Chapter 1

September 6, 2000, late afternoon. The doorbell rings at the Lighthouse.  Kevin, holding a screaming baby in his arms, goes to answer it.  "Jessie!" he says, reaching out to hug the woman standing at the door.  She is in her late 20's and has long, brown hair.  "I didn't think you were arriving for two more days."

"Well, I got in early.  And it looks like you've got your hands full.  Need some help?" Jessie asks, and Kevin hands over the baby to her.

"Be my guest." Kevin says.  The baby quiets down as soon as Jessie takes him.  Kevin glances over at his son.  "Thanks a lot." he remarks.  "Daniel is turning into too much of a momma's boy, I think -- Lucy's the only one that can get him to quiet down.  Well, and now you."

"Ah, but I bet Dominique is a daddy's girl all the way, right?" Jessie teases.

"Pretty much." Kevin says, laughing a bit.  "Well, come on in -- I'm so sorry the place is such a disaster, but --"

"Oh, it's no problem.  I just wanted to stop by and say hello anyway -- just to let you know that I had arrived.  I need to go find a hotel to check into while I'm looking for a place to live."

"You will do NO such thing!" a voice says from behind.  Jessie and Kevin turn around and see Lucy standing in the doorway.  Daniel starts fidgeting in Jessie's arms the moment he sees Lucy, and reaches out for her.  Lucy takes the boy from Jessie and sits down next to her.  "Look at you -- I can't believe you're finally here, oh, we're going to have so much fun -- I can't wait to show you all around Port Charles, and there are tons of great places for us to shop and -- remember when we went to visit you last year in San Francisco, and I think we hit just about every shopping mall in the area."

"I certainly do." Kevin chimes in.  "You two went off on a day-long shopping spree, and left me alone with your hippie friends."

"Oh, come on Kevin, it wasn't that bad." Jessie says.

"Jessie, they made me go rollerblading.  I still have the scar from the stitches." Kevin says.

"Hey, I warned you not to let them try and talk you into doing anything idiotic before we left that day." Jessie says.

"He doesn't listen to anyone -- these darn psychiatrists, they think they know everything." Lucy says.  "So -- like I was saying -- there is no way you'll be staying in a hotel, young lady.  You are our guest for as long as you like."

"Lucy, that's really nice of you, but I don't want to be a pest.  I can manage on my own." Jessie says.

"Doc, will you please tell her that we want her to stay here with us." Lucy says.

"Jessie, you know you're welcome to stay here.  It's no trouble, I promise.  Besides, it'll be fun -- just like when we were kids."

"You mean like when I was five and you were a teenager and my folks and I lived in Europe with you and Uncle Victor for awhile.  I seem to recall you calling me an ‘annoying little pest' a few times." Jessie teases.

"That's because my dates thought you were cuter than I was.  No offense Jessie, but you were ruining my social life." Kevin says.

"Well, I'm sure she won't do that now, Kevin.  So -- will you stay?" Lucy asks.

"Well, okay -- but only until I find my own place.  Thanks you guys -- I'm so glad that I decided to move out here.  I think I'm gonna love Port Charles." Jessie says.

September 9, 2000 -- Jessie is having dinner Victor and Mary's house.  "So dear -- how are you enjoying Port Charles so far?" Victor asks.

"It's great -- Lucy and I spent the whole day shopping yesterday.  And I've been looking at houses.  I think I found a few possibilities -- I'm hoping to close on one the first of October."  Jessie says.  The doorbell rings.  Mary goes to answer it, and Joe and Karen are standing there.

"Hey mom, we wanted to stop by to bring back your -- oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company." Joe says.

"Oh, that's no problem.  Why don't you join us?" Mary asks.

"Yes, please do." Victor says.

"We don't want to intrude on --" Karen begins.

"Oh don't be silly -- come on in."  Mary says.  "Jessie, this is my son Joe, and his fiancee Karen.  This is Victor's niece, Jessie -- she just moved here from San Francisco."

"Nice to meet you." Joe says, shaking her hand.  Karen does the same.

"You too." Jessie says.

"Joe and Karen are both doctors at GH.  You'll be seeing a lot of both of them."

"Are you a doctor?" Karen asks.

"No, I'm a nurse -- I work in the OR -- I start at the hospital on the eleventh." Jessie says.

