Theo Jessup, Teen 'Gene'ius

Newly sixteen, THEO JESSUP's unusual abilities make him a sought-after asset at Prymus Genetics, an award-winning medical clinic at the forefront of genetic research. And no one is keener to harvest Theo's advanced DNA under the pretext of a cancer cure, than DR. BRADLEY HUNTER, the clinic's master of gene therapy, whose outstanding work at Prymus, is only superceded by the size of his rampant ego. Hunter's colleague, DR. BRIAN ANDREWS, runs into Theo, having taken a wrong turn at a lakeside town. Brian sends a photo of the pale-skinned, downy blond-haired teen with amethyst eyes, to Hunter, alerting him of Theo's whereabouts. The doctor orders his henchman, ex-combat vet RUSSELL (RUSTY) SHARP – himself, a guinea pig of Hunter's illegal opiates – to kidnap the boy. Theo escapes moments before Rusty's goons arrive at the log cabin, but his parents ROSE and NEAL deliberately die in a booby-trap explosion that wipes out Rusty's commandos, leaving the obese man scrambling to explain the mess to his boss. Furious, Hunter fires him and takes over the mission. Early next morning, Theo stows aboard an eighteen wheeler at a truck stop cafe, belonging to petite Irish driver, CAITLIN O'REILLY, who quickly warms to Theo's charms, incredible memory, and ability to master tasks at record speed. The bond between the loner pair grows, but it's tested when a patrol cruiser questions Cait on her truck's damaged rear, from the earlier cafe altercation. As the authorities grill her, Theo – a newbie driver – outwits them and steals the truck. Cait barely makes the getaway in time. She calls Theo out, but he can't stick around when it comes to the law. A mad chase ensues. Trapped by the crazy cops, and hating their gung-ho attitude, Theo pulls out his ace card; he bends time and 'vanishes' the rig - reappearing two miles ahead - which freaks Caitlin out. Before she can process it all, an APB goes out, and now they're Wanted fugitives. Cait seeks help from her trucker buddies. One offers a place for a few days. Safely housed - yet still half curious, half skeptical – she drills down on Theo's weird talents. No one drives a huge truck right off the bat like that – just who is he? So the teen patiently explains the impossible trick that blew her mind, but she's none the wiser. Turning in for the night, Caitlin is ambushed by Hunter & Co. in a blaze of gunfire. Caitlin's death devastates Theo, and he meekly surrenders. However, the local sheriff rescues him, before taking Hunter's motley gang downtown for questioning. They're released when Hunter posts bail in bitcoin, much to the trooper's disgust. Still on the run, Theo catches a bus of out town, where he meets quirky eighty-year-old solo German tourist ELISABETH EMINGER - a nonstop chatterbox. At a roadblock inspection master-minded by Hunter, she covers for Theo. Later, they part ways at another rest stop. She gifts him with advice that turns his perspective around, and it's game on. Theo locates senior Prymus partner DR. MARGARITA ALBRIGHT; informs her of Hunter's real intentions. She knew his parents, so she helps him go after Rusty first, then Hunter, culminating in a showdown between the two men in the bowels of the clinic, that will test Theo's life beyond the limits of human – and even heavenly – endurance.