Scrubbing out Annie walked to Richard's office and hesitantly knocked.
"Come in Dr. Altman," Richard greeted, "how did the surgery go?"
"As planned sir," Annie replied, "we didn't have to stop the heart at all."
"Are you enjoying training with your mother," Richard asked.
"I am," Annie replied, "but here she's my chief of surgery or my attending, not my mother."
"I've noticed you two using dr with each other here recently," Richard said, "may I ask why?"
"We were having trouble keeping home and work separate so using different names here helps us to make the mental distinction," Annie explained, "but we do slip especially if I do something well or for the first time and I'm excited by it. But we're here to discuss my interns."
"Your whole group has appeared today; only Plant was in any condition to work," Richard said.
"I'm sorry sir," Annie replied, "I assumed that when they left last night they would meet me at 5:30 for pre rounds like I instructed them to."
"What time did you leave yesterday," Richard asked.
"Just after 9pm," Annie replied, "I had an emergency surgery that ran long."
"When did they leave," Richard asked.
"Just before me," Annie replied, "maybe 15 minutes. I waited for Josh to head home. I understand that this is a failure to provide adequate leadership and there will be consequences."
"Dr Altman," Richard said, "how could you control that. They left at the end of their shift with directions of where and when to meet you to begin the next morning."
"I haven't shown them enough leadership," Annie replied, "I'm sorry sir."
"You've done everything we asked of you," Richard replied, "we are taking a closer look at the other factors."
"Please don't hold Jessica's actions against me," Annie replied, "I've already lost one family to her. I can't lose this one two."
"Annie," Teddy said as she came in, "you won't lose me or our family sweetheart. But we are going to figure this out."
"Can we just cut all ties with the McKellars other than Chris," Annie asked.
"Yes and we will look at it after tomorrow," Teddy replied.
"Leo's surgery," Annie replied, "it's been pushed twice."
"I know but his iron is in range and no cold this time," Teddy said, "he's ready."
"He'll be fine mama," Annie replied, "both Josh and I took tomorrow off."
"Why would you do that," Teddy sounded shocked.
"Because you and Uncle Owen will need us," Annie replied, "Nathan will be in with Pierce as her second."
"Thank you sweetheart," Teddy smiled, "Allison is spending the day with Evelyn."
"Okay," Richard said, "Bailey and I will deal with this issue tomorrow. You two are with your family."
"If it's alright I would like to deal with this tonight," Annie replied.
"We can't today Dr. Altman," Richard said, "I've sent all but Dr. Cosco home to sober up."
"What is the consequence," Annie asked.
"What do you think is fair," Teddy asked.
"Suspension without pay, probation," Annie replied, "and I want Dr. Cosco moved to another group away from Josh and myself."
"All very fair," Richard agreed, "chief Altman?"
"I agree but would like to go a step further and look at removing Dr. Cosco from the program," Teddy replied, "his threats to Dr. Altmans career and personal life need to be addressed."
"I agree," Richard said, "there has been some slander that I wanted both of you here to discuss."
"How bad," Annie asked.
"He's called your character into question," Richard said.
"What are the allegations," Annie asked.
"That you provoked your sister then fled to avoid consequences," Richard said.
"I was there for the final incident that led to the name change," Teddy said, "the stabbing was unprovoked. Annie was collecting recycling and putting it in the garage when Jessica stabbed her in the back. I did 35 sutures on Annie's back and used a whole tube of skin glue. Yes I always have a suture kit in the car."
"Who witnessed this," Richard asked.
"Henry and Chris," Teddy replied.
"Okay," Richard said, "can we get Chris on the phone?"
"He's deployed right now," Annie said, "he left a week after the wedding. I've emailed asking him to call me."
"I'm going to call Leslie and Dan and see if we can figure this out," Teddy suggested.
"Mama no," Annie replied, "it's my fight."
"The allegations about your character call into question your loyalty, honesty and fitness to practice medicine," RIchard said.
"Sir you've known me since I was 19," Annie said, "what I have demonstrated in the time you have known me?"
"Honesty, loyalty, compassion, dedication," Richard replied.
"Why are you taking the word of a few interns against what you know of me," Annie asked.
"I'm not," Richard said, "however Dr. Cosco has said he will get an attorney if we fire him over this."
"We have my medical records and can get the police records for the surgery at 19," Annie replied, "the records will show that it was an intentional beating and the subsequent injury."
"I believe you Dr Altman I do but this will get brought to the board," Richard said.
"Sir I was leaving an abusive situation. When a woman is beaten by her partner she is applauded for her strength in leaving, when a child is taken from abusive parents they are supported and cared for not shamed. We tell victims of abuse that come into the hospital that they are safe and that we will protect them," Annie cried, "my abuser was not a romantic partner or a parent but my sister. Do I not get the same protection and care?"
Teddy took her hand, "Richard she's right believing this would be to believe her abuser over her. We respect the voices of those who have been abused and we protect them this hospital is a safe place. We banned her biological father from the building for threatening words. Jessica McKellar has a documented history of violence against Grace Altman. We need to put everything possible in place to protect our own. I will be asking you and Miranda to take this on as I am too personally involved. But we will keep our own safe."