"Well, you'll be seeing a lot of me then -- I'm one of the surgical residents.  Karen works primarily in the lab."  Joe says.

"So, you guys want to fill me in on what I need to know to survive at GH?" Jessie asks.

"Well, don't let Dr. Boardman bully you in the OR -- he's a real jerk, with a pretty huge God complex to boot." Joe says.

"How funny -- I knew a Dr. Boardman way back when I was in nursing school -- but that can't be him, he was a real sweetheart.  And besides, I think I'm working with Monica Quartermaine the first few weeks."

"Gee, you get to work with the Assistant Chief of Staff from day one?  How'd you manage that?" Karen asks.

"Kevin probably pulled some strings, I don't know."  Jessie says, laughing a bit.  "So -- what are the other doctors like?"

"Well, we know the other residents better than anyone.  There's Matt Harmon -- he's a pretty upstanding guy."  Joe says.

"Oh, he's a vegetarian too, Jessie -- you'll get along great." 

"He just got married to, to another doctor, Ellen Burgess -- she can be tough, but she's fair." Karen says.

"And there's Eve Lambert -- she can be annoying at times, but she's easy to work with." Karen says.  "Just don't let her whine to you too much." 

"Hope that helps you a bit." Joe says.

"Oh, we forgot Chris." Karen says.

"I'd like to." Joe says.

"Who's Chris?" Jessie asks.

"Chris Ramsey -- biggest jerk on staff.  You'll find out soon enough." Joe says.

"I hate to say this Jessie, but Joe is right -- my other son, Frank, got into a lot of trouble because of that young man." Mary says.

"Oh, come on mom, as much as I don't want to defend Ramsey, Frank created most of his own problems." Joe says.

"Well, I've worked with some egotistical doctors before -- this Dr. Ramsey can't be any worse." Jessie says.

"Oh, I don't know about that.  He's arrogant, self-centered, and smug all the time.  Basically, he's a first-class jackass."

"Now, Joe, that's no way to talk about your colleagues -- even if it is true." Victor says, as everyone can't help but laugh at his last comment.  "In honestly, I don't know the young man very well -- and I don't think the other doctors would appreciate us sitting here gossiping about them." 

"Uncle Victor is right -- as usual.  I guess I'll just learn as I go.  But it sounds like working at General Hospital is going to be very interesting." Jessie says.

September 12, 2000 -- Chris and Eve are behind the desk at the nurses' station, looking over their surgical schedules. ''Oh great, I get to work with Boardman all next week. What a thrill.'' Eve states sarcastically. 

''Hey, who's this J. Collins that's on Dr. Quartermaine's schedule next week? Any relation, you think?'' Chris asks. 

''Haven't met her yet,'' Eve states, ''But yes, she's Kevin's cousin. Just moved here from California, I think.'' 

''Well gee, it's nice to know that nepotism is alive and well here at GH. I wonder what this one will be -- stalker, serial killer, kidnapper -- or maybe just your all-around, run-of-the-mill psycho.'' Chris comments. A voice chimes in from behind. 

''Tell you what -- I'll talk it over with my seven other personalities and we'll get back to you on that, okay?'' the nurse quips. ''Hi, I'm Jessica Collins --- nice to meet you. And you must be Dr. Ramsey.'' 

''Do you have psychic powers like Lucy or is this just a lucky guess?'' he asks. 

''Actually, I had dinner the other night with Dr. Wexler and Dr. Scanlon at my uncle Victor's place. I wanted to find out a little bit about the folks I'd be working with. You were described as arrogant, egotistical, smart-mouthed, and an all-around pain in the butt. Oh, and a couple more things I probably shouldn't repeat here. Just a few sentences out of your mouth was all it took for me to figure this one out.'' 

''Hi, I'm Dr. Eve Lambert, Chris' roommate,'' Eve chimes in. ''Listen -- I have much more dirt on him if you're ever interested.'' 

''I may just take you up on that offer.'' Jessie replies. ''Nice to meet both of you -- looking forward to working with you, Dr. Ramsey. See you in the OR.'' Jessie leaves. 

Chris is silent. Eve laughs. ''Well, this is a first -- Chris Ramsey is left speechless.'' 

''I'm glad you're enjoying this at my expense.'' Chris states. 

''Oh, this just made my day.'' Eve says. ''You always manage to make such a wonderful first impression, Chris.'' 

