Having finished convincing Mrs Crendon that she really did need the surgery and that she would be perfectly safe in the hands of the surgical team at Seattle Grace, Meredith flopped back down onto the bench in the locker room and looked at her watch. She swore a little under her breath and got out her cell phone. Derek didn't pick up. That was odd, she thought. He always picked up, even if it was to say he couldn't talk. She tried again and still no answer. Maybe he's already here she thought. Meredith went to his office and found no sign of him. She grabbed a coffee and saw Alex, George and Izzie so went over.
'Hey guys. Have you seen Shepherd?' The trio rolled their eyes.
'Maybe he's off screwing that Nurse.' Smirked Alex.
'I'm sure he's fine Mer, probably just with a patient or something.' Reassured George. Meredith sighed, thanked her friends and walked off in search of Derek.
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'…Derek Shepherd… car crash… unconscious… head trauma… on his way… paramedics said they'd bring him here…' Christina stopped dead as she overheard a nurse talking to Bailey, who looked grim.
'They called ahead to tell us this?' Bailey asked
'Yeah apparently he's in pretty bad shape.' Christina saw Bailey hesitate before telling the nurse to clear Trauma Room 1 and bustling off probably to inform the Chief. Christina rushed to catch her up.
'Doctor Bailey.. Is it true Doctor Shepherd is coming in? As a patient?' Bailey stopped for a second and glared at Christina.
'You need to learn not to listen to other people's conversation's Yang. But yes Derek Shepherd has been in an accident and is in a pretty bad way. I'm just going to inform the Chief, but it sounds like it will be all hands on deck for this one.'
'Does Meredith know?'
"Doctor Grey? No. And it needs to stay that way. You need to keep her away and unaware of this Yang.' Christina hesitated.
'But Doctor Bailey, with all due respect, they're involved, and she has a right to know.' Bailey stopped dead and rounded on Christina.
'Let me get one thing straight Doctor Yang, my only concern is the safety of Derek Shepherd, the best neurosurgeon possibly in the country. And having his little girlfriend there crying will only complicate his treatment. Do I make myself clear?'
'Perfectly clear Doctor Bailey.'
'Good. Now what are you doing still standing here? Go find her and keep her occupied!'
'Yes ma'am. And Dr Bailey?'
'What is it now Yang?'
'What about my interns and Meredith's interns?' Miranda Bailey thought for a second.
'Swear any that know to secrecy and keep it from the rest. She can't know. Hurry and find them. She'll have started rounds like you should have!'
'Yes ma'am.'
Christina rushed off to find Mer, trying desperately to think of a way to keep her from finding out.