Annie was crying, "please don't believe her, Dr Webber. I will prove to you I'm not what they say."
"I would like to know the whole story Grace," Richard said softly.
Annie shook her head, "I'm embarrassed I don't want people to know. Mama, Uncle Owen and Josh know that's enough. It's too embarrassing for me."
Teddy whispered in Annie's ear, "I won't go anywhere but it might be time sweetheart."
Annie mumbled, "I need Josh."
"We can call him," Teddy said, "Richard we have to bring Josh Riggs in on this."
"Of course," Richard replied, "but your past is nothing to be embarrassed about. You moved forward and you didn't let it destroy you. I'm a recovering alcoholic I know fighting to move forward, the secrets and lies you tell to protect yourself. Grace this is a safe space, we are here to support you. We want to see you happy and healthy and doing well. You're one of the surgical kids like Jackson, Meredith and Maggie. That makes you my family."
Annie nodded.
"No turtle," Teddy whispered.
Annie whispered, "I'm not ready to share this story."
"I know but you need to before it's hospital gossip," Teddy replied, "right now we can tell it our way."
"Can I go home," Annie asked.
"When we're done here," Richard agreed, "it might be good for you today."
"Home, Josh and kitty," Annie said.
"We have to deal with this first," Teddy declared, "Richard can we have a moment? I need to speak to my daughter, not my resident."
"Of course Teddy I'm going to go get us all coffee," Richard said, "milk, sugar?"
"Both please," Annie replied.
"Black please," Teddy replied.
Richard stepped out he thought this might become explosive.
"Mama what's going to happen now," Annie asked after the door closed.
"You tell your story," Teddy said, "do you remember when Jo Wilson told her story about the abusive ex husband who she ran from and changed her name? You need to do the same."
"He challenged my character," Annie said, "what does that mean?"
"He's been told things we know aren't true and challenge if you have the temperament and character to be a surgeon," Teddy replied, "your record here is flawless you have no history of suspension or disciplinary action. Your biggest downfall is your leadership which you are actively working on."
"Could I lose my job," Annie asked.
"The board may want to meet with you but an established senior resident against an intern who has three disciplinary actions and came to work intoxicated won't happen," Teddy replied, "you may be watched very closely."
"I already am. Eyes are always on the chief's daughter waiting for me to fail," Annie said, "I spend every day proving I belong here and I'm just as good as you are. There's no room for failure."
"What has dr Grey said," Teddy asked, "you've been working with Meredith and Amelia."
"They've both had to come out of a family member's shadow," Annie said, "we've had some good conversations. It's nice to have mentors outside of family."
"You need that. I love working with you but sometimes you need more to learn to use your voice. But we're going to do this together. This will be a board meeting if you could ask to talk to a board member or two you feel comfortably with," Teddy suggested.
"Dr Fox has worked with me and taught me since medical school," Annie said.
"Maybe her and Dr Avery," Teddy suggested, "he chairs the board and she's her."
"Will you and Dr Webber stay," Annie asked.
"We will," Teddy replied, "you've done nothing wrong."
"Why does it feel like I have," Annie asked.
"Because Jessica taught you that it was your fault that when people did that you deserved it," Teddy replied, "I had to unlearn that after Steven."
"I'm scared and I think I might need help," Annie admitted.
"What type of help," Teddy asked.
"Someone from psych," Annie whispered.
"We can do that," Teddy agreed, "do you want to try dr Wyatt she's worked well with you before."
"She knows lots of my story," Annie replied, "but how will it look to the board?"
"As Chief you asked for help. You admitted you were over your head," Teddy said, "I respect that."
Richard knocked.
"Come in," Teddy called.
Richard entered with Catherine.
"Dr Altmans," Catherine greeted, "I've heard we have a situation."
"We do," Annie replied, "I'm so sorry to disturb you Dr. Fox."
"It's no trouble Dr Altman," Catherine replied, "this is part of my job with the hospital board and foundation. Before I speak with Dr. Cosco about his allegations is there anything I should know?"
Annie was shaking like a leaf in her chair, "there are a few things I would like to say but they won't help. I think my character speaks for itself."
"Your character does," Catherine replied, "but I need to know how you and Dr. Cosco are connected away from this hospital."
"He is dating my estranged sister Jessica," Annie replied, "I have not had any contact with her since I was 21."
"How long is that," Catherine asked.
"Nearly seven years," Annie replied, "it will be 7 years in December. I have not seen the family that adopted me as an infant since then."
"May I ask why," Catherine asked.
Seeing how shaky and vulnerable Annie was Teddy spoke, "December 26 of 2011 Jessica stabbed Grace in front of me with a steak knife. This was 18 months after the major incident in July of 2010 where Jessica attempted to beat Annie to death with a pool cue. There is a police record of that incident that we have copies of."
"There was domestic violence against you Grace," Catherine clarified.
"Yes," Annie whispered.
"We will protect you here," Catherine promised, "this hospital is a safe place."
"Thank you," Annie whispered, "my parents called it bullying but much of it was physical assault."
