The call couldn't have come at a worse time.
On the verge of a major break-through with a difficult patient, Niles had to work to contain his anger when the intercom buzzed repeatedly.
"Dr. Crane?"
"Yes, Mrs. Woodson?"
"I'm sorry to bother you during a session but there's a call for you."
Niles sighed deeply. He loved his dear secretary, but sometimes the woman just didn't seem to understand how valuable his time with his patients was. Even the slightest interruption could ruin years of hard work.
"Can you take a message? I'm extremely busy and I simply cannot be disturbed."
"Yes, I-I know Dr. Crane but they said that it's urgent."
Frustration came over him and he buried his face in his hands, shaking his head in disbelief. He'd made a point to tell her first thing that morning that he had an appointment with an extremely vulnerable patient and he was under no circumstances not to be disturbed.
Perhaps Mrs. Woodson's memory was worse than he anticipated.
He glanced at his patient who was becoming restless and when the man began to wander aimlessly around the room, Niles was forced to physically guide him back to the couch. And when the intercom buzzed again, Niles could no longer contain his anger.
"Damn it, Mrs. Woodson! I told you that I'm very busy and am not to be disturbed! Why can't you understand that?" He yelled, not caring at that moment that he was risking hurting her feelings with his outburst.
"I-I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane. I promise it won't happen again." She said, clearly shaken by his anger.
"Well? Are you going to tell me who is on the phone or aren't you? If the call is urgent than the least you can do is-."
"It's the hospital, Dr. Crane."
Fearing the worst, Niles froze in place. "Th-the hospital?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
Immediately his mind raced with horrible possibilities.
"Daphne..."
"A-actually no. It's not Daphne. It's your father."
"M-my..."
"I'll put them through right away, Dr. Crane."
He heard a click and then a woman's voice.
"Dr. Crane? I'm calling from the cardiac unit at Seattle General. I'm sorry to disturb you at work, but-."
Niles rubbed his tired eyes. "Look, whatever this is about just give it to me straight. I'm very busy and I simply don't have time for-."
"I'm calling about your father. You see, your brother brought him in a little while ago. A Dr. Frasier Crane?"
"Yes, I am well aware of my brother's name, thank you very much!" Niles yelled. "Now, I don't have time for games so would you just tell me what's happened to him?"
The woman sighed deeply. "I'm very sorry to tell you this Dr. Crane, but your father has had a heart attack."