-Med classes without your tutoring, or gotten into Med School without your recommendation, I didn’t mind."

" I won’t allow you to be responsible. You just tell me how to do it, and I’ll get the person’s name and address. "

Harold explains it to Eve, and then tells her, " You know…I think it’s time that I took my break."

Eve smiles at Harold. " Thank you."

" For you to be going through all this trouble, this person must be someone special."

" Yes, he’s a very special young man."

" I’ll be gone about a half hour. I’ll put the sign up, so no one will disturb you."

" Thanks again, Harold."

Once Harold is gone, Eve sits there with the information that he gave her. Eve types the number into the database.

" Ok. Whoever you are, you are about to become a parent. "

Eve pushes enter.

The computer searches for the match, and she looks at the screen, holding pen and paper, to jot down the name and address of Chad’s match.

" I don’t believe it."

The computer gives the name:

DR. EVE RUSSELL