Chapter 18: University of Denver

About 3 weeks later...

September 24, 1991 - Tuesday

Relieved to be finished with his daytime classes, Alan was trying to gather some energy for the night classes. He had two night classes a week, one right after another, that met every Tuesday and Thursday. He was on his way across the campus, when someone yelled to him. Standing on one of the campus bridges, he turned around, almost losing some of the folders he had gathered under his arm. He smiled when he saw who it was.

"Hi, Tom," he said, shaking the man's hand.

"How have you been, Alan? I haven't had the chance to see much of you this semester."

Thomas Valner was 52 years old and was the most prominent science professor at the University. He was also the father of Alan's late wife. He was about as tall as Alan. His hair was predominantly brown, with slight traces of gray around the sides. He was basically the picture of heath, with a friendly personality to go along with it.

"Oh, it's going well."

Tom took a good look at his former student.

"Looks like you have a limp."

"Yeah. I had . . . an accident," he said, not wanting to get into the details, "It's usually fine, but I've been on campus since this morning, so it's starting to bother me. I added an extra night class this semester, seeing how I'm going to be gone the following semester."

"Oh? Where are you going?"

"Mongolia. I'm going there for a dig. It should only be a four-week expedition, but I didn't want to commit to classes during that time, since I'd be missing a whole month of teaching."

"Good thinking," Tom said.

"So, how have you been?" Alan asked, as he leaned against a nearby railing.

"Very good. I've got some more student interviews set up tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping to find a well-suited assistant to work with next semester."

"What happened to Joshua?" Alan asked, referring to Tom's assistant.

"He moved on. This is the last semester for him. He's going to Berkeley. Apparently, he has family in California, and so he wants to be with them. Family is important. I'm disappointed that he's going, but I'm happy for him, as well."

"Well, good for him," Alan said, briefly thinking about Tom's "family" comment. His thoughts immediately went to Kathryn, but he didn't mention her by name. He continued, "The students are very bright these days. You shouldn't have too much of a problem finding someone new."

"That's what I was counting on. I've got it narrowed down to three now. The only problem is that all three of them are very worthy of the job."

Alan wanted to stay longer and chat, but he really needed to get to class.

"Tom, I've got to get going. I've got about three minutes to make it to the other side of the campus."

Tom laughed.

"Okay, I'll let you go. We've got to meet for lunch one day soon and get caught up."

"Sounds good. I'll give you a call," Alan said.

Tom nodded and began to walk away in the opposite direction. Alan watched him for a minute, and then began his trek across the campus. Seeing Tom always brought up memories of Kathryn, which was perceivable. He and Kathryn had some very fun and happy times on this campus. His memory jumped to their first official date. She was even able to talk him into ditching her father's class one night so that they could go to some play that was being presented in the school's theater. He had gotten caught by one of Tom's assistants and Tom was very upset by Alan's apparent lack of dedication to the program. Kathryn had talked to her father, though, and had gotten him to change his mind about being angry. While Alan was reminiscing, he thought about how that first date had almost gotten him thrown out of the school.

After a really long day and evening at the University of Denver, Alan slowly came to the door of his apartment in Colorado. He had only been back to teaching for a few weeks, but he was already wiped out, more than ready to surrender to sleep. He used the card key and, when the light turned green, he opened the door. There was a light on, in the far corner of the main room. He knew that he didn't leave a light on before he left.

"Hello?" he asked, sort of quietly. He didn't really want a response.

He began to walk cautiously down the short hallway and into the main room, carefully placing his papers and books on a nearby end table. Suddenly someone threw their arms around him, scaring him half to death. It was Ellie.

"Oh, my God. What are you doing here?" he asked, still startled.

"I thought I'd visit," she said, embracing him.

He didn't ask any more questions at that point. He simply planted a deep and passionate kiss on her lips, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He had been feeling like something was missing since he resumed his fall teaching schedule. Of course, it was easy to figure out what that something was, but he didn't think it was possible for Ellie to come to Denver. After a long embrace and a very passionate welcome, he finally spoke.

"Why aren't you in California?"

"I was able to complete my thesis early, as you know. I submitted it and I'm now a free woman."

"That's great," Alan said, as he continued to look at her, still bewildered at her presence.

Ellie smiled warmly and backed away from him a little, looking him over.

"So, how are you feeling? How's the leg?"

"It's holding up pretty good. I'm a bit sore tonight, but I'm feeling much better."

"That's a relief," she said.

Alan stared at her for a second. He had many questions for her.

"I'm beyond happy to see your beautiful face. But don't you have to do interviewing and researching now?"

"Yes. I had some interviews today actually. Right here in Denver."

"Really?"

She nodded enthusiastically.

"And I have a second interview set up with one of the professors tomorrow, too."

Alan briefly thought about Tom and what he had said earlier, but before he could formulate a whole idea, Ellie interrupted.

