EPISODE 197 - Forty-Eight Hours

A medical team meets them.  "What've we got?"  One doctor asks.

 

"Car accident,"  replies one of the paramedics.  "Male victim, approximately 16 to 18 years of age.  He's got some head trauma, some lacerations, and possible internal injuries.  We got another bus right behind us."

 

"Okay, let's get this kid into Trauma Room 3, STAT!"

 

Ben is rushed into the trauma room, and a nurse closes the curtain behind them.  "Okay, I want a series of X-rays 

 

Back in the trauma room, a medical team quickly springs into action as Ben's condition has deteriorated and he is going into respiratory arrest.  The team begins working frantically to save the young man.

 

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

Courtney, Christopher, Bobby, Ann, Phyllis, and Cole Gioberti are sitting in the waiting room at the hospital in Dallas, when Joseph walks in.  He looks at Courtney and Christopher for a moment, then walks over to them.  

"Courtney, can I get you guys anything?"  He asks.  "Some coffee or something?"

 

"No, thanks, I'm fine,"  Courtney replies.

 

"Christopher?  Coffee or anything?"  

 

"Thank you, but no, I'm fine."

 

"Joseph, you and Cole must be exhausted,"  Courtney says.  "There's really no need in you both sticking around the hospital all night.  Why don't you go back to your hotel and get some sleep."

 

"No," Joseph replies.  "I'm not goin' anywhere."

"Look, she's right,"  says Christopher.  "There's really nothing you can do here."

 

"Oh, yes there is,"  says Joseph.  "I can be here.  That's something I haven't been able to do for my son since the day he came into this world, but I CAN be here now."  Joseph takes a seat across from Christopher and Courtney.  

 

"Listen, everyone, there really isn't any sense in everyone waiting here with us,"  says Christopher.  "Dad, Ann, Phyllis, why don't you all go home and get some rest?  I know you all must be exhausted.  We'll call you if anything changes."

 

"Mom, I think that's a good idea,"  Courtney says to Phyllis.  "You have a heart condition yourself, and you need to get some rest."

 

Phyllis looks at her daughter and sighs.  "Well, I admit, I AM pretty tired."

 

"I don't really wanna go all the way back to Southfork and be that far away,"  says Bobby.

 

"Bobby, Ann, why don't you both come over to my apartment?"  Phyllis asks.  "I have an extra bedroom, and you can both get some sleep and we'll all be just a few minutes away from the hospital."

 

"That sounds good,"  says Ann. "Thank you, Phyllis."

 

"Alright, we'll go,"  Bobby says.  "But call us if you need us, or if anything changes."

 

"We will,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Mr. Gioberti,"  Phyllis says to Cole.  "You're more than welcome to come, too.  I have a very comfortable couch."

 

"Thank you, but I'm gonna stay here for a while.  And please, call me Cole."

 

Phyllis nods.  "Alright.....Cole."

 

As Bobby, Ann, and Phyllis leave, Christopher and Joseph exchange looks, Christopher wishing Joseph and his father would also leave.

Braddock Medical Center....

 Gavin rushes into Braddock Medical Center and approaches the nurse's desk.  "Excuse me,"  he says.  "I got a call that my brother had been brought in here.  He was in an accident."

 

"Name?"

 

"Benjamin Murray."

 

"Gavin?"  Ray's voice comes from behind.

 

Gavin turns around and sees Ray and Donna across the hall.  "Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs.  Thank you for callin' me.  How's my brother?  How bad was he hurt?"

 

"We don't know,"  Donna replies.

 

"Nurse wouldn't tell us anything since we're not family.  All we know is, they're still in there workin' on him."

 

Gavin sighs.  "Oh my God.  I've gotta try and call my father again.  He didn't answer his phone the first time."  Gavin takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials Andrew's number.  Andrew's phone rings several times.

Meanwhile....

 

Andrew is sitting in a bar in Dallas, drinking a bottle of beer.  Having already downed 4 beers already, Andrew is intoxicated, and at first he doesn't feel his phone vibrating in his pocket.  But after a few moments, he feels the phone and fumbles to remove it from his pocket.  By the time he looks at the phone, it has stopped ringing.  His eyesight blurry from the alcohol, Andrew looks at the phone, but, unable to make out who has called him, he puts the phone back into his pocket and finishes off his beer.  "Bartender........another,"  he says.

 

The bartender nods, grabs a beer, opens it, and hands it to Andrew.

 

"Thank you,"  Andrew says.  "Y'aknow, Jim, you are just about my best friend in the world right now.  Hell, you're my ONLY friend in the world right now."

 

The bartender smiles at the man and nods at him again.

Braddock Medical Center....

Back at the hospital, a frustrated Gavin puts his phone away and sighs after being unable to reach his father.  

 

"No answer?"  Ray asks.

 

"No, no answer."

 

"You sure your father's even still in Dallas?"

 

"Yes, I'm sure.  Ben and I saw him just today.  He was at the hospital in Dallas.  Said he had found out about my nephew Jacob bein' in the hospital, but Ben and I knew that my father was the last person Courtney and Christopher needed to see, so we told him to leave.  He's probably pissed at me, so he's deliberately not answering my calls."

 

At that moment, a male doctor comes down the hall and goes to the nurse's desk.  As the doctor is saying something to the nurse at the desk Gavin, Ray, and Donna walk over to him.

 

"Excuse me, doctor,"  Gavin says.  

 

"Yes?  Are you the family of Benjamin Murray?"

 

"Ben's my brother.  How bad was he hurt?  Can I see him?"

 

"Your brother's injuries are extremely serious,"  the doctor replies.  "Ben is bleeding internally.  We have to get him into surgery to try and stop the bleeding."

 

"Yes, okay, whatever you have to do,"  Gavin says.  

 

"Doctor......what are his chances?"  Ray asks.

 

"Are you the boy's parents or grandparents?"

 

"No. Ben works for me,"  Ray says.

 

"Doctor, please, just answer the question,"  says Gavin.  "Is my brother gonna live?"'

 

"Son, we're going to do everything we can for him.  At this point, that's all I can say.  Have your parents been notified?"

 

"Ben's mother is dead,"  replies Gavin.  "And I've been trying to reach our father, but I can't."

 

"Keep trying,"  the doctor says.  "He really needs to be here.  Now, excuse me, I have to prep for surgery."  The doctor turns and walks away from them.

 

"Oh God,"  Gavin says.  "My God.  The way he's talking..........he makes it sounds like my little brother is gonna die."

 

"Gavin, don't,"  Ray says, placing his hand on the young man's shoulder.  "Don't do this to yourself."

 

"We just have to have faith that Ben is going to make it,"  says Donna.

 

"First Jacob, and now Ben?  How much more is my family supposed to take?"

 

"Gavin, you think maybe you should call Courtney, let her know what's goin' on?"  Ray asks.  

 

Gavin looks at him, then nods his head.  "Yeah, I should."

