The Passion Premise

By Bill Reamer

The Passion Premise is the third book in Bill Reamers The Dates, Scott Mountain trilogy. The storyline picks up after Ian Scotts passing in Seattle. Choices, consequences, actions, and reactions lead the characters on a thrilling, if not an outright dangerous, journey.
Along the journey, the next generation is forced to mature rapidly as they are confronted with matters from the past. Though not totally chained to historical events, they are not totally free from them either. The past inhibits their future and decisions must be made and the consequences of those decisions endured. In the end it gets down to either choosing a life driven by passion with all of its accompanying precipitous peaks and valleys, or a more bland, lethargic, rudderless existence totally driven by the whim of external uncontrollable forces.
The traditional themes of more is expected and the right thing to do is the right thing to do no matter the cost reverberate throughout the storyline but the phenomena of living a life with passion is the dominant message explored.
The Passion Premise completes the series of these books that began almost ten years ago, or perhaps . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504923637

Bill Reamer

I want to share a few thoughts regarding the purposes of my writings. You notice the plural form of purpose. Of course, for any publication to be read, you need a good storyline and then need to be able to relate that storyline in a captivating style. This is a common challenge for all writers and is definitely one of my goals. My other purpose is that I want my writings to impact the readers and compel them to make their lives and the lives of people they touch better and, in doing so, make our world just a little bit better place to live. Now, although I have listed these purposes in an order, they actually coexist equally. The challenge is not to sacrifice one for the sake of the other. That is the tricky part.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Wrapping up Seattle (Monday Evening)

I head back into the coliseum. Hopefully, I can get into the locker room. If not, my basketball uniform will have to serve as my wardrobe of choice - at least until I can get back to the hotel. I am physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. The whole spectacle of our winning the NCAA Basketball Championship now seems as if it were something that happened years ago rather than just about an hour ago.

The thought of Dad’s death and the aftermath totally consumes me. There is just so much to process. I knew that he was going to die, but until it actually happened, I was just focused on him dying. Now my mind is being bombarded with how we go forward without him. Even at the hospital when he was unconscious, he was still here. Now, for the first time in my life, he is not here. I don’t have access to his knowledge, even though I used to ignore it when it didn’t fit me just right. I don’t have his presence, which, again, I never really appreciated until now. I don’t feel, not quite sure of the word—maybe safe. He doesn’t have my back anymore. Maybe it is better stated that I now feel a vulnerability that I never felt before.

I grip the Wo Ro and feel a connection to Grandpa Willy as well as Dad but also sadness. He was right here but unreachable, untouchable to me. He could be here right now but maybe not. I just don’t know.

Of course, Mom, Aunt Jenny, and Uncle Logan all understood the phenomenon of the Wo Ro. They all watched me place it in Grandpa Willy’s coffin so many years ago. Becka and JoJo didn’t have a clue. I will never forget the look on their faces when we told them the story. JoJo’s eyes got as big around as silver dollars, and Becka’s jaw dropped like she was a marionette puppet. They were both stunned silent. I wish I’d had a camera to record the look on their faces.

Uncle Logan is heading back to the hospital with JoJo. He insists on joining JoJo just to make sure that there are no repercussions to any of the activities involved in Dad’s, let’s say, unconventional and unofficial release from the hospital. JoJo, perhaps because of his record, is a little worried but I know that Uncle Logan will handle it. He will make JoJo’s problems all go away.

Becka, Aunt Jenny, and Mom are waiting for me in the coliseum lobby. We plan to go back as a group to the hotel where we will wait on Uncle Logan and JoJo to join us for dinner.

As I walk across the basketball court to get to the locker room, the maintenance and cleanup crews are already on the job. The basketball goals are lowered and are being disassembled. The chairs that made up the team benches are now stacked and placed on the court. All the hype and preparation is now just history as the arena starts being prepped for the next big event. What was to be a lifetime milestone, finishing my college career in a championship game, is now so small and insignificant when compared to what we all just experienced with Dad. I know, in time, I will be able to replay this game in my mind and really get satisfaction and enjoyment out of it, but not now.

I push on the locker room door and thankfully it opens. A quick scan and relative silence reveals that the team has left. I head to my locker and notice at the end of the row one of the equipment managers, our unsung behind the scene heroes, is busy stuffing sweaty uniforms and wet towels into a laundry sack. He looks up and sees me.

Hey, Jake! So sorry to hear about your Dad.

Thanks, Arnie. Is everyone gone?

