So it dawned on me the irony of my comments I had made to EBStarr when reviewing her fanfic. I lamented about the lack of Cordano-fic updates. So ok I'm updating mine. Hopefully, this won't stop at two now that are being written.

Sorry there's not Cordano dialogue in this chapter. There will be in the next.

Romano had left the Corday home shortly after breakfast. Ella had remembered Robert's previous agreement for a trip to the zoo and Romano found he had to set a date with her before leaving. He had made a disparaging remark about having to follow orders so soon into their "relationship" but the weight of the comment didn't seem to phase Elizabeth. He left with a small kiss goodbye to both of them and a promise of a phone call.

She showered slowly once Chris had arrived. She liked the feel of warmth on the tired muscles that hadn't been used in such a long time. She checked herself over in the mirror and was thankful that despite her lax exercise regiment she was able to maintain her shapely figure. She had asked Chris to watch Ella out of habit and a need to keep Ella's schedule as regular as possible.

Elizabeth had the day to herself and she couldn't be in higher spirits. She decided to go for a run. It wasn't typical of her but neither was last night. She rather liked doing the unexpected. She removed her running shoes from the top shelf of her closet. As she dressed she wondered if Robert ran. He was certainly fit. Hs physique didn't go by unnoticed once it was completely revealed to her. He must have a daily routine.

Romano did of course. Only it didn't consist of running outside. In fact the only times he was ever to be found in the park was with the company of Gretel. Romano had found his pace on his treadmill and his sweat had gone from beads to streams. He closed his eyes and sprinted the last three minutes. Stepping from the machine he patted himself dry with a hand towels and inhaled deeply.

He felt good today.

He felt downright antsy.

He felt like meeting with Weaver.

Weaver had grown accustomed to spending her entire working hours hauled up in her office. She had taken on so many responsibilities with both her high profile position as Chief of Staff and her work with Alderman she hardly found time to monitor the staff she hired. She closed her eyes and sat back, stretching in her reclining office chair. He was relieved that Robert had chosen to stay away.

She had needed his help while securing a new surgeon but now that she had hired Dr. Steele, she'd be content never seeing Romano again. She smiled at the thought of never having to deal with his cocky, smarmy, overpowered

"Ah, the blind joy that comes with power"

Weaver sat forward in her chair and opened her eyes reluctantly to Romano.

"I know that smile well. Careful Kerry you know what happens when rulers get too comfortable in their thrown."

"Robert. To what do I owe the pleasure."

"Oh believe me Kerry, there will be no pleasure in this at all. Well at least not for you."

"Robert. Do you have an appointment? I am very busy, and your idle threats are so unbecoming."

"You're right Kerry." Robert smirked and turned his back to her, relishing her attitude. He could see how secure she felt sitting in his office, behind his desk, in his chair or rather the office, desk and chair that should be his as Chief. He turned back to her suddenly and leaned across the desk until he was uncomfortable close to her face. "Let's just cut to the chase."

"Oh sure Robert, weathered surgeon that you are, I'm sure you're capable of cutting to the chase as a matter of fact, you're quite well versed in the received end of chopping too. Aren't you? Robert? So really, let me begin. You no longer work here. And while this is a public hospital my office is not open to anyone who just happens on by on the street. So why don't you gather your little books and toys from the recovery room and leave." She stopped and let the verbal order hang in the air.

"Tsk tsk tsk Kerry. It's such a shame you feel that way. Here I was going to lay my eggs all out on the table" He lifted a manila folder from his briefcase and held it tauntingly in front of her. "But now I think I'd rather see you squirm. You see Dr. Weaver what I have right here is everything I need for me to be sitting there, in a much more stylish and comfortable chair and you to be well who the hell cares where you will be."

Weaver broke his gaze and looked down to the floor. She was furious that he had somehow gotten the upper hand. She couldn't let him know how curious she was to finding out the contents of that file. "Well Robert, if that's all, I have plenty of work to do here." She picked up a pile of charts on her left, straightened it, and then placed it on her right.

"Oh sure," he stood and walked to her door and opened it. He froze in the doorway staring at the knob. "Alderman's a busy man. I'd hate to be cause of his having to wait." The door swung closed behind him.