 

"Would you like for me to call her?"  Donna asks.

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Krebbs, but it really should come from me.  I just hate to tell her this over the phone.  Maybe I should call Christopher and let him tell her."  Gavin takes his phone out again and dials Christopher's number.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Courtney is dozing off in a chair on one side of Jacob's bed, while Christopher is sitting on the other side, watching the boy sleep.  He is startled when his cell phone begins to vibrate on the table beside the bed.  Picking the phone up, he sees that Gavin is calling him, Christopher assumes, to check on Jacob.  Standing to his feet, Christopher 

leaves the room to answer the call.  "Gavin, hey, what's up?"  Christopher listens for a moment as Gavin tells him about Ben's accident.  "Oh my God.  How bad?" Again, Christopher silently listens as Gavin speaks on the other end of the line.  "Yeah,"  Christopher says.  "Yeah, don't worry, I'll tell Courtney.  Gavin, thanks for letting us know, and I hope and pray that Ben's gonna be okay.  Yeah, just keep me posted.  Alright.  Bye."  He ends the call and shakes his head.  "Damn."

 

"Christopher?"  Courtney says as she opens the door to Jacob's room and steps into the hallway.  "What's wrong?  Were you on the phone?"

 

"Yeah, I was."

 

Courtney looks at her watch.  "It's after midnight.  Is anything wrong?"

 

Christopher lets out a deep sigh.  "Courtney, that was Gavin.  Sweetheart I've got some bad news."

 

"Bad news?  Oh God, is it my Mom?  Has something happened to my Mom?"  

 

"No.  Courtney, it's Ben.  He was in a very serious car accident tonight, and he's in the hospital in Braddock.  They're about to take him into surgery."

 

"An......an accident?"  Courtney asks.  "But, Ben was just here tonight.  Not three hours ago."

 

"Yeah, I know.  Apparently, the accident happened on his way back to Uncle Ray's ranch."

 

"Oh God,"  Courtney cries, putting her hand over her mouth.  "Christopher, this can't be happening.  First Jacob, and now Ben.  Why is all this happening to my family?"

 

"I dunno,"  Christopher replies, putting his arms around his wife and embracing her as she cries.

Braddock Medical Center....

 Allison Jones is startled awake in her hospital bed at Braddock Medical Center.  A nurse is standing at her bedside taking her vitals.  "Whe......where am I?"  Allison asks, looking around the room as she attempts to sit up in bed.

 

"Shhhh, you're in Braddock Medical Center," the nurse replies.

 

"Braddock hospital?  But........why?"

 

"Don't you remember the accident?"

 

"Accident?"  Allison asks.  She thinks for a few seconds.  "Oh......oh my God.  The accident.  A car.....hit us.  Oh God, Karen! My sister.....where is my sister?"  

 

"Ms. Jones, just calm down,"  the nurse says.  

 

"No, where is my sister, Karen?  I need to see her.  Is she here, in the hospital?  How bad is she hurt?"

 

"Just hang on, I'll get the doctor.  He'll explain everything."  The nurse quickly leaves the room.  After she's gone, Allison lays her head back on her  pillow.  Her heart is pounding with fear as she worries about Karen's condition.  A moment later, the nurse returns with a female doctor.  

 

"Ms. Jones?"  The doctor says.

 

"Yes.  My sister......my sister, Karen.  How badly is she hurt?  This nurse wouldn't tell me anything."

 

The doctor and nurse exchange looks, then the doctor walks over to Allison's bed.  "Ms. Jones....."

 

"Please, tell me!!!!"

 

"I'm very sorry,"  the doctor says.  "But, your sister........she didn't make it."

 

In great pain, Allison sits up in bed.  "What do you mean, she didn't make it?  Are you telling me that my sister is...... that she's dead?"

 

"Yes.  I'm so sorry.  Your sister was dead on arrival, and the paramedics believe that she died instantly in the accident."

 

"Oh dear God......no.......NOOO!!!"  Allison cries.  "OH, NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE???"

 

"Ms. Jones, please, calm down,"  the doctor says.

 

Allison begins screaming and crying hysterically.  

 

"Nurse, get me a sedative, quick,"  the doctor says.  "Flurazepam, 10 mg."

 

"Right away,"  the nurse says.  The nurse leaves the room as the doctor tries to calm and restrain her hysterical patient.  Less than a minute later, the first nurse returns with another.  While the doctor and the second nurse hold Allison's arms, the first nurse injects the sedative into her I.V.  Within a few seconds, Allison begins to calm down, then closes her eyes.  

 

"I want a close watch kept on her,"  the doctor says.  "The news of her sister's death came as a great shock."

 

"What about their family?"  The first nurse asks.  "Shouldn't they be notified?"

 

"Yes.  Ms. Jones's purse was brought in with her.  If her sister had a purse, it must have been left behind in the wreck.  Go through Ms. Jones's purse and see if you can find anything, a phone number, emergency contact, anything.  I'm sure these two women have family, and they need to be notified about what's happened."

 

"Yes, doctor,"  The nurse says.  The doctor and the other nurse leave the room.  

Braddock Medical Center....later....

 Conner hands Ray and Donna each a cup of coffee as they continue to sit and wait for word on Ben's condition.  Dylan, meanwhile, hands a cup of coffee to Gavin.  "Thanks,"  Gavin says.

 

"Yes, thanks,"  Ray says.  "Y'know, we appreciate you two comin' down here but you really don't have to wait.  It's after two in the mornin'.  Why don't you two go on home and get some sleep?"

 

"I can't speak for Dylan, but, I'd really like to wait,"  says Conner.

 

"So would I,"  Dylan agrees.

 

Ray looks at them, smiles, and nods.  "Okay."

 

Unable to sit still, Gavin stands to his feet and walks to the window, looking out into the parking lot.  Dylan stands and walks over to him.  "You just gotta believe that he's gonna be okay, man,"  Dylan says.

 

Gavin nods, but remains silent as he continues to stare out the window.  

 

"Y'know, man, if you need to talk, we're all here for you,"  Dylan says.

 

"Thanks.  That means a lot, especially since no one in my own family is here.  I understand why Courtney isn't here.  She needs to be with Jacob right now.  That's her place.  But my father should be here."

 

"Have you tried to reach him again?"

 

"Yeah, just about ten minutes ago.  Still not answering his phone."

 

"There's gotta be something that we can do,"  Dylan says.  "Maybe go and look for him?  Conner and I can do that."

"Thanks, man, but, Dallas is a big city, and there's no shortage of cheap motels there," says Gavin.  "My Dad could be in any one of 'em.  I wouldn't even know where to begin to look.  All I can do is just hope that he'll call me back soon."

