Chapter 1

The two men sat in the hospital waiting room on the pretext of waiting for news of a patient. They sat partly hidden away in the corner and talked in low voices so as not to be overheard. No one bothered them. When they weren't talking they sat in silence, watching, waiting, ever alert and on the look out for a young doctor known as Jesse Travis. They wanted him. They were going to get him, they weren't sure how, but they were willing to be patient.

Just then Jesse came into view. He was talking to Dr Mark Sloan.

"Jesse you need to take a break and get some rest, you have been here for over fifteen hours," said Mark. "Go to the on call room."

"Yeah, maybe you're right Mark," agreed Jesse. "I am feeling a little beat." Just then there came a voice over the intercom.

"Dr Mark Sloan, please report immediately to the emergency room." Mark gave Jesse a look.

"Duty calls," he said with a grin and left. Jesse lent back against the wall and shut his eyes. The two men in the corner nodded at each other and rose to their feet. All of a sudden, there was a commotion over by the main doors and two men dressed in very wealthy business suits burst in. One man was bent double and the other was supporting him. The men in the corner quickly sat down again.

"Someone help me, he's choking!" Jesse became alert at once and dashed over to the men, one of which was bent double, slightly purple and wheezing.

"Stand back, I'm a doctor," he cried and taking hold of the man under the ribs he performed the Heimlich manoeuvre. The man suddenly coughed and a large piece of potato fell onto the floor. The man took several large breaths before being able to straighten up.

"Are you alright?" asked Jesse.

"Yes thank you Dr…..?"

"Travis. Jesse Travis."

"Well thank you Dr Travis you saved my life. I will reward you."

"That's not necessary," said Jesse.

"You saved my life," said the man. "You must have something in return. I don't know if you recognise me. I'm Howard Brenton. I own Howard Holidays and as a reward I am going to give you a free weekend holiday break."

"Really Mr Brenton, that's very generous of you, but you don't have to, I was only doing my job."

"Nonsense," said the man. "I insist." Just then there was another intercom call.

"This is a call for Dr Travis. Would Dr Travis please report to cardiology."

"I have to go," said Jesse apologetically. "It was nice meeting you."

"I'll drop by tomorrow and leave you some tickets at reception," called the man after Jesse receding back.

The two men in the corner looked at each other and grinned. They'd got him.

X X X

The next day the two mysterious men were back in their usual seats. They came in early and saw Mr Brenton arrive and leave an envelope for Jesse at the reception as promised. Then they waited until the area was nearly clear of people before causing a diversion. One of the men went and stood casually by the pillar next to the reception desk and after a few minutes and remaining man stood up, took a couple of steps forward and then pretended to faint. He fell over the magazine table in the centre of the room with a loud crash. The receptionist jumped and rushed over to the fallen man to see if he was alright. This was just as the men had hoped.

The man by the pillar silently crept behind the desk and switched the envelope containing the tickets from Mr Brenton with another envelope that he took from his jacket. He dropped the original envelope into the bin under the desk, but he didn't see that it missed and fell behind the bin instead. He then silently made his way towards the exit. A few minutes later the second man appeared, they got into a car and drove away.

It was just after lunch when the receptionist had a chance to give Jesse the envelope. He took it in surprise. "I thought he was joking," he said to himself and tore open the envelope. Inside was a pair of tickets and a card. Jesse looked at the card.

Dear Dr Travis

Thank you again for saving my life.

Please accept these tickets for you and a friend as a token of my gratitude.

Enjoy your trip.

Mr Brenton

Jesse looked at the tickets in amazement as Mark came up behind him.

"What have you got there, Jesse?"

"You know that Mr Brenton I told you about last night?" said Jesse. "Well, he kept his promise. He's just given me two tickets for a secluded camping weekend in the mountains!"

"Well that's certainly generous," said Mark. "Who are you going to give the extra ticket to?"

Jesse thought for a moment. "I think I'll give it to Steve," he said. "It's his birthday next week isn't it, and he's done so much for me over the years."

"Jesse, that's a great idea. I'm sure he would love to come," said Mark beaming. "As a matter of fact I know he's got a weeks' leave due him."

"Oh good," said Jesse, looking eager. "It says on the tickets you just have to phone this number to arrange your visit. I'll wait until I've given this to Steve and then we can arrange when to go."

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