Chapter 4
Growing Concerns
[August 23, 9:45 AM Caduceus Director's Office]
Director Sidney Kasal was gazing out the window to his office, mauling over the terrible situation that had occurred at his hospital. First the GUILT outbreak last year, and now the murder of a patient that was entrusted to their care. On top of all that, his top surgeon was under arrest for the murder. He had a lot of thinking to do. His thoughts were interrupted by someone entering his office and knocking on the door.
"Am I interrupting anything, Director?" asked the elderly gentleman as he stepped into the office.
"No, Robert. Please come in." said Sidney, turning to face Robert. Robert Hoffman is the director of Hope Hospital, where Derek was first employed. He's like a mentor of sorts to him.
"You must have quite a handful going on, huh?" said Robert, approaching Sidney's desk. Sidney sat down at his desk and put his hands together with his elbows on the desk.
"It's nothing I can't handle. Although how I'm going to go about handling it, I'll have to get back to you on that." said Sidney, letting out a little sigh. Sidney was always a calm and collected individual. Robert could tell from the bags under Sidney's eyes, he hasn't been sleeping much. Robert took a seat in front of Sidney's desk.
"You know, if there's anything I can do to help, I will. So will the rest of my staff at Hope Hospital, including Greg." said Robert, leaning forward in his chair a little.
"Thank you, Robert, but I'm not sure there is much you can do." said Sidney, "Besides, I believe the less people involved, the better. The last thing we want is for this to turn into a big media fiasco."
"Well it may be a bit late for that. I saw a report on Derek on television this morning. It was typical slander you'd expect from these cable news networks." said Robert, a disgusted tone in his voice.
"I just can't believe it, Robert," said Sidney, getting up from his desk and walking back to the window, "I mean Derek… a murderer? I just don't see it…"
Robert got up and walked over to Sidney. He gazed out the window next to him. "I don't wanna believe it either. He always seemed so passionate about saving lives. I have a hard time believing he would voluntarily take one." Robert stroked his white beard in thought.
"You've reviewed the operation tape, haven't you?" asked Sidney.
"I have," answered Robert, "He used the Healing Touch. Not many doctors aside from myself and Dr. Kimishima knows that technique."
"That tape is rather incriminating, I suppose." said Sidney, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"But is that tape all they have on Derek?" wondered Robert.
"Apparently not," said Sidney, placing his hands behind his back, "I'm not privy to the details of their investigation, but they all seem rather convinced it was Derek."
Robert shook his head. "This is the first time I've seen something like this…"
At that moment, the door to the office swung open once more and in walked a certain scruffy looking detective.
"Alright pal, I've got some more questions for you!" said Detective Dick Gumshoe. He looked at Robert. "Sorry pal, but this is a private conversation between me and the Director. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
"Very well, Detective," said Robert. He turned to Sidney and gave him a nod. Sidney returned the nod. Robert walked toward the door and left.