 

"You and Ben close?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Yeah.  We've always been pretty close.  I'll never forget the first time I actually laid eyes on Ben and my Dad told me that he was my little brother.  I was 8-years-old.  Ben was 4.  My Dad had been cheating on my Mom for years with Ben's Mom.  He would come home to us at night, and as far as Courtney and I knew, we were this perfect, happy, normal little family.  Me, my sister, and my parents.  Perfect family, right?  But all the while, my father was living this double life.  He had this whole other family across town that he was keeping secret.  Another son that he was keeping secret.  And then, he couldn't keep the secret any longer, and he told us everything.  He walked out on my Mom and divorced her.  Then he married Ben's Mom.  I was little y'know.  Courtney, she was a few years older than me, and she understood what was goin' on.  But me, at 8-years-old..........I loved my Dad.  My Dad was my hero.  I wanted to be with him, and I blamed my Mom for the breakup.  So I went to live with my Dad.  Ben and I, we, uh, well, I loved havin' a little brother.  If he dies......"

 

"Hey, come on, Gavin, don't say that."  Dylan places a hand on Gavin's shoulder.  

 

"I'm just so scared, man.  My nephew is in the hospital in Dallas, and could possibly die soon if they don't find a heart for him, and now my little brother is here in THIS hospital fighting for his life.  This all feels like a bad dream that I'm gonna wake up from."

 

As Dylan is about to say something, the doctor appears in the doorway.  Gavin rushes over to him, followed by Ray, Donna, Conner, and Dylan.

 

"My brother?"  Gavin asks.

 

 

 

 

 

"I'm sorry,"  the doctor say.  "We did everything we could, but, Ben didn't make it."

 

"Oh God, no,"  Donna gasps in tears.  

 Gavin looks at the doctor, as if in shock for a few seconds.  "Ben, uh.........he's dead?"

 

"Yes.  There was a lot of bleeding from internal injuries to Ben's liver and kidneys.  We were unable to stop the bleeding.  Ben also had a head injury.  I'm very sorry."

 

"Gavin, I'm so sorry,"  Ray says.

 

"Yes, we all are," Donna says, hugging the young man.

 

"I can't believe it,"  Dylan says.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....early morning

 An elevator door opens at Texas Health Presbyterian just after daybreak.  Phyllis, Gavin, Bobby, and Ann step off the elevator.  Gavin pauses for a moment in the hallway.  "Gavin, are you sure you're up for this?" Bobby asks the young man.  "If you want, I can tell Christopher and Courtney the news."

 

"Thank you, Mr. Ewing, but no.  This news really should come from me."

 

"I'll be right here with you, sweetheart,"  Phyllis says, grasping her son's hand.  

 

"Let's get this over with,"  Gavin says. 

 

Bobby and Ann watch sadly as Gavin and his mother slowly walk down the hall.  Phyllis and Gavin find Courtney 

sitting alone in a waiting room, staring into space.  Her mother and brother stand in the doorway and watch her for a few seconds without going in or disturbing her, both dreading the terrible news they had to deliver.  Just down the hall, Christopher steps off the elevator.  Seeing Bobby and Ann, he wondered why they were at the hospital so early in the morning.  He approaches them.

 

"Dad?  Ann?"  Christopher says.  "What are you guys doing here?  It's not even 7 a.m."

 

"We came with Gavin and Phyllis,"  Ann replies.

 

"Son, I think your wife is gonna need you,"  says Bobby.

 

A look of worry comes over Christopher's face.  "Ben?"

 

Bobby looks at his son and nods,  

 

"Oh my God,"  Christopher says with a sigh.  He walks the short distance down the hall to Phyllis and Gavin, who are still standing in the doorway of the waiting room watching Courtney. Christopher places his hand on their backs.  As Phyllis turns and hugs him, Courtney hears them in the door way and turns to them.  

 

"Mom?  Gavin?"  She says, standing and walking over to them.  "What......"

 

"Courtney, I have some terrible news,"  Gavin says, struggling to hold back his tears.  

 

Courtney already knows what the news is, as she can see it on the faces of Gavin, Christopher, and her mother.  "It's Ben, isn't it?"

 

Gavin nods as tears begin streaming down his face.  "He didn't make it, Courtney.  They took him into surgery, but they couldn't stop the bleeding. Ben died on the operating table.  Our little brother's gone."

 

"No,"  Courtney cries softly.  "God, no."

 

Christopher embraces his wife as she cries in his arms.  "Gavin, what about your Dad?"  Christopher asks.  "Does he know?"

 

"No.  I haven't even been able to get in touch with him.  I've called his phone probably twenty times.  I've left voice messages, but, he doesn't return my calls.  He's probably still pissed at me because of yesterday."

 

"Yesterday?"  Phyllis asks.  "Honey, what do you mean?  What happened yesterday?"

 

Gavin sighs.  "I didn't tell you guys, but, yesterday when Ben and I came to see Jacob, we saw Dad downstairs."

 

"What?  He was HERE?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yeah.  Somehow, he heard about Jacob and he thought he could just walk in here and see him.  Ben and I confronted him and told him to go away.  He may have even left town, for all I know."

 

"Why didn't you tell me?"  Courtney asks in tears.

 

"I didn't wanna upset you,"  Gavin replies.  "You had enough to deal with.  Last thing you needed was to know that Dad was here."

 

"Do you know where he might be staying?"  Phyllis asks.

 

"No idea."

 

"Well, he needs to know,"  says Christopher.  "No matter how we may feel about Andrew, Ben was his son, and he's gotta be told that Ben is dead before he hears it on the news or in the paper."

 

"You're right, Christopher.  You're right,"  Phyllis says.  

 

"Gavin, were you alone at the hospital when Ben died?"  Courtney asks.

 

"No.  Mr.and Mrs. Krebbs were there, and Conner Ewing and Dylan Baxter."

 

"Anything we can do?"  Bobby asks, he and Ann walking up to the others.

 

"Actually, Dad, there might be," says Christopher.  "We need to find Courtney's father.  He doesn't even know that his son's dead."

 

"Any idea where to look?"  Ann asks.

 

"None at all,"  Phyllis replies.

 

"Knowing him he'd probably be in the cheapest motel he can find,"  Gavin says.

 

"Well, that narrows it down to at least a hundred places he could be,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Okay, well, why don't we split up and each call some of these motels in town,"  Ann suggests.  "If Andy is stayin' at one of them, we'll find him."

 

"That could take forever,"  Bobby says.

 

"Do you have a better idea?"

 

"No,"  Bobby replies.

 

"Well, I guess we'd better get started,"  says Phyllis.  "Courtney, baby, are you alright?"

 

"I don't know, Mom.  Ben and I had just formed a relationship and we were starting to get close, and now he's gone,"  Courtney says in tears.  "He was only 17.  Jacob adored him.  What am I gonna tell my son when he wakes up and asks why we're all so sad?  Or why his Uncle Ben isn't coming to see him?  Oh, God, just listen to me.  If they aren't able to find a matching heart.........I'm gonna lose Jacob, too."  

 

"Oh, sweetheart,"  Phyllis says as she embraces her daughter in an attempt to comfort her.  