They all went back to the hotel for a team dinner. Everyone except for…

Arnie’s response is interrupted by the voice of Coach Cahill.

Heard about your Dad. It is a real shame.

Thanks, Coach.

Jake, I am just happy that I met him and got to know him a little bit. I wish I had known him better. He was really a great guy.

That he was Coach. That he was!

So, what are your plans? I am sure that as a family there are a lot of things you need to discuss and plan.

To tell you the truth, Coach, I don’t know what needs to be done. Thankfully, we have Aunt Jenny. I am sure by the time I am showered she will have a to-do list for all of us and a timetable.

That’s good that you have someone like that.

What are we doing as a team?

There is a schedule but that doesn’t apply to you. You do what you need to do with your family. Don’t you worry about anything else.

I am going to have to miss the team dinner because tonight our family is going to dinner, and I’m sure that is when Aunt Jenny will be handing out the list.

Don’t worry about dinner. We are actually staying another day in Seattle. So, team dinner tonight, team breakfast tomorrow, and then we are going to be meeting with the national media. The media really wants to talk with you, but I am running defense for you on this. We will head the busses back to school on Wednesday morning. I hear that there is going to be quite the welcoming at the school. Arnie, be sure to give Jake one of the printed itineraries.

Coach, after tonight, I will know better what is happening. I do feel bad about skipping out on the interview earlier. I do owe them and I will be happy to do it if I can. Can I call you in the morning?

Call me whenever you want and remember, family first. Everything else will work its way out.

Thanks, Coach!

Coach heads out of the locker room and Jake heads toward the showers.

Jake Arnie says, I am leaving a copy of the team schedule in your locker. I will just hang out here until you are done.

Thanks. There is no need for you to wait here. You got my uniform. I will just bring the towels back to the hotel and give them to you in the morning. I think the meal is a buffet. If you don’t get there soon, there may not be anything left for you to eat.

You got that right! Are you sure? I don’t mind waiting.

Yeah, I’m sure Arnie. Go ahead and leave.

Arnie leaves the locker room. Jake continues to the shower and just stands soaking under the showerhead. He is wishing that the warm water pulsating on his head could wash away the many conflicting thoughts that are playing over and over in his mind. Jake, for the first time, realizes how tired and achy his body is, and he once again starts noticing the irritation caused by the poke in the eye that he got at the end of the game.

Although he would like to linger, he knows that the girls are waiting for him. So, after a quick scrubbing, he reluctantly turns off the water, wraps a towel around himself, and heads toward his locker. He picks up the team schedule, gives it a quick peruse, and then stuffs it into his backpack. He is startled when a voice breaks the silence of the locker room.

Jake, how’s the eye?

Jake turns quickly to see Ronnie Dupree, the photographer lady that he had toured around Scott Mountain who caused such a rift with Becka.

You scared me to death. What are you doing here?

Jake, you know that I live in Seattle. Remember, I gave you my number and asked that you give me a call if you were ever in the area. I have been sitting by the phone waiting and waiting for a call.

Ronnie, I know you live in Seattle, but what are you doing here in this locker room? This is a restricted area.

I just wanted to see you. I have been following you from afar and just wanted to get close once again. As far as a restricted area, I just batted my eyelashes a few times and here I am, or should I say here we are. It’s not like this is the first boy’s locker room that I have been in!

Ronnie, there is no we, and you have got to leave. You know about my Dad and I have family waiting for me. I am in a hurry.

I liked your Dad. He was a fine looking man. It seems that runs in the family. Besides, I wouldn’t mind hanging out and meeting the other people in your family.

No. That is not possible! You have to go!

Jake Scott, you are not behaving very cordially, Ronnie replied coyly. I take it you don’t want me to meet your family because it is more than family. That girl is here too, isn’t she?

Yeah, Becka is here.

So, Assistant Coach Watkins is in the house. I am so sick of the way the media is fawning all over that girl, Ronnie exasperatedly responds.

Ronnie, please. I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t have time to talk. I am in a hurry. I’ve got things to do and you have got to leave.

Okay, I will go, but will you promise to call me before you leave town?

I don’t know…with…all that will be going on…I am not sure if I will have time.

I am talking just a few minutes. Here is my number just in case you can’t put your hands on my card, Ronnie says with a note of sarcasm in her voice.

She extends her hand with a business card in it to Jake. As he reaches for it, Ronnie grabs his hand and pulls herself closely toward Jake. Jake is surprised by the move, quickly breaks free from her grasp, and presses his hands against Ronnie’s shoulders pushing her to an arm’s length distance.

