Michael Gallant knocked lightly on Kerry Weaver's door.  She barked an annoyed "Enter" from behind her desk.  Romano had only left a few minutes before and Kerry kept her aloof, distracted demeanor, just in case it was he who came back.  Glancing up to see Gallant enter the room she dropped the chart she was holding and look up to him with a smile. 

"Michael.  How can I help you today?" 

"Umm… Ma'am I was just wondering if you had a chance to give any further thought to my work in Surgery."

"Well Michael, you have done great work with Romano.  Lord knows he's not easy to work with, and I know the hospital owes you a great deal for developing such a comfortable rapport with the patients involved.  The feedback has been exemplary and there's no way that Romano deserves of that praise on his own."  Weaver smiled at Gallant.  She found herself liking Gallant despite the relationship he had developed with Romano.  Whether it was his military history, or his extended involvement in his church as a teenager, Gallant was respectful in a time when chivalry was hard to find.

"Thank you Dr. Weaver."

"But Michael, I have to tell you, I think you're an asset to the ER.  I think your talents for patient care continue to outshine your, admittedly, exemplary surgical skills.  There are medical schools who turn out students each year with the skills perform a surgery, but you… you can put people at ease.  I'm sorry but I am going to have to pass on your request for a trauma-surgical fellowship."

"Yes Dr. Weaver, I understand.  Thank you for taking the time to consider it.  I appreciate your candor."  Gallant answered amicably before giving a polite closing and exiting her office.

Gallant looked down to his watch and acknowledged that Romano was expecting him in his office in about ten minutes.  He weighed his options and headed to roof.  He didn't relish the fact that he was sure to be reamed if he were late in meeting with Romano, but he needed to clear his mind. 

He sat down on the cement railing for a moment and then swung his legs around over the side and let them dangle freely.  Every so often he would come out here and just enjoy the rush of his life hanging by the threads of his meticulously ironed black Dockers. 

This was hardly the first time he had been told that he would be better off staying right where he was.  With all the times he had tried to advance his career only to be told he was too essential in his current position to be lost, he was amazed he wasn't still working at his hometown Krispy Kreme. 

But even with all of his experience Weaver's answer ate at him.  He hadn't been this disappointed since he was denied a tour in Thailand for his placement at County General three years ago.  He had the hands for surgery, he was sure of it.  Even the impervious Rocket Romano had admitted to his fine dexterity in those very rare moments of weakness.  Romano.  Damn.  Gallant looked at his watch, he just might make it in time. 

His heart pounding with adrenaline more than a breathless lack of physical fitness he walked into Romano's dark, unoccupied office.  Confused, he pulled Shirley aside and asked if she knew of Romano's whereabouts.

"Look Dr. Gallant, I did see Romano today, and to be honest I'm worried about him."

"Was he smiling?  Did he have balloons?"  Gallant delivered with all the straight-faced sincerity that he had been trained in during covert operations in the military. 

Shirley looked at him quizzically and then laughed lightly punching him on the arm.  Since Gallant had been working with on the surgical floor Shirley and he had developed a relationship similar to siblings who connect over their parents' dysfunction. 

"I'm trying to be serious, Michaela."

"Hey, knock that off, Little Miss don't-call-me-Shirley, Shirley."  They smiled warmly at one another.  Gallant was the first to speak.

"So why do you think he left?"

"I don't know.  But he seemed down… detached."

"Dr. Robert… Romano?"  Gallant asked with a smile.

"I know, I know, how would I know the difference?  But really Michael, I think you should talk to him."  

"Oh sure, put me in the line of fire."

"Well the way I see it, it's time to put all of my tax-paying donations to your training to work." 

Gallant agreed to check up on him.  The two shared a few more pleasant quips and then, with no more hospital commitments, Gallant head out to Romano's home.