 

A strange look comes over Christopher's face.  "Dad, Ann, would you guys stay with them?"

 

"Of course, but where are you goin'?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I have an idea.  I'll be back soon,"  Christopher says, then quickly rushes down the hall as he takes his cell phone from his pocket. 

A few minutes later....

"Christopher, come in,"  Mitch says, welcoming Christopher into his office at the hospital.

 

"I'm glad that you're here.  I wasn't sure you'd be here this early."

 

"Actually  I haven't left the hospital.  I wanted to be on call in case anything happened with Jacob, so, I slept right here in my office last night.  The couch is very comfortable."

 

"Thank you for that.  Mitch, I really need to talk to you about something, and with Dr. Eubanks."

 

"Has anything changed with Jacob?"

 

"Maybe," Christopher says.  "Mitch, a matching heart........what if that heart came from a blood relative?"

 

"A blood relative?  What are you talking about?"

 

"If the heart came from a blood relative of Jacob's?  One who'd just died?"

 

"It would be better from a blood relative, especially if the blood types are the same."

 

"That would be easy to find out,"  Christopher says.

 

"Christopher, what ARE you talking about?"  Mitch asks.

 

"This........this is crazy timing.  But maybe this is the way things were supposed to happen.  Mitch.....Courtney's youngest brother was killed last night in a car accident in Braddock."

 

"Dear God.  Christopher, I'm so sorry.  How's Courtney taking this?"

 

"She's devastated, of course.  But Mitch, maybe something good can come from this terrible tragedy."

 

"Do you know where the brother was taken after the accident?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Braddock Medical Center."  

 

Mitch walks over to his desk and picks up his phone.  He opens a book on the desk and looks up a number, then dials it.  On the second ring, someone answers.  "Yes, this is Dr. Mitchell Cooper, I'm chief of staff at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas.  I'm calling about a patient who was brought into your hospital last night after a car accident.  Young man by the name of......" Mitch pauses and looks at Christopher.

 

"Benjamin Murray."

 

"Benjamin Murray,"  Mitch says.  "I need to know that young man's blood type.  This is very important, a matter of life or death.  Yes, I'll hold."  Mitch and Christopher wait anxiously for almost a full minute, until the person comes back on the other end of the line.  "Yes, my name is Dr. Mitchell Cooper, I'm Chief Of Staff at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas.  I have a young patient here in desperate need of a heart transplant.  My patient is the nephew of a young man who died at your hospital last night as the result of a car accident.  His name is Benjamin Murray.  I need to know Benjamin Murray's blood type, if it's the same as that of my patient.  Yes, and please, I need that information as soon as possible.....immediately.  Thank you, doctor.  I'll expect to hear from you soon."  Mitch hangs up the phone.  "He's going to call me back with that information.  Christopher, what about Courtney's parents?  If her brother turns out to be a match, we're going to need their permission for this transplant, provided the heart wasn't damaged in the accident."

 

"Well, there's only Courtney's father,"  Christopher says.  "She and Ben had different mothers, and Ben's mother died a few years ago."

 

"Well, that might be a problem.  So far, we haven't been able to find their father.  He doesn't even know that his son was killed last night."

 

Mitch looks at him.  "Then I suggest you get busy trying to find him.  Not only does this man need to know what's happened to his son, but without his consent as Benjamin Murray's next of kin........this transplant can't be done, even if the blood types do match.  Christopher, you go and try and locate Courtney's father.  I'll call you as soon as the doctor from Braddock Medical Center gets back to me."

 

Christopher nods in agreement, then quickly leaves the room.  

Braddock Medical Center....

 Allison's doctor walks into her room at Braddock Medical Center that morning and finds her getting dressed.  "Ms. Jones, what do you think you're doing?"  The doctor asks.

 

"What does it look like?"  Allison asks.  "I'm leaving."

 

"Ms. Jones, I strongly advise against you leaving the hospital.  You were involved in a very serious car accident last night.  You have a concussion and a cracked rib."

 

"I'm FINE.  And, I have a 12-year-old nephew who's mother was killed last night.  He has to be told about his mother before he hears it on the news or someone else tells him.  Now, I'm leaving this hospital, and no one is going to stop me."

 

"I understand,"  the doctor says.  "Do you have someone who can pick you up?"

 

"Yes.  My former husband is coming to get me."

 

"Alright, I can't stop you from checking yourself out, but I have to say this is against my advice.  I want you to take it easy.  Get some rest, and I wanna see you back here first thing tomorrow for some more tests."

 

"Fine,"  Allison says.  

 

"I'll go and prepare your release papers,"  the doctor says.  "And Ms. Jones.........I'm very sorry about your sister."

 

Allison looks at her.  "Thank you,"  she says.  The doctor leaves the room.  Allison takes a seat on the bed and winces in pain from her injured rib.  "Oh, God, Casey,"  she says.  "How am I going to tell you about your mother?"  Allison buries her head in her hands and begins to cry.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Bobby, Christopher, Phyllis, Gavin, and Ann are all on their cell phones in a waiting room at Texas Health Presbyterian, all of them calling as many motels in the Dallas area they can in hopes of finding Andrew Murray.  "Alright, well, thank you,"  Bobby says as he speaks to one motel manager on his phone.  Bobby ends the call in frustration.  

 

Christopher ends a call on his own phone, then walks over to his father.  "Still no luck,"  he says.

 

"I know,"  says Bobby.  "This is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  I'm hoping maybe Bum can help.  I called him and left a message for him to call me back as soon as possible."

 

Ann and Phyllis walk over to the men.  "I feel like we're not getting anywhere trying to find Andrew this way,"  Phyllis says.

 

"If only we knew someone who could help us,"  says Ann.  "If only there was someone know whos Andy, and might know where we could find him."

 

"Unfortunately, I don' think there is anyone like that in Dallas,"  Christopher.

 

"Wait a minute,"  Ann says.  "There just might be.  Why didn't I think of this before?"

 

"Honey, what are you talking about?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Someone who knows Andy, and might know where he's stayin' in Dallas... .........Sharon."

 

"Sharon Smith?"

 

"Yes.  Bobby, remember, I told you that Ben said Conner had seen Andy and Sharon together havin' lunch one afternoon a few weeks ago.  Sharon might know where Andy is stayin'."

 

"Ann, will you call her?"  Christopher asks.  "We're running out of time here."

 

"I'll do it right now,"  Ann replies.  taking her phone out again she dials Sharon Smith's number.  She waits for several rings, then, as Ann is about to hang up, Sharon finally answers.  "Sharon, thank God I got you.  This may sound strange, but, do you have any idea where I could find Andy Murray?"

Sharon's apartment....

"Andy?"  Sharon asks.  "Why on Earth do you think  I would know where Andy Murray is?"

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

"Well, Bobby's cousin, Conner Ewing, said that he saw you and Andy havin' lunch together a few weeks ago, and I do know that Andy was still in Dallas as of yesterday,"  Ann says.  "Sharon, if you know where he is, please tell me.  It's very important that we get in touch with him immediately."