No promises, but I will see what I can do.

Looking forward to getting caught up with you on old times.

Ronnie then smiles and walks to the door. Before she exits, she turns and says Now, don’t forget to call me. She sheepishly smiles and continues, You don’t want me to have to come after you do you?

Jake grins slightly, gives her a swooshing get out the door wave, and locks the door behind her.

This is one thing that I didn’t need—not now—not any time. Now I have something more to worry about. Do I tell Becka or not? I don’t want to worry Becka unnecessarily, but I don’t want to hide things from her either. I wish Dad were around to ask. I guess I will just have to think on this before I do anything. That Ronnie is one awfully weird individual.

Jake dresses, leaves the locker room, and surveys the tunnel for any signs of Ronnie. Seeing none, he quickly and deliberately makes his way to the lobby to join the group.

Upon seeing Jake, Becka comments, Boy, that didn’t take long. Are you sure you are going to pass the smell test?

Jake retorts, I guess you are just going to have to come over here and check it out!

Becka leaps into a warm embrace and then declares to Jane and Jenny, I think he is okay…not too toxic.

They all laugh and the group heads out of the coliseum back to the hotel. As they walk along the way, several people notice Jake and stop to offer their congratulations; others ask for an autograph and more than one want to take a picture.

Jenny comments, This is like we are part of a celebrity’s entourage. If we are going to ever get a chance to eat, I think I am going to see to it that we have a private dining area.

Finally, the group arrives at the hotel and the plan is that they all go to their rooms and change and then head to Logan and Jenny’s room where they will wait for the return of Logan and JoJo.

Jake changes quickly and decides to stop off at the team’s dining room before heading to Jenny’s. As Jake approaches the room, he can hear the noises of celebration echoing from the room into the hallway. As he enters the room and is noticed, silence falls over the room and there is a brief pause before his teammates rush to his side. There are handshakes, high fives, and hugs all around. Zeke and the Smith brothers have particularly longer hugs, and words are exchanged.

Coach asks, Jake will you be joining us?

No, the family is getting together to discuss what we need to do about Dad. I just want to say that it is okay to celebrate. I want you guys to be happy. Think of what we just accomplished. I can’t join you in the celebration right now, but somewhere down the line, I am going to enjoy this moment as much as you should right now.

Zeke, who is Jake’s roommate at the hotel shouts out, We’re all here to help you get through this. We’re all here for you! Just let us know how we can help!

The group affirmed Zeke’s statement with a robust response.

Jake replied. I know that and I appreciate it. I see you as more than teammates. I see you as brothers. I’ve got to run. GO LUMBERJACKS!

Jake waits for the elevator. When the door opens, he sees Becka.

Jake takes her hand and states, You are looking exceptionally good tonight!

And you, Mr. Jake Scott, have cleaned up exceptionally well.

The sight of Becka causes the Ronnie dilemma to surface in Jake’s mind once again. He knows that he hasn’t developed a strategy yet on how to handle it but feels compelled to tell Becka what happened.

Becka, something happened back at the coliseum that I want to tell you about, but I am a little afraid to because I don’t want you to get upset. With all that is going on, I really don’t know if I could handle…any problems…creeping up between us.

A look of concern covers Becka’s entire face. Jake, you really have me worried here. What is going on? I will do my best not to get upset, but not knowing what it is, I can’t promise for sure.

Okay, I am just going to tell you like it is and you have got to believe me that is all there is to it.

Sure. What happened?

You remember that Ronnie girl. You know, that photographer back on the mountain.

A slight expression of concern is now mixed with confusion on Becka’s countenance. Yeah, I remember. I remember her well. So…

I was in the locker room…alone. I was about to get dressed and there she is…standing right behind me.

What? Becka exclaims. This girl is in the locker room with you and you’re standing there undressed!

Yeah, but I had a towel around me.

I have never seen you with just a towel! What is she doing in the locker room? How did she get in there? I would have thought there would be some security.

Exactly. There should have been security. I don’t know what happened. Somehow she got in. You’re not getting upset are…

I am not upset…yet! What did she want?

She…uhh… just wanted to talk to me I guess…

Talk to you! Yeah, I bet that is all she wanted. I don’t think you sneak into a locker room just to talk.

I don’t know why she was there. She lives in Seattle. Maybe it was just to stop by and say hello.

Come on now, Jake. We both know that is not all she was up to.

No matter what she was up to, I sent her on her way. She wasn’t there but for a minute or two. You seem to be getting upset.