September 20, 2000 -- Jessie comes down the stairs dressed in a red mini-skirt and a black top.  Lucy and Kevin are sitting in the living room and glance up at here.  "Going out tonight?" Kevin asks.

"Yeah.  I'm trying to get to know the staff better -- I've met this one doctor that I get along pretty well with, it looks like we're gonna be pretty good friends.  We're going out clubbing."

"That sounds fun.  Who is it?" Lucy asks.

"Her name is Eve Lambert." Jessie says.  Lucy gets a disapproving look on her face.  "Is there a problem?"

"No.  No, it's just that -- well, Doc and Eve used to be -- you know, ‘involved', and Evie is --"

"Lucy -- don't start." Kevin says. 

"You were with Eve?  Really?"  Jessie asks, surprised.

"Why do you say that?" Kevin asks.

"Well, she doesn't seem like your type." Jessie says.

"She's not." Lucy says.  "And I bet you anything she's only trying to become friends with you because she knows it'll make me mad."

"Oh, that's ridiculous.  Jessie -- Eve is a very nice person.  Lucy just doesn't get along with her.  But I'm sure the two of you will be great friends.  You make up your own mind." Kevin says.

"I intend to.  And -- you two have the house to yourselves tonight.  And -- I just checked on the twins before I came down here, they're sound asleep.  I hope you'll take advantage of that." Jessie says, grinning, as she heads out the door.  Kevin turns to Lucy after Jessie leaves.

"Was that necessary?" he asks.

"Well, I was just trying to keep her informed." Lucy says.

"You were just trying to meddle."

"Well, so what if I was?" Lucy asks.

"Hey -- Eve and I were over a long time ago.  You're the only one that matters to me -- you and our two incredible children.  Who, as Jessie pointed out, are both sound asleep.  Which is a rarity in this house.  So I think we should maybe -- oh, I don't know -- take advantage of the situation, perhaps?"  Kevin begins to kiss Lucy on the neck.

"Now that --- sounds like a plan." Lucy says.  Kevin carefully removes Lucy's blouse and begins to caress her up and down her body with his hands and lips, as Lucy begins to unbutton his shirt.  After a few minutes, Kevin stops suddenly and sits up, looking around the room.  "What's wrong?"  Lucy asks.

"You didn't hear it?" Kevin says. 

"Hear what?"

"Somebody called my name." 

"That was me, Doc." Lucy says, trying to pull him back into a kiss.  Kevin stops her.

"No, it wasn't you.  It came from outside."  Kevin gets up and walks toward the window, glancing outside.  Lucy follows behind him.

"Doc, there's nothing there.  You're just imagining things.  Now, do you think we can get back to -- you know, what we were just doing."

"I'm not imagining it, Lucy -- somebody was out there."  Kevin goes into the closet and grabs his jacket, and heads outside. 

"Doc, what are you --" 

"Just stay here." Kevin says.  He goes outside and walks around the edge of the Lighthouse, turning around and looking behind him several times as he hears leaves rustling behind him.  Nobody is there.  Kevin returns back in the house a few minutes later.

"Well?" Lucy says.

"Nobody was there." 

"See, I told you." 

"But somebody was -- I'm sure of it.  Lucy, I --- I don't know what to think here.  I mean, I haven't felt this nervous since --"

"Since, what Doc?"

"Since -- since I thought I was Ryan."

Chapter 2

October 30, 2000 -- Kevin tosses and turns in his sleep, and is awakened by a strange sound.  He wakes up, and a voice calls out to him.  "Kevin." the voice whispers.  It seems to be coming from outside his bedroom window.  Kevin gets up, grabs his robe and walks over to the window.  He looks outside, but sees nothing.  Lucy wakes up a few minutes later. 

"Doc?" she says.  "What are you doing?"

"Don't you hear it?" Kevin asks.

"Hear what?  Doc it's --" Lucy glances over at the clock.  "Five o'clock in the morning -- now come back to bed, the twins will be up in about an hour, so let's take advantage of this time we have to actually get some sleep."

"Lucy -- somebody's out there.  This isn't the first time I heard it -- remember that time last month, when --"

"Doc -- it's very windy out there, and you're probably just hearing things.  Now come back to bed, please."  Kevin sighs as he closes the blinds.

"You're right -- it's probably just my imagination." he says, climbing back into bed with Lucy.  She cuddles up next to him, and he holds her close as he keeps glancing back at the window, unable to sleep.