 

"Ann, I really have no idea where Andy Murray is.  Yes, he was in town, and I had lunch with him.  After all, he and Mark were friends."

 

"Alright, Sharon.  But on the off chance you do hear from him any time soon, please have him call his son Gavin."

 

"Ann, what the hell is this all about?"  Sharon asks, worried.  "Why is it so important for you to get in touch with Andy?"

 

Ann hesitates for a moment before she answers.  "Sharon, Andy's youngest son, Ben, was killed in a car crash last night."

Sharon's apartment....

Upon hearing the news, Sharon gasps.  "Oh........my God,"  she says.  "I'm so sorry."

 

"Sharon, as far as I know, doesn't know what's happened, so if you do  hear from him, don't say anything, just tell him to call his son."

 

"It's not likely I'll hear from him, but if I do, I'll tell him.  Bye, Ann."  Ann ends the call, then drops her phone to the floor, stunned by the news she has just been given.  

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

"Sharon says she doesn't know where Andy is, but she'll tell him to phone Gavin if she does hear from him,"  Ann says.  

 

"Damn it, we don't have the kinda time,"  Christopher says as Mitch and Dr. Eubanks walk into the room.  Christopher goes over to them.  "Any news yet from the hospital in Braddock?"

 

"Yes,"  replies Mitch.  "Dr. Evans phoned me back and faxed over some information.  Benjamin Murray's blood type matches Jacob's."

 

 "What does that mean?"  Courtney asks, walking into the waiting room with Joseph.   "What's going on?"  

 

"You've found a heart for Jacob?"  Joseph asks.

 

Christopher walks over to his wife.  "Courtney, Mitch contacted the hospital in Braddock to see if Ben and Jacob have the same blood type, and they do."

 

Courtney looks at the two doctors.  "Are you saying that..........Ben's heart?  You could use my brother's heart?"

 

"Yes, Mrs. Ewing,"  replies Dr. Eubanks.  "Your brother and your son have the same blood type, AB Negative.  Your brother was young and healthy."

 

"And according to Dr. Evans at Braddock Medical Center, Ben's heart was not damaged in the accident.  He's a perfect match for Jacob."

 

Courtney begins to cry.  "Oh, God......"

 

"But there's only one problem,"  Christopher says.  

 

"What?  What problem?"

 

"Your father,"  Christopher says.

 

"Courtney, we need to get your father's permission before we can perform the transplant procedure,"  Mitch says.  "He's next of kin, and your brother was a minor."

 

"And so far, we haven't been able to track him down,"  Phyllis says.  

 

"We.......we have to do something,"  Courtney says, crying.  "We have to find him.  Jacob is running out of time."

 

"You're right, we do have to do something,"  says Christopher.  "And I think I know just the thing.  I'll be back."

 

"Christopher, where are you going?"  Courtney asks.

 

"To do the only thing I know to do that can save Jacob,"  Christopher says as he hurries down the hall.  

The Myers home, Braddock....

 Karen and her former husband, Mike, walk into Karen's home.  "Thank you for picking me up at the hospital,"  Allison says.

 

"That's alright.  Allison, y'know, I could have taken care of this for you.  You look as though you need to still be in the hospital."

 

"No, I'm FINE.  This news needs to come from me, and no one else."

 

Karen's neighbor, Mrs. Snyder, comes into the living room to meet them.  "Oh, Allison, I am so, SO sorry about Karen,"  the elderly neighbor says in tears.

 

"Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Snyder.  Casey, he doesn't......."

 

"No,"  Mrs. Snyder says.  "I've not let him listen to any radio or watch television.  He's up in his room playing one of his video games.  But, he does keep asking why his mother hasn't come home. Would you like for me to call him?"

 

"Yes, thank you,"  Allison says.

 

"Casey!  Could you come downstairs, please?"  Mrs. Snyder calls to the boy.

 

"Be down in a minute!"  He yells back.

 

"I'll go and make some coffee,"  Mrs. Snyder says.  "You look like you could use some."

 

"Thank you,"  Allison's former husband says as the woman leaves the room.  

 

"Mike, what am I going to say to him?"  Allison asks.  "How do I tell my 12-year-old nephew that his mother is......"

 

"Allison, we're gonna get through this together,"  Mike says.  

 

"Together?  We haven't gotten through anything together in a long time."

 

"I know.  But whatever happens, I want you to know that I'm here for you.  And for Casey."

 

"That means more to me than you could possibly know,"  Allison says as Casey comes down the stairs.

 

"Hey, Aunt Allison,"  Casey says.  "Uncle Mike?  What are you doin' here?"

 

"Hey, sport,"  Mike says.  

 

"Where's Mom?"

 

Allison looks at the boy for a moment.  "Casey, there's something that I have to tell you.  And I want you to be really strong and brave, okay?"

 

"Okay.  Aunt Allison, what's going on?  Where's Mom?  Is she okay?"

 

Allison takes a seat on the arm of the sofa and looks.  She looks at Mike, then at Casey.  "Oh, baby, I don't know how to tell you this.  But, there was an accident last night.  A car accident."

 

"Mom?"  Casey asks.  "Is she okay?  Was she hurt?"

 

"Yes, baby, she was,"  replies Allison.

 

"How bad?  Is she in the hospital?  Come on, I have to and see her!"

 

"Baby, you can't.  Casey........."  Allison pauses for a moment as she begins to cry.  "Your mother, she..........she died in that accident."

 

"Casey, there's no mistake.  I was with her last night."

 

"You?  You were with her when the accident happened?"

 

"Yes,"  Allison replies with a nod.  

 

"What happened?"  Casey asks in tears.  "How did it happen?"

 

"It was very foggy last night, and this car, it came out of nowhere........and we hit the other car."

 

"Then how come you're okay, and my Mom is dead?"  Casey asks.

 

"I don't know, sweety.  Somehow, the other car hit us on your mother's side."

 

"Casey, I'm so sorry,"  Mike says, putting his arms around the boy as Casey cries.  Mike and Allison exchange looks of sadness and concern for the boy who has now lost two parents.  

Southfork....noon....

 Lucy walks into the living room at Southfork and turns on the television.  As she switches to a local channel, the 12 o'clock news is coming on.  Lucy takes a seat on the sofa to watch.  Krystina walks into the room.  "Hi, Lucy,"  Krystina says.

 

"Hi.  Was that Ellie I heard crying earlier?"

 

"Yes, she's been fussy all morning.  She's still teething."

 

"Poor little thing,"  Lucy says.  

 

"Lucy, are you alright?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Just sitting here thinking about Jacob, and Christopher, and Courtney. How sad everything is."

 

"I know, me, too.  You know, that little boy has only been a part of this family and this household for a little more than a year, but he's already a huge part of all of our hearts.  I don't know if Courtney will be able to survive losing him, especially coming so soon after her miscarriage last summer."

