Chapter 8: Who is the Missing Intern?

As Derek got off the elevator, he got a text. Damn!

As he walked through the lobby, he saw the chief with a scowl on his face.

"Everything okay chief?"

The chief grumbled, "No. We are still cleaning up the mess from yesterday. So many people with broken limbs. I'm buried in paperwork and media requests and surgeries are backed up. Any word on your Jane Doe?"

Derek said, "No, but her condition may be improving. Nothing to speak of, but my gut feeling and nurses' instincts. I thought she might be a cruise ship passenger, but I just got word that everyone is accounted for."

The chief said, "If she doesn't improve in a day or two, you are going to have to move her out of ICU."

Derek sighed and replied, "I know. I'm hoping she recovers before then."

Richard said, "God you have no idea how much I want a drink right now!"

Derek asked alarmed, "Do you need to call your sponsor? Can I do anything here to help so you can go to a meeting?"

Richard replied, "No. I am just venting."

Derek relaxed and asked, "What's going on? You thrive in stressful conditions."

Richard sighed and looked at his former student and current friend. "I'm missing an intern."

Derek couldn't help but laugh, "You had one quit on the first day?"

"Not quit. Not show up!"

"Oh. What happened? Cold feet?"

"I don't know. She was supposed to be at the mixer last night, didn't show up for work today and nothing!"

Derek frowned and said, "Flighty. Obviously doesn't realize how difficult it is to get into this program."

The chief scowled, "I'm just worried, I guess."

Derek replied, "She'll show up. Maybe she got the dates wrong or something. I'm going to meet Mark at Joes. Let me know if I can help with anything."

"Thanks Derek."

Derek started walking through the lobby and suddenly stopped. He had a thought. Surely not! But it was an unusual coincidence.

Derek spun around and said loudly, "Richard!"

Richard turned around surprised, "Yes Derek."

"Richard. How old is your missing intern? What's does she look like?"

"Um…twenty-three. I don't know what she looks like now."

"Now?"

"I don't want anyone to know, but I knew her as a little girl."

"Oh. Well, it was a long shot."

"Jane Doe?"

Derek said, "Yeah. My Jane Doe is nineteen or twenty."

"Sorry."

"Yeah goodnight."

As Derek walked away, he thought how bad he was with ages. Women had the ability to look ten years younger or ten older with makeup. What if his Jane Doe was older than she looked? God he was getting obsessive! He even thought he was familiar with this girl.

For the second time, Derek spun around and went after Richard who was getting in the elevator.

He yelled, "Hold the door!"

Richard stuck his hand in the door.

"Forget something Derek?"

Derek punched in the floor for ICU and asked Richard, "What's your missing intern's name?"

Richard said, "Meredith Grey. Why do you ask?"

Derek's mouth hung open, "Meredith Grey!"