"Sure -- no problem." Jessie says. 

"I'll probably need your help with the trauma patients once you're done with that -- Jessie I really appreciate the help today, we've been just swamped all afternoon."  Ellen says.

"Oh, I don't mind -- anytime you need an extra hand, just ask." Jessie says.

"I wish everyone had your attitude." Ellen says.  About an hour later, Jessie is walking past the  ER cubicles, and Chris passes her. 

"Get an IV started in there -- I'll be right back." Chris orders her, pointing to one of the cubicles, and starts to leave. 

"I'm busy right now -- do it yourself." Jessie says.

"Now you listen to me, nurse -- when a doctor asks you to do something, you do it.  Is that clear?"

"What, you're incapable of starting an IV?  In case you haven't noticed, this place is swamped, and there isn't time for any egos to be spouting off around here.  Ellen just paged me, she needs me in Trauma 3 -- that's where I'm going." Jessie says, and walks away.  About two hours later, she runs into Chris in the on call room.   He just glares at her as she enters. 

"You were way out of line today, I hope you realize that." Chris says to her.

"You know Ramsey, I don't know how on earth you can fit on that couch -- I would think your ego would take up too much room." Jessie quips.

"Oh, you're funny." Chris says.

"Hey -- if you'd have asked nicely, I'd have been more than happy to help.  I don't appreciate being ordered around like some servant."

"So you just deliberately decided to ignore a direct order from a doctor?" Chris says.

"See -- that's the problem.  A decent person would ask -- and you bark orders and expect people to jump.  I don't work that way.  Why can't you just be nice, Chris?"

"Oh please, I'm not in the mood for another one of your lectures." Chris says.

"Well, it's true -- I've bent over backwards to be nice to you, and you're always rude.  And it's not just me -- you're always snippy with all the nurses.  You've got one of the worst reputations around here.  And the thing is -- it doesn't have to be that way.  Everyone respects your ability as a doctor -- it would be nice if you showed us some respect once in awhile." Jessie suggests, and leaves the room.  Later that evening, Chris is in his apartment, sitting at his desk going over some notes.  Eve and Jessie walk in, carrying several bags and laughing loudly.  Chris looks up and glares at them.  "Hey -- do you two mind taking your slumber party somewhere else?  I'm trying to work here." he says angrily.

"Boy, you're in a grumpy mood today -- first you're yelling in the ER, then in the on call room, now here -- what's the deal?" Jessie asks.

"The deal is, I'm sick of my apartment being turned into gossip central by you two.  Every other night you come in here after work and yap for hours on end.  Don't you have work to do, Eve?" Chris asks.

"I get my paperwork done -- but I like to have fun, too.  And for your information -- we just came here to drop off some stuff.  We're going out tonight." Eve says.

"We're going to a dance club -- you're welcome to join us." Jessie says.

"I'd rather have root canal.  Just make it quick and get out of here -- I'm busy." Chris says, storming off into his room.  Jessie turns to Eve.

"You know -- he's kind of cute when he's mad." Jessie says.

"You're kidding, right?" Eve asks.

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed." Jessie says.

"Noticed what?  Chris?  Are you serious?"

"Eve, he's handsome, smart, funny -- and very single.  What's not to like?  I mean, sure, that's that little problem of him being a pompous, egotistical jerk, but -- I just get the feeling that it's more for show than anything.  He seems like he'd be a decent guy once you get to know him."

"Well, there is one other little problem, Jessie -- he's clearly not interested." Eve says.

"Yet." Jessie replies.  "That can be changed.  So -- why is he so obsessed with his job?  Is he afraid of losing it or something?  He can be a pain, but he's a great doctor, he shouldn't have anything to worry about." Jessie says.

"He screwed up royally about two years ago and is on probation -- his hearing is in a few months, the past six months he's been putting in double shifts and really stressing out over this -- and yes, I think he's afraid he'll lose his job."

"I had no idea." Jessie says.  "Poor Chris."

"Well, if you want my advice, I'd steer clear of Chris for the time being -- he's been working double, sometimes triple shifts these days, and he's always in such a grumpy mood.  I don't know what his problem is sometimes." Eve says.

"Well -- how long has it been for him?" Jessie asks.

"Jessie!  I can't believe you just asked me that!" Eve says. "I think it's been awhile." she says under her breath.