 

"Yeah, and Christopher, either,"  Lucy says.  "He loves Jacob like his own son.  Hey, here comes the news.  I'm gonna turn the TV up."  Lucy picks up the remote control and increases the volume on the set.  

 

Krystina's eyes  are immediately drawn to the screen when Allison Jones's photo is shown on the screen.....

 "A tragic two-car accident last night in Braddock County has left two people dead, and one seriously injured,"  says Brandon Todd, male news anchor for Fox 4 News in Dallas.  

 

The female news anchor, Hannah Battah, continues:  "The accident happened just after 9 PM last night when a 2006 Kia Rio traveling west bound on Braddock Road collided head-on with a 2014 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, traveling east.   The Kia was driven by 36-year-old Karen Jones Myers, who died in the crash."

 

As the newscast is on, John Ross walks into the living room.  "Hey, what's goin' on?"  He asks, noticing that Lucy and Krystina are glued to the television.

 

"John Ross, look,"  Krystina says.

 

John Ross turns his eyes on the TV as Hannah Battah continues with the story:

 is living their worst nightmare.  Here behind me, in the pediatric intensive care, more than two dozen children are patients undergoing treatment for various illnesses.  One of those children is a young boy by the name of Jacob Reed."

 

Upon hearing Jacob's name, John Ross, Lucy, and Krystina all exchange looks.  The reporter continues:  

 

"I'd like to introduce you now to Jacob's mother and stepfather, Christopher and Courtney Ewing, who have a personal message, and urgent, message for our viewers........hoping that one man will see this report. Cox walks over to Christopher and Courtney.  "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, would you please describe the nature of Jacob's illness?"

 

"Thank you, Derrick,"  Christopher says.  "Hello, everyone, my name is Christopher Ewing, and I'm speaking to you today in hopes that someone will be able to help my wife and I, and more importantly, our son, Jacob.  Several days ago, Jacob became gravely ill, and had to be admitted here to the children's wing at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.  Jacob is suffering from what is called pediatric heart failure.  Our son is in desperate need of a heart transplant. That's why we're coming to you.  We need to get in touch with my wife's father, a man named Andrew Murray.  We're hoping that Andrew, or someone out there who knows him or has seen him, would be able to tell how we can get in touch with him IMMEDIATELY.  I'll let my wife and her brother, Gavin Murray, explain."

 

"Andrew,"  Courtney begins.  "If you're out there, and if you are watching this broadcast, please, PLEASE call us immediately, or come to the hospital. This is urgent, a matter of life or death.  Andrew.......Daddy.......this is the last thing that I wanted to do, but we've been trying to get in touch with you since last night.  Our family needs you right now, despite whatever happened between us, we NEED you here.  Our family has suffered a devastating tragedy, and unless you contact us, there's going to be a DOUBLE tragedy."

The camera switches to Gavin.   "Dad,"  he begins.  "The last thing that I ever wanted to have to do is to tell you this news, and especially....... not like this, on live television.  But you've given us no choice.  I've been trying to call you and get in touch with you since last night, but you haven't returned any of my calls or replied to my messages.  Dad, Ben is dead.  He was involved in a car accident last night, and he died.  Dad, I'm so sorry.  We need you here, now.  Dad, you know that your grandson, Jacob, needs a heart transplant.  Ben's heart is a perfect match.  But they can't do the transplant without your permission.  If you see this broadcast, PLEASE call me or come to the hospital immediately."

At Southfork.... 

Watching the broadcast at her apartment, Jenna is stunned when she sees Christopher holding up a photo of the man she'd had coffee and lunch with a couple of times recently.  "Oh good Lord,"  she says softly to herself.  "Andrew?"  Jenna immediately gets up from her seat on the sofa.  She grabs her purse and her car keys and rushes out of the apartment.

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

At the hospital, watching Christopher give his speech nearby, a frustrated Joseph Gioberti turns and walks down the hall and goes into a break room.  Worried about his son, Joseph's father Cole follows him down the hall.  Cole watches as Joseph goes to a vending machine in the break room, puts two dollars into the machine for a snack and when the machine fails to give Joseph his snack, he becomes angry and kicks the machine hard with his left foot, then punches it.  Cole walks over to him.  

 

"Joseph, are you alright?"  Cole asks, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.

"Joseph, I heard what your father said, and he's right," says Bobby.  "We all look back over choices we've made in our lives and wonder what might've been if we had made a different choice.  Lord knows, I've done it more times than I can count.  But we can't change the past.  All we can do is deal with the here and now.  The consequences of those choices, whether good or bad."

 

Cole looks at Joseph and nods.  "That's good advice."

 

"I know,"  Joseph says.  "I know you're right, Mr. Ewing. And thank you."

 

"You're welcome,"  Bobby says.  "Look, I know we're all in a tough and awkward situation right now.  But there's one thing that unites our two families, and that's Jacob.  Joseph, you're Jacob's biological father, and Cole, you're his grandfather.  I can see that you both love that boy because of that bond, no matter how new it is to you.  Christopher loves Jacob as if he were his own flesh and blood." 

 

"I never denied that, Mr. Ewing,"  says Joseph. 

 

"Joseph, I understand this is hard for you.  And I know better'n just about anybody what you're going through.  I don't think either of you have met my younger son, have you?"

 

"Actually, yes, we did, in passing, here at the hospital last night,"  Cole says.  

 

"Well, I went through pretty much the same thing with Lucas as you are with Jacob right now, Joseph,"  Bobby says.

 

"I'm not sure I understand,"  says Joseph.

 

"When Lucas was born, his mother and I weren't together.  Jenna and I had been engaged, but, things didn't work out, and by the time she found out she was pregnant........well, I was about to remarry my first wife, Pam."

 

"I'm sorry, but I thought your wife........Ann?.........was the mother of your sons,"  Joseph says.  

 

"No.  My first wife, Pam, and I actually adopted Christopher.  His parents died, and Pam and I adopted him when he was six months old.  Long story short......Pam and I divorced, and I dated a woman named Jenna Wade.  Later, Pam and I realized we still loved each other and wanted to get back together, so I ended things with Jenna and remarried Pam.  On the day of our wedding, I found out that Jenna was carrying my child."

 

"Lucas?"  Cole asks.

 

"Yes.  Well, not long after Lucas was born, Jenna got married, and the man she married wanted to raise him as his son.  To make things less complicated, and to do what I thought at the time was best for Lucas, I agreed.  And that was the hardest decision I've ever had to make.  One of the things that made the situation so complicated was the fact that the man Jenna married was my brother."

 

"Your brother?"  Joseph asks.

 

"Yes.  So, for many years I had to watch my brother raise my son as his own.  I didn't see much of Lucas when he was growing up, which is something else I regret.  It wasn't until he was a grown man of 27 that he found out the truth that I'm his father.  Things were rough for a while, but eventually,, he and I formed a bond as close as Christopher and I have.  Joseph, what I'm tryin' to say is that both you and my son love Jacob.  And somehow you, Christopher, and Courtney are gonna have to learn how to co-exist for the boy's sake.  The three of you are linked by your love for him.  I see no reason why Jacob can't have two fathers who love him very much."  Bobby flashes a quick smile, then turns and walks out of the room.  