"With a Dr. Valner. You know him?"

Alan was slightly stunned by the strange twist of fate. It was, indeed, a small world sometimes.

"Yes, I know him. He's a good professor. I saw him today as a matter of fact."

Alan wanted to tell her about the correlation between Dr. Valner and himself, but he couldn't figure out how or what to say.

"He has a very decent and strong reputation. And I'm hoping he'll want me as an assistant," Ellie said.

"I could talk to him if you want me to."

"I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I wanted to get sponsored on my own."

"He's Kathryn's father," Alan blurted out.

Ellie was understandably surprised at the information.

"Oh, my God, Alan. I had no idea."

"He's a very good man. And very intelligent. He actually sponsored me, allowing me to remain in Denver and teach all of these years."

"Well, if you find this situation awkward, just let me know. I'll find some way to get out of the interview and find someone else."

"No, that isn't necessary. He'll be a very lucky man if he chooses you."

"Well, if you're sure it doesn't bother you," she began to say, when Alan interrupted her this time.

"How about me? I could sponsor you."

"You? Won't that look bad?"

"Professors fall in love and work together all of the time. It's not something so strange."

"Could I think about that? I'd really like to complete the interview with Dr. Valner, if that's okay with you?"

"Of course that's okay with me. I'll be cheering you on. What time is the interview?" He asked.

"At 12:30pm."

"I have a break from 2:00pm-3:00pm. Want to meet for lunch?"

"That would be good, yeah."

He nodded, and then stared at her again.

"I still can't believe you're here," he whispered.

He hugged her again, this time gently rocking her back and forth in his loving arms.

"I've really missed this," she observed.

"How did you get into the apartment, anyway?" he asked.

"With Rob's help. He kind of borrowed me the spare keys."

"Well, for once, I'm happy for something that he did," Alan said, laughing.

Smiling back at him, she began to look around the apartment. There were piles and piles of papers on a nearby desk, with even more papers draped across the bed. Alan noticed and let her go.

"It's not much, but it's all that I need, really."

"Well, I was thinking that it was nice actually," she said, smiling, "Got room for one more tonight?"

Alan answered that question by moving to the bed and shoving the papers to the floor.

"Oh, yes. I think that can be arranged."

Taking the hint, she went toward the bed, getting undressed as she did so. When Alan had first gotten there, he was ready to surrender to sleep, but now he was surrendering to something much more favorable. The lights went off, as they granted each other a proper welcome.

September 25, 1991 - Wednesday

Ellie went to her second interview and was waiting patiently in the hallway for her turn. There was one other young man there, waiting to be interviewed, as well. They only had a few words, greeting each other, and now, they were both sitting in silence.

A door opened ahead of them, and a young woman walked out, followed by Dr. Valner. The professor looked toward the two remaining people and gestured for the young man to come inside. Ellie wasn't sure about going last, but she wasn't given a choice. Sighing, she sat there, watching the door close again.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door finally opened again. Dr. Valner motioned for her to go inside. She quickly stood and did as he instructed. She sat down, waiting for him to begin the interview. Yesterday, she had been so confident, but today she was nervous. Mostly because of Alan's connection to Valner. She didn't know if she should come out and volunteer the information, or if she should just let him find out on his own in due time. If she mentioned Alan, it would look like she was name dropping and that wouldn't look good for her. But then again, if she didn't mention it, when he found out, he might find it too awkward to work with her. She decided not to mention right away, but made a point to herself to be sure he knew before the interview was finished.

After twenty-five minutes of questions, Valner stood up, indicating that the interview had concluded.

"I've decided that you are the one, Ms. Sattler. Just as soon as you are officially a doctor, I'd love to have you working here, in Colorado."

Ellie smiled, as she stood up briefly, shaking Valner's hand.

"Thank you, sir. You won't be disappointed. I assure you."

Valner nodded.

"I am already assured. So, Ms. Sattler, are you enjoying your stay in Colorado?" he asked, making small talk.

"Yes, I am. This is a nice state. Being from Georgia, it's a little cold for my taste, but nice."

Valner smiled. The young woman seemed like she was still awestruck by the news. He really believed this was the right choice, out of the three candidates.

"I was born and raised here. I've only been out of the state a handful of times actually. Are you well-traveled?" he asked.

"Well, I've been to most of the southeastern states, on various vacations. I was going to school in California, as you know."

This was a perfect opportunity to let Valner know about Alan. That way, if he did want to find someone else at this early stage, he would be able to.

"And I've worked at a dig site in Montana last summer."

"Oh? Which one?"

"Near Fort Peck Lake," she answered. She could see that he was thinking about it, which made her happy, as she continued, "Alan Grant was in charge."

"Alan Grant," he said. Ellie thought she heard a happy tone when he mentioned Alan by name, but she could have just imagined it. "He's a very knowledgeable man. You were very lucky to get to spend time with him," he added.

