SCOTT PULLED off his coat and shoes as he gratefully entered the warmth and comfort of his condo. He heard ice pellets driving against the windows and he could see a great white world outside.

He sifted through the mail on his way to the kitchen where he poured a jigger of scotch and added water from the tap.

Taking a sip, he sank into the softness of his plump leather sofa.

Nothing important was among the mail so he put it aside and turned on the stereo.

He relaxed for a while before pushing a button to send the stereo sound into the bathroom. He rose and stretched and went to shower. Belting out an aria in sync with Puccini he reflected on how well things were going. Chu was a real find a brilliant young man who wanted to focus on clinical trials research while leading Scott's oncology team. Scott would be free to concentrate on his supplementary patient care and enjoy time with Jana. My wife - it has a nice ring to it! Toweling off, he put on his terry robe and went to the kitchen. He scanned through a newsletter he had started that morning at breakfast while he ate a sandwich and then decided to have one more scotch before watching the national news.

With happy anticipation, he settled on the sofa again and reached for his cell phone.

Punching the voice mail, he heard Jana's panicked voice just a few terse words and a garbled noise. Scott felt his heart leap and he sprang to his feet, disbelief, confusion and panic jolting him from his equanimity. Pacing up and down, he replayed the message. He could make out people crying and screaming and thought he heard footsteps and fire crackers. He dialed 911 and then quickly hung up. No no, not 911, they can't help! He turned on the TV and scrambled through the guide looking for CNN.