"Well, there you go then -- that's the problem.  I could fix that." Jessie teases, grinning as she glances over to the door leading to Chris' bedroom.

November 6, 2000 -- "Hey Chris." Jessie says, calling out to him as he walks down the hall.

"What?" Chris asks, somewhat ignoring her.

"I just wanted to let you know that -- Eve told me about your hearing in a few months, and if there's anything I can do to help you just --"

"What the hell is Eve doing blabbing my personal business to people?" Chris shouts. 

"She didn't blab, she just --" Jessie begins.

"Look -- I don't need your help.  And tell Eve to mind her own business from now on." Chris says.  He continues to walk down the hall and runs into Eve.  "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Chris asks.

"What do you mean?" Eve asks.

"You told Jessie about my hearing." Chris says.

"Chris, it's not like it isn't common knowledge.  She wanted to know why you're always in such a lousy mood, and I told her."

"Well keep your big mouth shut from now on -- is that clear?" 

"Crystal." Eve says, staring at Chris with a puzzled look on her face as he walks away.

November 10, 2000 -- Chris storms out of the OR and races after Jessie. He angrily grabs her from behind. 

''Hey!  Just what the hell did you think you were doing in there?'' he asks angrily. 

''I was merely making a suggestion, Dr. Ramsey.'' she replies, pushing him away and heading for the sink to wash up. ''I think I've assisted on enough surgeries to be entitled to state my opinion on a case.'' 

''And question my decision-making in the process?'' he quips. ''Look, I'm the one with the 'doctor' in front of his name here. Next time you have something to say, do it in private, not in front of my colleagues.'' 

''Dr. Ramsey, we are dealing with life and death here. Your overblown ego needs to check itself when it walks through those OR doors. I was in no way questioning your ability as a surgeon -- I was merely suggesting an alternative approach to the situation that I had seen work before. What's wrong with that?'' Jessie asks. 

''What's wrong with that? I'll tell you what's wrong with that! You've barely been here two months, and you're already undermining my authority and questioning my ability to do my job!'' 

''Your job! From what I hear, you're lucky to have a job around here.'' Jessie snaps back. 

''Excuse me. Is there a problem?'' Dr. Monica Quartermaine asks, entering the room. 

''Dr. Quartermaine. No, no problem at all.'' Chris replies. 

''No ma'am.'' Jessie adds. ''Chris is just a little upset because I had to cancel our date this evening at the last minute. You know how men are -- they take everything so personally! But I'm sure he'll get over it -- right sweetie?'' Jessie puts her arms around Chris and he glares at her. 

''Yes, well from now on take your lovers spats to a more private venue.'' Monica comments, slightly embarrassed. 

''Yes ma'am.'' Jessie replies. 

''By the way -- good suggestion in the OR today.'' Monica says to Jessie as she leaves. ''I was impressed.'' Monica exits the room. 

Jessie smiles at Chris, who at this point is fuming. ''You are the most impossible, aggravating, annoying woman that I've -- why did you say that?'' Chris angrily asks. ''By tomorrow morning it'll be all over the hospital that we're 'dating.''' 

''And the problem with that is?'' Jessie asks, half laughing.

''Well, how about it's not true for starters?'' Chris snaps. 

''Well, what if I did ask you out? On a date, I mean. What would you say?'' she asks. 

''I'd say you need to make an appointment with your cousin to have your head examined.'' Chris quips. ''You're hardly my type.'' 

''Oh, I see.'' Jessie says, becoming more curious. ''And just what exactly is your type?'' she asks. 

''NOT YOU, that's for sure!'' Chris replies. 

''Oh, come on Ramsey.'' Jessie teases, as Chris attempts to clean up and ignore her. ''Hey, for all you know it could have been some 'cosmic destiny' that brought us together. We could be soulmates, just waiting to find each other. You know, a couple of friends of mine back in San Francisco just hated each other when they first met, but --'' 

''Oh, spare me another one of your new age monologues.'' Chris interrupts. ''It's bad enough that you and Eve have become so buddy-buddy, and I have to listen to you yammer on about peace and love and karma and all that other garbage in my own home. I'm not going to listen to it here. And as far as I'm concerned, the only 'cosmic destiny' I have is with a couple of beers, a bowl of pretzels, and the football game that's on tonight. Now if you'll excuse me --'' 

Jessie stops him. ''You know what your problem is, Ramsey? It's been way too long since you've gotten any. No wonder you're so uptight all the time. How long has it been, anyway? A year? Two years?'' Chris doesn't respond. ''Oooh, that long, huh? You know, a friend of mine went five years once -- of course, it was part of a spiritual ritual he went through to purify his body, and that included a vow of celibacy. But I just can't see you doing that for some reason. So, what is your excuse?'' 