 

Joseph and Cole exchange looks.  

 

Meanwhile, down the hall, as Channel 4 news reporter Derrick Cox and his camera crew are packing up to leave, Christopher and Courtney walk up to the reporter.  "Derrick, I can't thank you enough for doing this,"  Christopher says.  

 

Derrick looks at him with a smile.  "Hey, Chris, it's alright.  Least I can do for an old classmate.  And when that little boy of yours is all well, we need to get together for drinks and talk about old school days."

 

"Sounds great to me, we'll have to have you out to Southfork for dinner."

 

"Would you guys excuse me?"  Courtney asks. 

"Sure,"  Christopher says.  

 

Courtney walks into the waiting room, where Gavin and Phyllis are standing at the window, Gavin looking out.  "Gavin,"  she says, walking over to her brother.  

 

"That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do,"  Gavin says, tears running down his face.  "No one deserves to hear on live television that their son has been killed."

 

"I know,"  says Courtney.  "I didn't want that.  If there was any other way, but..........Christopher and I didn't know what else to do."

 

"I know, sis,"  Gavin says, embracing her.  "I know."

 

Meanwhile, Jenna gets off the elevator just down the hall from the waiting room.  When she spots Bobby, she rushes down the hall to him.  "Bobby,"  she says.  "I got here as fast as I could."

 

"Jenna, what on Earth are you doing here?"  Bobby asks.  "Has something happened  to Lucas, or Michael?"

 

"No, nothing like that.  I'm here because I saw the news broadcast with Christopher and Courtney.  Bobby, I know this man.  And I think I know where to find him."

 

Bobby looks at her in shock.  "You KNOW Andrew Murray?"

 

"Yes.  I met him downtown a few weeks ago, and we've had lunch a couple times since."

 

"Oh my God.  CHRISTOPHER!  COURTNEY!"  Bobby calls to his son and daughter-in-law.  

 

Christopher and Courtney quickly approach Bobby and Jenna.  "Dad, what is it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Jenna thinks she might know where to find Andrew Murray."

 

"You know where my father is?"  Courtney asks, as Ann, Phyllis, Gavin, Joseph, and Cole walk over to them.

 

"I think so.  Andrew and I met a few weeks ago and we became friends.  I had no idea that he was your father until I just saw his photo on that newscast."

 

"Jenna, are you ABSOLUTELY sure it's the same man?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes, of course."

 

"Where?  Where can we find my father?"  Gavin asks.

 

"He told me he was staying at the Sunset Motel just outside of town,"  Jenna replies.

 

"Gavin, come with me,"  Christopher says.

 

"I'm coming, too,"  says Courtney.

 

"No, honey, you stay here in case Jacob needs you."  Christopher and Gavin hurry down the hall and get on the elevator as the others watch them, feeling hopeful for the first time on this terrible day.

The Krebbs Ranch....

 The ten ranch hands who work on Ray's ranch are sitting around in the family room of the Krebbs home that afternoon, along with Dylan, each of them quiet and pensive, when Ray and Conner walk into the room.  "Hi, everyone,"  Ray says.

 

"Mr. Krebbs,"  each of the men says in unison.

 

"I, uh, I'm sure you're all aware of why I asked you here,"  Ray begins.  "I'm sure you all know by now that one our own.........young Ben Murray.........was killed in a car accident last night out on Braddock Road, not even three miles from here."  As Ray speaks, his voice breaks as he tries to hold back his own tears.  "Ben's death comes as a great shock to all of us, and it's a great tragedy for all of us.  He was a good worker, a good hand, and......and he was a good kid.  When Ben first came to this ranch in early November of 2017, he'd just turned 16-years-old not even a month before.  I was a little hesitant to hire somebody that young, even though I was hired on as a hand at Southfork 

myself when I was just 15.  My way of thinkin' was that kids today are nothin' like what they were when I was that age.  They weren't responsible and couldn't be trusted to do a hard day's work......to do a MAN'S work.  But, against my better judgement, I took a chance on Ben and hired him on, just like Jock Ewing took a chance on me all those years ago.  And Ben proved me wrong.  He turned out to be just as hard, and just as committed a worker as the men twice his age or more.  I know that he was a little bit mouthy and cocky at first, but, that was just him bein' a typical teenager.  But that cocky attitude changed, and as both Conner and Dylan can attest, Ben became as good a friend as you'd wanna have."  Ray pauses for a moment as he struggles hard to hold back his tears and not break down in front of his ranch hands.  After several seconds, Ray composes himself, and continues:  "Ben Murray brought somethin' real

  Meanwhile, Andrew Murray lays across the bed in his room at the Sunset Motel just outside of Dallas, sleeping off the drunken bender he'd been on the night before.  Suddenly, there is pounding at the door of his room.  "DAD!"  Gavin calls from outside, over the sound of the pounding.  "DAD, IT'S GAVIN!"

 

"ANDREW LET US IN!"  Christopher yells, continuing to pound on the door.  Finally, Christopher kicks the door in.

 

"Hey, what the hell are you doin'?"  Asks the irate manager of the motel.

 

"I'll pay for the damned door."  Christopher and Gavin rush into the room and find Andrew asleep, or passed out.  

 

Gavin rushes over to his father and rolls Andrew over on his back.  "Dad!?  DAD?  WAKE UP!"

 

"Huh?  Wha??"  Says a sleepy Andrew as he opens his eyes.  "Gavin?"

 

"Yes, Dad, it's me."

 

"Andrew, we have to get to the hospital, ASAP, so let's go!"

 

Andrew sits up in bed.  "The......the hospital?  Why?  Is Jacob worse?"

 

"Yes, Dad, he is,"  Gavin replies in tears.  "But Dad, I have something else to tell you.  Something horrible has happened."

 

"What?  Gavin, what is it?"

 

"I've been calling you since last night.  I've left dozens of voice messages."

 

"I......yeah, I got drunk last night after you and Ben sent me away from the hospital.  What's going on?"

 

Gavin begins to cry.  "Dad.......it's Ben.  There was an accident last night.  Dad, I'm so sorry.........Ben is dead."

 

Andrew looks at his son for a few seconds, as if he isn't able to process the news he's just been given.  "What, di....what did you just say?"

 

"Dad, Ben was killed last night in a car accident.  We've been trying to reach you ever since."

 

"Ben is........he's dead?"  Andrew asks.  "No, this has to be some mistake.  This.....no."

 

"Dad, it's no mistake.  I was at the hospital when Ben died."

 

"Oh......my God.  My son?  My son is dead?  Oh God, no....."  Andrew breaks down in tears and Gavin embraces him.  