I am a little perturbed. A minute or two is just a minute or two too much.

I agree, Becka. I didn’t invite her. I didn’t want to see her. I didn’t want to talk to her. I didn’t want to upset you. The girl is really peculiar.

So…what else?

What do you mean?

How did it end?

I just told her she had to go.

And, she left? That’s it.

Pretty much. Uhm…she gave me a card with her number on it and asked me to call her.

What did you tell her?

I said that I would probably be very busy…

You didn’t tell her, NO?

Well…I figured that would lead into a big discussion and I just wanted her to leave so that I could get dressed and join all of you.

You didn’t tell her no. Where’s her card? I have no problem calling her and telling her you won’t be calling!

Okay, you see…you are getting upset. I was thinking of not even telling you. I threw her card in the trash. I don’t have it.

Well, that’s a good thing you threw it away, and it is a good thing you told me. I am sorry for jumping at you like this, but that girl really upsets me—the very nerve of her.

Trust me. We will soon be out of Seattle and our paths will never cross again. I know I look guilty when I try to look innocent, but this was none of my doing. So, please calm down. I have enough things going on and I need everything between us to be solid.

I will, but I can’t get over how aggressive she is. Okay, we are at Aunt Jenny and Uncle Logan’s floor. I am just going to try not to think about it because all it will do is make me mad and you upset.

Becka, I don’t have the slightest interest in her. In fact, my only interest is to avoid her. No worries!

Jake gives Becky a big hug and, at that point, the elevator doors open. They exit the elevator and walk hand in hand to the room. They knock on the door. Aunt Jenny opens the door and greets them.

I figured you two would enter as a couple. Jake, your Mom is here but we haven’t heard anything from Logan and JoJo. I had room service bring some drinks and snacks because I just knew you two kids would be starving to death. At least you will have something to hold you over until Logan shows up.

The four are in the room for only a few minutes when they hear a key at the door and in walks Logan.

Jane asks, How did it go with JoJo at the hospital?

No problem. The staff was very understanding and, since we were returning everything, there was really no issue. Now I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am starving. Where are we going to eat?

Is JoJo going to join us? Jake asks.

No. I invited him, but he kept on insisting that this is family only time. So, when we got back to the hotel, he stayed in the car and headed straight back to the mountain.

I wish he would have joined us. He is practically family anyway.

Jake, I wish he would have too, but he was pretty adamant about not barging in on the family situation. Besides, he said that there was much he had to do back on the mountain. So, it is just us. Where are we going?

Jenny replies, I made reservations at Moreno Steakhouse.

One of my favorites, Logan replies.

I knew that it was, but the real reason is that Moreno has a small private dining area.

A confused Logan responds, So…

Jenny counters with You’ll just have to wait and see what happens on the walk over to the restaurant. If we want a shot at getting a meal and some conversation in without a million interruptions, I had to find a private area. You will soon realize that we are in the company of quite a celebrity.

Jenny nods her head toward Jake, who sheepishly and with a slight grin, acknowledges the comment.

Logan wraps his arm around Jake. No kidding! You mean my nephew here is now some sort of a sports icon or idol.

Jake squirms out of the one arm hug and replies, It is getting kind of crazy out there. People want autographs and pictures with me and just want to chat. It is all so surreal! It is sort of fun too, at least for the time being.

Logan looks over to Becky. Becky, I guess you and I are going to have to form a wedge to keep all those adoring fans away from him.

Becky retorts as her eyes glance over toward Jake, Uncle Logan, you can count on me to help you protect him from aggressive and adoring fans!

Jake does his best to avoid Becky’s glance.

The walk to the restaurant is a short one and the interaction with fans is minimal. Once everyone is seated and placed their orders, Jenny seizes control of the gathering.

Okay, let’s evaluate the situation. We are going to have to make arrangements to bring Ian back to Scott Mountain. Is there a particular funeral home there that we should contact?

Becky replies, There is just one funeral home, Johnson Brothers. I’m sure my mom can get us the number.

Good, Becky Jenny continues. Do we know if Ian had any wishes about how he would like his service conducted?

Everyone looks at each other around the table and they all have blank looks on their faces.

Finally Jane breaks the silence. Ian was never one to talk about that kind of stuff. I guess we will just have to go there and, I hate the thought of this, engage his mother and try to come up with a plan.

Jenny states. Hopefully, we can come up with a compromised plan that will work for everyone. I am not so sure that compromise is in that woman’s vocabulary, but I agree it is the right thing to do.

