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"None. I'm just starting." "But you expect to be able to pay me back?" "I swear it." "Get the hell out." When David got home, he was certain he was going to be picked up by the police for kidnapping, threatening bodily harm, God only knew what. But nothing happened. The question in his mind was whether Dr. Patterson was going to show up at the hospital. When David walked into the intensive care ward the next morning. Dr. Patterson was there, examining David's mother. David watched, his heart pounding, his throat dry. Dr. Patterson turned to one of a group of doctors standing there. "Get her up to the operating room, Al. Stat!" As they started to slide David's mother onto a gurney, David said hoarsely, "Is she—?" "We'll see." Six hours later, David was in the waiting room when Dr. Patterson approached him. David jumped to his feet. "How is—?" He was afraid to finish the question. "She's going to be fine. Your mother's a strong lady." David stood there, filled with an overpowering sense of relief. He breathed a silent prayer. Thank you, God. Dr. Patterson was watching him. "I don't even know your first name." "David, sir." "Well, David sir, do you know why decided to do this?" "No…" "Two reasons. Your mother's condition was a challenge for me. I like challenges. The second reason was you." "I—I don't understand." "What you did was the kind of thing I might have done myself when I was younger. You showed imagination. Now"—his tone changed—"you said you were going to repay me." David's heart sank. "Yes, sir. One day—" "How about now?" David swallowed. "Now?" "I'll make you a deal. Do you know how to drive?" "Yes, sir..." "All right. I get tired of driving that big car around. You drive me to work every morning and pick me up at six or seven o'clock every evening for one year. At the end of that time, I'll consider my fee paid...." That was the deal. David drove Dr. Patterson to the office and back home 71