A crash cart burst through the ER doors. Jesse hurried over to it, automatically asking what was wrong before he glanced at the patient.

"Car crash. Injuries to the chest and head…" The intern went on with his description and Jesse nodded.

"Okay. Take him to Trauma 1-" He broke off as he finally caught sight of the patient's face. Oh my- He shook his head and continued with his orders. "Oh, and I need someone to call Dr. Sloan. Tell him to meet me in the ER, STAT." Then, as they moved the injured man onto a table, he leaned over and whispered: "Hold on, buddy."

In his office, Mark was looking dejectedly at the pile of paperwork on his desk. Taking an overdramatic deep breath, he picked up his pen- and heard a knock on his door. Raising his eyes skyward, he muttered a thanks and called out for them to come in. One of his students opened the door and came in.

"What do you need, Stephanie?"

"Doctor Travis wants you to come down to the ER. He didn't give a reason, Dr. Sloan." Mark stood and walked around his desk.

"All right, I'm coming right now." Following Stephanie, he closed the door on his way out.

When Mark walked into the ER Jesse had just finished patching up the patient.

"What's the matter, Jesse?" The look on Jesse's face left no doubt that there was something wrong.

"I think you'd better have a look, Mark. We fixed him up and he's stable but it's not good. Mark, it's Steve." Jesse's voice was gentle and full of concern. Mark's face went slack and he stepped silently to the head of the table. His face creased with worry as he saw his son lying there.

"I've got to take him to recovery now, Mark. I'll leave the door open for you." Mark nodded slowly.

"Tell me what happened."

"He was in a car crash. He came in with lacerations on his chest, a bruised rib, and multiple injuries to the head. In other words," Jesse translated, realizing Mark was in no condition to try to work it out himself, "he's in back shape. That's all I know. We patched him up and were just finishing as you came in."

"I'm going to the doctor's lounge for some coffee." Mark turned. Jesse put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll meet you there soon. It's gonna be a long night, but he'll be fine." As Mark left he whispered, "Please, don't make me a liar."

Jesse walked into the doctor's lounge twenty minutes later. Mark looked up from his seat on the couch and attempted a smile.

I'm so glad I have good news, thought Jesse as he saw the hope shining in Mark's eyes.

"How is he? Can I see him?"

"He was doing much better when I left. I'll go up with you if you'll wait for me to get some coffee." Mark nodded and held up his cup.

"I need to finish my cup as well. I'll wait."

"Thanks," said Jesse as he poured himself a cup. He sat next to Mark on the couch.

Trying hard to relax, Mark realized he was gulping his coffee in his hurry to get to Steve. He deliberately set his cup on his knee and looked at Jesse. He smiled inwardly as he saw Jesse was throwing down his scalding coffee.

"Take it easy, Jess. You won't be able to speak if you burn off your tongue." Jesse smiled, then looked startled. "What is it?" Jesse shook his head.

"Nothing. I'm just anxious to see Steve." All this happening and he still acts like a father to me. Fed up with waiting he stood and placed his cup in the sink. Mark followed suit and they walked quickly to the elevator. "He's in room 385," he said, suddenly realizing that was Steve's badge number. "I left the door open in case you didn't want to wait for me."

The elevator doors slid open and they stepped inside. A few minutes later, they rounded the corner of the hallway and stepped up to the room door. Jesse gently pushed the door open the rest of the way and stepped aside for Mark to precede him. A second later, Mark's horrified voice tore through the air.

"Jesse! Steve, he's gone!"