Becky raises her hand seeking permission to speak. Logan jokingly tells her that this is not school and she can just speak up whenever she wants.

Okay, I just didn’t want to interrupt. I do have a box of papers that Mr. Scott gave me to hold on to for him. There might be something in there about Mr. Scott’s desires for his funeral.

Logan’s interest is piqued. A box of papers…hmm…do you know what is in the box?

I know about some of it. Mr. Scott told me. That box contained the document making Jake his health care surrogate. It also contained his will, and I know that he has some envelopes that contain letters for various people.

Who are the letters to?

I don’t know. I am just telling you what Mr. Scott told me. I figured it was pretty private stuff and never looked.

Jenny replies, Well, we need to get that box right off the bat. The contents could make this much less confrontational. What is everybody’s schedule?

Logan responds first. I have got to fly back East tomorrow. I have some international people coming in for a meeting that I just can’t miss. Jenny, I assume that you are planning to stay and help Jane.

Absolutely!

So, what I suggest is that you just take our rental car and drive it to Scott Mountain. I can catch a cab to the airport. Keep the car as long as you need it.

That would work out great. Jane, I know you flew here from your regional airport. What are your plans?

I would just as soon ride to the mountain with you. It doesn’t make sense for me to fly home and then get in my car and make a trip to the mountain.

Becky joins in on the conversation. If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to ride with you. I need to be back at work Wednesday morning. I rode up with some of the mountain folk who have already gone back.

Becky, no problem. You are more than welcome to join us. We would probably drop you off first, pick up Ian’s papers, and then head…where in the world will we stay?

Jake offers the solution, I’d say you stay at the Taj. No one should have a problem with that. He looks at Jane. It is our house!

Jane, after a short period of reflection, replies Oh…I don’t know. It could rub Ian’s mother the wrong way. Maybe we ought to just get a motel room at Base.

Mom, that is ridiculous. Aunt Jenny, you all are staying at the Taj.

Aunt Jenny continues with the planning. It looks like we have everyone taken care of with the exception of you, Jake. What are your plans?

I have a couple of options. I could ride back with you, Mom, and Becka tomorrow. Or, I could go back with the team on Wednesday, stop by the house and pick up Mom’s car, and drive up late Wednesday. It all depends if there is something I need to do on the mountain tomorrow. This isn’t my forte and, if not needed, I would just as soon hang with the team and participate with them tomorrow. Really, any plans you come up with are fine with me.

Jane ponders and replies. I really don’t know what would be best. I mean how will it look…

Logan stops her in mid-sentence. We’re not worrying about what people think. We just need to do what makes sense. For my two bits, I wouldn’t be much help with the planning. This is you gal’s expertise. I vote for Jake to come back on Wednesday.

Jenny seconds Logan’s comments.

Jane concedes but adds, Jake, I will need you to pick some clothes up for me to wear to the funeral. I have nothing appropriate to wear.

I have no problem picking up some of your clothes. What do you need?

I don’t know what I will wear. I will need you to get my longer black, sort of formal dress out of my closet; the one that I used to wear to recitals. Also, bring my black business suit and the black casual suit.

Formals? Business? Casual? You lost me. I will just bring everything in your closet that is black.

Clothes! exclaimed Jenny. I can’t believe I forgot clothes! Is there a place that I can buy some clothes back at Scott Mountain?

Becky responds. There is if you want to go hunting or whitewater rafting but not too strong on funeral attire. You are about the same size as my mom. I am sure we can come up with something for you.

Okay, that’s fine with me.

Logan declares, The way I see it, we have a plan and, to tell you the truth, I am tired of planning. Here comes the food so let’s just enjoy one another’s company.

Logan declared it, and so it was. In spite of all that is going on, the bright events and dark drama, the balance of dinner is devoted to light hearted conversation and everyone experiences a brief hiatus that seems to relax and reinvigorate all.

CHAPTER 2

Wrapping up Seattle (Tuesday)

J ane, Jenny, and Becka are leaving early for the drive to Scott Mountain. In spite of his tiredness and the fact that Coach is letting the team sleep in, Jake is there to see the girls off.

Jake hugs his mom and Jenny. It is evident to both that he and Becky desire some alone time.

Aunt Jenny says to Jake and Becky, You two stay here while your mom and I use the restroom.

Jane did not immediately pick up on Jenny’s strategy and responds, I think I am okay.

Jane quickly catches the get on board stare from Jenny and changes her tune. Maybe I better. We don’t want to be stopping much along the way.