Christopher watches this devastating scene of a father crying for the death of his youngest son, and, even as much as he had hated Andrew Murray for what he had allowed to happen to Courtney, his heart goes out to the man now, as no parent should ever have to face a tragedy like this.  

 

"We really need to get to the hospital,"  Christopher says after a moment.

 

"Yes,"  Gavin says.  "Dad, Courtney and Christopher, and Jacob need your help."

 

"My help?"

 

"Yes, come on.  We'll explain on the way to the hospital."  

 

Andrew nods.  He struggles to get out of bed, but is helped by Gavin.  Andrew grabs his jacket and the three quickly leave the motel room.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....late afternoon

 Twenty minutes later, Christopher, Gavin, and Andrew step off the elevator in the Pediatric ICU at the hospital.  As they proceed down the hall, Ann, Courtney, Joseph, Cole, Phyllis, and Jenna approach them.

 

"You found him,"  Courtney says, coming face to face with her father.  

 

"Yes, we did,"  Christopher replies.

 

Courtney looks at her father.  "I'm so sorry about Ben,"  she says.

 

"I know.  I know you are."

"Christopher and I explained the situation to Dad on the way over here,"  Gavin says.

 

"Let me, uh, let me get this whole thing straight,"  says Andrew.  "You want to use Ben's heart for Jacob?"

 

"Yes,"  Courtney replies.  "Ben and Jacob have the same blood type, and because of Ben's age, they're a match.  This is the only way.  The only thing that can save Jacob's life."

 

"I.......I don't know.  Using Ben's heart......"

 

"Andrew,"  Phyllis says, walking over to her former husband.

 

"Phyllis,"  he says.

 

"Andrew, I am so sorry about Ben,"  Phyllis says.  "We wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way.  But time is running out."

 

Mitch and Dr. Eubanks approach the group.  "Mitch, this is Courtney's father, Andrew Murray,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Mr. Murray,"  Mitch says.  "First of all, I want to extend my deepest sympathy over the loss of your son."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Andrew, this is Dr. Mitch Cooper, and Dr. Greg Eubanks,"  Christopher says.  "Dr. Eubanks is a pediatric cardiologist handling Jacob's case, and Dr. Cooper is chief of staff here."

 

"Mr. Murray, we need your permission to perform this procedure and use your son's heart,"  Dr. Eubanks says.  

 

"I'm still not sure about this."

 

"Dad, come on,"  says Gavin.  "If you don't give them permission, Jacob will die, and then Ben's death will have been in vain."

 

"He's right, Andrew,"  says Phyllis.   "Jacob is our grandchild, and he doesn't have much time.  Ben's death is a terrible tragedy.  But at least this way,  some good can come out of this tragedy.  Part of Ben will live on in our grandson.  Andrew, if Jacob dies, too........"

 

Andrew nods.  "Look, there is one thing I would like before I make a decision."

 

Christopher and Courtney exchange looks.  "What is it you want?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I wanna see the boy.  I wanna meet my grandson."

 

"Alright,"  Courtney says.  "You can see him.  Just follow me."  Courtney looks at Christopher, then turns and heads down the hall.  Both Andrew and Christopher follow her down the hall to Jacob's room as the others watch.  A moment later, the three walk into Jacob's darkened hospital room.  Courtney goes to her son's bedside.  "Jacob?"  She softly says to him.  

 

Jacob slowly opens his eyes and looks at her.  "Hi,"  he says in a weak, barely audible voice.

 

"Jacob, there's someone here that I'd like for you to meet."

 

Christopher grabs Andrew by the arm before he goes to the boy's side.  "Listen, he doesn't know about Ben," Christopher says to him.  "And we don't want him to know until after this surgery and until he's strong enough to hear that kinda news."

 

Andrew looks at him and nods.  Christopher lets go of his arm, and Andrew slowly walks over to Jacob's bed.  "Hello, Jacob,"  he says.  

 

"Hi."

 

"You don't know who I am, do you?"  Andrew asks.  

 

"Jacob, this........is your grandfather,"  Courtney breaks in and says.  

 

"My......grandfather?"

 

"Yes.  This is my father."

 

"Jacob, it's very nice to meet you.  I've been wanting to meet you for quite some time now,"  Andrew says, his voice shaky.  "You just be strong.  You're gonna be just fine."  Andrew looks at Courtney and Christopher, then, feeling himself about to fall apart, he quickly hurries from the room. Courtney and Christopher exchange looks, then follow him out of the room.  

 

"Andrew?"  Christopher says.

 

Andrew turns and looks at the couple, then walks away from them.  A few seconds later, he walks to the doorway of the waiting room down the hall, where Bobby, Ann, Phyllis, Gavin,  Joseph, Cole, and Jenna are, and have now been joined by Lucy, Krystina, and John Ross.  Mitch and Dr. Eubanks are also in the room and talking to the others.  Upon seeing Andrew in the doorway, Mitch and Dr. Eubanks approach him.

 

"Mr. Murray?"  Mitch says.  "Have you made your decision?"

 

Andrew looks at the others, but remains silent.  

 

"Andrew?"  Courtney says.  "Daddy, please."

 

"Mr. Murray, we need your decision, and we need it now,"  says Dr. Eubanks.  

 

"Yes,"  Andrew replies, tears running down his face.  "My answer is......yes.  You have my permission to use my son's heart to save my grandson."

 

Everyone in the room breathes a sigh of relief.  "I'll have Braddock Medical Center transport Ben Murray's body here immediately,"  says Dr. Eubanks.

 

"And I'll let our team know the surgery is on,"  Mitch says.  "Mr. Murray........you've made the right decision."

 

"Dr. Cooper?"  Andrew says.  "When my son's body arrives here.........can I see him?  I have some things I need to say to him, that I never got the chance."

 

"Of course, I'll arrange it,"  Mitch says.

 

"Thank you,"  Andrew says.  Gavin walks over to his father and embraces him.  After a few moments, Andrew looks at his son, then turns and walks out of the room.  Her heart breaking for him, Jenna follows him after a brief hesitation. 

 

She finds him down the hall in another room.  She walks over to him and places her hand on his shoulder.  "I'm so sorry,"  she says.  "I can't even imagine what you're going through."

 

"This all seems like a nightmare.  My son is gone.  My Ben."

 

"You did the right thing, Andrew,"  Jenna says.  "Now, a part of your son will live on in your grandson."

 

As Jenna gives Andrew a comforting embrace, Gavin and Courtney walk into the room.  "Jenna, could we talk to my father alone, please?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Yes, of course,"  Jenna says.  "Andrew, I'll be right down the hall."  She gently touches his face, then leaves the room.  

 

Andrew looks at his son and daughter. 

 

Courtney walks over to her father.  She looks him in the eye.  "I'm not even sure what to say to you except.........thank you,"  she tells him, then gives him a kiss on the cheek as Gavin looks on, knowing that their family would never again be the same.

END OF EPISODE 197....