Ellie smiled. You have no idea how lucky. She kept that to herself, though.

"Yes. He was a great influence on me. We got along very well."

Valner had walked around his desk by now. He leaned back against it and folded his arms.

"You know, he's an instructor here," he said.

"I saw him yesterday," she offered.

"Why not try and get an assistant position with him then?"

Ellie sat back down for a second.

"This is a little awkward for me, Dr. Valner. Could I be candid?"

"Absolutely. And please, call me Tom."

"I have . . . somewhat of a pers . . . a personal relationship with Dr. Grant."

"Just somewhat?" he asked, smiling.

She was relieved that he was smiling, but she had really thought this news would make him angry for some reason.

"Uh, yes, sir."

"Alan is my son-in-law."

"Yes, sir. I just found out yesterday."

"Well, actually my former son-in-law, I guess."

"I'm terribly sorry about what happened to your daughter, sir," Ellie offered.

"Thank you," he said, thinking about how his daughter's life was cut short, "She is still very much missed."

"Of course," Ellie said.

Tom was still thinking about Kathryn, when he saw that Ellie was staring at him. He cleared his throat and stood up again.

"Well, it's good to see that Alan is getting on with his life. Three years has been a long grieving process for him."

"Yes," Ellie said.

Tom smiled again, putting Ellie at ease.

"And you seem like a very nice and capable young lady. I wish you all the luck in the world, to have a long and happy life."

"Thank you, sir."

"Please, call me Tom," he gently reminded her again.

"Thank you, Tom."

Tom nodded and then laughed.

"I'll have to make a point of yelling at my protégé. He hadn't told me about any of this."

December 4, 1991 – Wednesday

Approximately 10 weeks later ...

Ellie hung up the phone and paced the floor for twenty minutes, trying to come up with a way to break the news to Alan. He was at a meeting with some colleagues. The semester was all but finished and they were in the process of packing, to go back to Montana for the holidays. He was due to be home within the hour. It was then when she heard his truck pull into the apartment complex in Denver. He was home early. She listened as he opened the door.

"Hi there," she said, as he walked into the apartment.

When Alan had first walked in, he was in a cheerful mood. He had some news of his own to relay to her, but now that he saw the expression on her face, he smirked.

"What's wrong?" he asked quickly, as he tossed his keys on the television.

Ellie was surprised with his keen perception.

"How'd you know?" she asked.

"The tone in your voice. The face you're making. What is it?"

"Well, you want the good news or the bad news?"

"Good first, I guess."

Ellie straightened her shirt and smiled.

"You're now looking at Dr. Ellie Sattler," she announced proudly.

Alan smiled from ear to ear.

"That is terrific," he said.

He reached out to her and they embraced.

"And I start my teaching position with Dr. Valner, next semester," she said.

"Congratulations. You'll have something to keep you busy while I'm in Mongolia," he whispered in her ear.

"And my mother is coming to visit," she added.

Alan's smile began to quickly fade.

"What?"

"My mother. I was just talking to her. Somehow, she tricked me into telling her where I was going to spend Christmas. She's very clever," Ellie said, sighing, trying to break it to him slowly. "Now she's insisting on coming to Montana over Christmas. She wants to meet all of my new friends."

He cleared his throat a few times. Ellie could see that he was becoming very pale, as well.

"Uh, th- that's . . . great," he finally said.

"I knew you wouldn't like that very much."

"It's not that. It's just . . . "

"What?"

"Your mother doesn't like me."

"That's not true," she disagreed, lying through her teeth.

"You know it's true, Ellie."

"What did she say to you?"

"When?"

"On the phone, Alan. What did she say to you before?"

"Nothing."

Ellie gave him a doubtful look.

"Alan."

"Can we just celebrate your becoming a doctor and having a job?"

She really wanted to know what her mother had said to him, that had spooked him so much. He had actually turned pale at the mention of her visiting. She would try and figure that out later, though.

"Okay," she relented.

He nodded and went to the kitchen. He came back with some apple juice.

"Where did you find that?" she questioned.

"In the back of the fridge. Want some?"

Ellie nodded and took it from him. She drank about half of it before she gave it back. Alan thought it a good time to let her know about the meeting from that night.

"Did you hear about Dr. Harper retiring?" he asked, taking another drink.

"No, I didn't. He's finally calling it quits, huh?"

"Yeah, the summer heat has been getting to him the last few seasons."

"He did look exhausted a lot of the times when he was outside."

"I was going to have a meeting with some potential candidates to replace him when we get to Montana," Alan said, and after a slight pause, he continued, "but I don't think that will be necessary now."

Ellie figured she knew what he was getting at, but she decided to get him to ask, to make it more official.

"Why? You're only going to have you and Dr. Porter this summer?"

"No."

She smiled, causing him to smile.

"So, do you want the job?" he asked.

"I would be honored."

"I'm the one who should be honored. You'll be a great asset to the team."