Jenny and Jane leave and the young couple are now alone.

You sure I can trust you being all alone in Seattle?

I am not alone. The whole team is with me, and Coach has a pretty busy schedule laid out, starting with a team breakfast in about an hour.

You know what I mean.

I know, and you know there is no one in this world more important to me than you. I enjoy making you happy, and you are very easy to make happy.

"I guess that is true…at least most of the time. I’m sorry for over reacting yesterday. I guess JoJo was right, at least a little bit, when he said I am a little insecure about this Ronnie girl. I mean she is very attractive, very sophisticated and all. I can see where a lot of guys would want to be with her.

Not this guy. She doesn’t hold a candle to you in any category.

Becky breaks out in a broad smile.

Now that is what I like to see. See how easy it is to make you happy.

You’re not just saying that to make me happy. Are you?

No. I mean all of it. After things settle down, I would like to talk to you about the future. I will be graduating and beginning the next phase in my life and well…you know…I want certain people to be a part of it.

Jake Scott, that is sounding a lot like a proposal of some sort!

Sort of…but not really…there are a lot of things to consider…things I have to do…things I have to work out. Don’t take it wrong, I don’t mean not really…I mean…really…but not officially…not yet…but soon…maybe.

Jake, now you have me totally confused.

Join the crowd but when things die down, I will…we will get it all sorted out. One last thing; Coach says that Universal Sports is going to interview me. Be sure to watch it tonight or in the morning if you can.

Really! That is great. I know that we will all be beat by the time we make it to the mountain, but I will see to it that we all force ourselves to stay up to see it.

Jake and Becky bid their farewells to one another. Jane and Jenny have impeccable timing and return to begin the long journey home.

Jake watches their car until it makes the final turn that puts them out of sight. He returns to the hotel and heads to the breakfast meeting room. Although feeling lonely since Becky and his entire family are now gone, the presence of his teammates keeps Jake from becoming melancholy.

Tuesday is jam packed with team activities and appearances by the team at a variety of events. At 5:00 PM, a limo shows up to pick up Jake and take him to the local studios of a Universal Sports affiliate. Upon entering, he is outfitted with a microphone and is attended to by a makeup person.

Jake asks, This getting ready isn’t being taped or anything is it?

No, why do you ask?

I would sure hate for the guys on the team to see this. I would never live it down.

The makeup person laughs. I promise it won’t go any further than here.

Jake is then led to the studio that seems to have a camera, teleprompter, stage lighting, microphones, or some other piece of electronic equipment with blinking lights everywhere you look.

Jake is seated in a chair, and the production people adjust the height of it to block in the proper camera shot. It is just a whirl of activity, and a little anxiety starts to build within. Before he has a chance to let his nerves build up to a critical point, Graham Goodstead, one of the channel’s anchors and the person Jake spoke with for a little bit after the game, enters the studio.

Hi, Jake. We really appreciate you making the time to talk to us.

No problem. I apologize again for having to leave so abruptly last night. Although looking at all this, I am feeling just a little intimidated.

Jake, you’ll do just fine. I can’t believe that the guy who made all those critical baskets to win the NCAA Championship for his team is spooked by some TV stuff.

I guess it is all about what you’re used to.

Jake, don’t worry about a thing. Just look at me, and we will be having a conversation about a basketball game. We aren’t doing this live. We will edit everything and are going to make a feature out of it. So, if you get a little tongue tied, we’ll just stop and start over. By the end, you’ll look like you have been doing this all your life.

I don’t know about that. Your guys are going to have to be pretty talented to get those results!

It will be a snap. Now, I will have some teleprompting, but all you have to do is look at me. The rest is all kind of automatic. Are you ready?

I guess!

Okay, Gordon gives a nod to a production person.

Jake hears someone behind him state, Okay everyone, countdown to production on my count. Three…two… one.

Hello sports fans. Graham Goodstead here with the man of the hour, or should I say the man of the last 11 seconds of the NCAA Championship Game, Mr. Jake Scott. Welcome.

Thank you, Mr. Goodstead, and thanks for inviting me.

Jake, we want to get to the game, but first things first. Our condolences on the passing of your father.

Thanks. I am beginning to see that it is something that is going to take a while to get used to.

Your story has touched not only the sports world but the world in general. I know that for years to come they will be reviewing this game before every NCAA tournament. I also think the story of your family is going to endure for quite a while.

"Our family has already received messages from fans, friends, and complete strangers, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We wish we could do it personally, but the number of people is