-1Summary: After experiencing a health crisis while trying to save Jessica's life, David learns about his real father--Asa Buchanan. (In my story, David never blackmailed Clint.)

CHAPTER ONE

Clint and Viki watched silently as their daughter was wheeled down the hall and taken into the operating room. "Don't worry, Viki, Jessie's a Buchanan. She's going to make it through this."

"You don't know how much I want to believe that. I'm just grateful that David agreed to be a donor. Surprised, but grateful."

"Yeah, me too. I thought for sure David was going to demand payment, especially considering Asa . . ." Clint suddenly stopped talking. He didn't want anyone else knowing about Vicker's deal with Asa if he could help it.

"Considering Asa what?"

"Oh, never mind. I'm just so happy that David decided to do the right thing for once in his miserable life, that I don't know what I'm saying." Viki glared at him and was about to say something extremely cutting, when Dorian came up to Clint and wrapped her arms around him.

"Viki, Clint, I just want you to know that I'm here if you need me. After all, we wouldn't even be here if it weren't for my idea of David being tested." Dorian preened before Clint.

"I know, and Viki and I just can't thank you enough for that."

"Yes, Dorian," Viki said sarcastically. "Thank heavens for you. I mean, I would never expect you to go through what did you call it, major invasive surgery, oh wait, David is, not you! Now, if you'll excuse me, Clint, I'm going to the Chapel. I'm going to say a prayer for our daughter and for David."

(Operating Room)

Paige and Michael were assisting Dr. Harrison with the liver transplant when the crisis hit. Not from Jessica, which is what they had been prepared for, but from David. They had just opened him up and were starting to remove the right lobe of his liver. Suddenly his heartbeat began racing and he began breathing rapidly. "His oxygen saturation levels are going through the roof." Dr. Harrison said. "Muscles are rigid. What's his temp?"

Paige quickly checked. "101.7. Metabolic activity is way too high. It's Malignant Hyperthermia. We need to cancel the surgery right away." Suddenly Jessica's heart monitor began to beep rapidly. Michael quickly injected her with something and her heart resumed something like a normal rhythm.

"Paige, we can't cancel the surgery. Jessica would never survive. Her body has rejected Antonio's liver. If we don't get the section from David now, it'll be too late. Now, if we can work fast enough, maybe we can save them both."

"Michael, you know we have to administer treatment to David right away!"

"I know. I hate this as much as you do, but we don't have a choice. Luckily David is in excellent health otherwise. That gives him a good chance of surviving this." Paige wanted to protest, but realized Michael was right. There was only one chance for both Jessica and David to survive, and there was no time for arguments. She turned to Dr. Harrison.

"How long is it going to take for you to finish with David?"

"About 20 more minutes."

"That long?"

"That long if I want to do it right." Dr. Harrison said operating even as she spoke. Suddenly Jessica began to flatline. At the same time, a nurse said "Mr. Vicker's temperature has risen to 103 degrees."