''I'm outta here --'' Chris states, trying to leave. Jessie stops him again. 

''You know, keeping your feelings bottled up inside you isn't very healthy. You need to try and be more spontaneous once in awhile -- just do whatever the spirit moves you to. For example, right now I have an incredible urge to do this.'' Jessie pushes Chris against the wall and kisses him passionately, stroking his hair and pushing her body as close to him as she possibly can. He offers little resistance. She then pulls away, leaving Chris against the wall, stunned. ''See, I give in to my gut feelings. You should try it some time. Oh, and by the way -- don't think I didn't notice that you kissed me back. Boy, it really has been a long time for you, huh? We'll have to do something about that.'' Jessie smiles as she walks out the door . . . 

"Of course." Kevin says.  He goes into the playroom and starts to sort through all of the toys that are scattered about.  Kevin begins to put them away one by one.  He walks over to the dresser, carrying a handful of stuffed animals, and is about to open one of the drawers when he looks at the top of the dresser and notices what is decorating it.  It's a whole setup of a circus, complete with a toy carousel, ferris wheel, and the one thing he keeps glancing back to -- a replica of a fun house.  Kevin just stands there, staring at the elaborate setup.  Several minutes later, Lucy enters the room. 

"Doc -- are you about finished.  The twins want their daddy to tuck them in." Lucy says.

"Lucy -- what is this?" Kevin asks.

"What?" Lucy says.

"This -- when did this get here?" 

"What do you mean?  You put it there -- a few days ago, remember -- I came home early, and you said it was a surprise for the twins -- Doc, are you feeling alright?" Lucy asks.

"Yeah, I -- are you sure I put it there?" Kevin asks.

"Doc -- I saw you working on it -- every little thing had to be in its place -- how can you not remember that?"

"I don't know but -- I don't." Kevin says.

"Doc, you're -- you're starting to scare me.  Especially since -- well, I thought it was kind of odd that you decided you wanted a circus motif in the playroom to begin with, and now you say you don't remember putting it there and --"

"I -- I think we should go tuck the kids in.  We'll talk about this later." Kevin says, walking out of the room and nervously glancing back at the dresser as he leaves.  The next morning, he goes over to Gail's house.

"Kevin -- come on in." Gail says, letting him in the front door.  "I have to admit, I was surprised to hear from you.  What's going on?" 

"Gail -- I know you said I was recovered, but -- is it possible that you were wrong?  Because I -- some things have been happening to me Gail, and I wish I could explain them, but -- I can't."  Kevin says.

"Like what?" Gail asks, as they both sit down in the living room.

"I've been hearing -- voices." Gail looks at him nervously.  "Not in that way, it's -- it's like someone is outside, calling me.  I first heard it about a month ago, and -- every so often, it happens again.  And then last night -- I went into the twins' playroom, and there was this whole setup of a circus on their dresser.  Lucy says I put it there, and -- I have no memory of it."

"Is she sure it was you?  Maybe Victor gave it to her or --"

"She said she saw me a few days ago, setting it up.  She said I told her I wanted it to be a surprise.  Why would I forget something like that?" Kevin asks.

"Kevin -- have you had any blackouts -- any time you can't recall?" Gail asks.

"Obviously I have, if what Lucy says is true.  What am I supposed to do?  Gail, maybe I should take a leave of absence from work -- how can I try to help others regain their sanity if I'm not even sure that I have mine." 

"That might be a good idea -- maybe you just need some time off.  Take a couple weeks personal leave -- maybe go on a short trip with Lucy and the twins.  You might just be overworked -- see if that helps."

"And if it doesn't?" Kevin asks.

"We'll worry about it then.  I just don't want you doing anything rash like quitting your job over what very well may be nothing more than overwork.  You have been putting in a lot of hours lately -- I think taking some time off is the way to go -- for now."

"Maybe you're right." Kevin says.  "At least I hope you are -- cause I'd hate to think what would happen if you're not."