"What did you do," Catherine asked.
"Following the stabbing I went home with Mama and Henry then we spent the week between home and the cabin," Annie replied, "after that I returned to Harvard and I haven't been back to my parents house since. I changed my name at the end of my first year of medical school to make it so Jessica couldn't find me. She knew me as Annabeth McKellar, I changed my name and became Grace Altman to protect myself."
"What about school breaks," Catherine asked, "did you stay in Boston all by yourself?"
"No," Teddy replied, "she would come see me or I would go visit her. We were always together for holidays."
"The allegations of you being an impostor are serious," Catherine said.
"I have all of the name change documents for both my canadian and american documents at home," Annie said, "do you need copies?"
"I believe you," Catherine replied, "we know you and your character I've watched you for seven years Dr. Altman I believe I know your character and Richard agrees with me."
"What happens now," Teddy asked.
"I have to meet with Dr. Cosco when he is sober enough," Catherine replied.
"Is there any bearing on the allegations given his intoxication," Annie asked.
"That is a factor," Catherine said.
"I'm sorry again for all the trouble," Annie replied, "I don't want to upset or inconvenience anyone."
"Dr Altman," Catherine said, reaching for Annie's hand, "this is not an inconvenience. We need to get to the bottom of this."
"I understand that there will be consequences for my actions," Annie replied, "that I again failed to provide sufficient leadership to my interns."
"You didn't dear," Catherine said, "they did not show up to work on time when they did they were under the influence. How could you control for their alcohol and marijuna consumption."
"Weed," Annie asked.
"Yes," Catherine replied.
"Can I get new interns," Annie asked.
"We will be shuffling groups," Richard said, "as we are looking at firing Dr. Cosco and Dr. Plant."
"I'm not okay with working with Dr. Cosco," Annie said, "he needs a new resident that is not myself or Dr. Joshua Riggs."
"He is currently suspended," Richard said, "pending board review."
"I will be calling the board for a meeting tomorrow," Catherine said.
"Can we please delay until next week," Teddy asked, "my son has surgery tomorrow and I need to be fully present with him."
"Seeing as the board is in the city we could meet with in the next couple hours," Catherine replied.
"That soon," Annie stuttered.
"I want this dealt with before it becomes a scandal," Catherine replied, "nothing hurts the hospital more than a scandal."
"Can Dr. Altman and Dr. Riggs join us," Annie asked.
"You may have your mother and husband for moral support," Catherine agreed.
"Thank you," Annie replied.
In his office Owen was on the phone he had heard what was going on from Teddy and Josh but had yet to see Annie. He was calling Dan who he had a better relationship with to let him know that Jessica needed to be called off.
"Dan, it's Owen Hunt," Owen greeted.
"Owen is Annie alright," Dan asked, "we haven't heard from her since August."
"You missed the wedding she's not going to get in touch with you," Owen replied, "I'm actually calling about another threat from Jessica towards Annie."
"What. they haven't had any contact since their last fight and Annie left," Dan said.
"Since the stabbing," Owen said, "why would she have contact with her abuser?"
"Abuser," Dan asked.
"Jessica abused Annie for years. Her history is classic domestic violence," Owen replied, "now Jessica is threatening Annie's career since she can not threaten her physically."
"What do you mean," Dan asked.
"Jessica is dating one of the interns Annie is responsible for supervising," Owen said.
"When Robbie is here he talks about dr Altman," Dan said, "I thought he was talking about Teddy."
"Both use Altman," Owen said, "minor confusion sometimes but we have our ways to figure out which is which. Height usually or scrub colour."
"Why are you calling me," Dan asked.
"Because Jessica is threatening to derail Annie's career," Owen barked, "the one thing Teddy and I have been able to protect from Jessica. We weren't able to protect Annie physically the scars prove that, we haven't been able to stop any of you from hurting her mentally and you know I tried so did Teddy but we have been able to protect her education and career from you and her sister. Jessica is going after Annie's career and marriage."
Dan gasped, "what?"
"Jessica's boyfriend threatened to not only destroy Annie's career but her marriage. I know you couldn't be bothered to meet Josh or go to the wedding. Josh and Annie are a great team. Josh is a good man," Owen roared, "just because you can't care enough about the child you adopted doesn't mean we have. She may not have any genetic link to me but she is my daughter and I will do everything it takes to protect my children."
"Children," Dan asked, "those two little kids in the wedding photos Chris sent."
"Three kids, Annie is 28, Leo is 4 in February , Allison is almost three ," Owen replied, "my wife and I have three children and our son in law."
"Since when is Annie yours she's Teddy's biologically but we raised her," Dan snapped.
Owen roared, "since you turned your back on her. She was a 19 year old child and the only people who cared she was in the hospital were Teddy and I. She was stabbed and you did nothing. I didn't get to see my oldest graduate medical school because she was waiting for you to come and didn't want to send me a pity invite two weeks before she graduated. You may have raised a little girl but you do not know her. You never saw Annie. You and Leslie taught her that her opinions, her thoughts don't matter. She still won't speak up in a group. Her intern tries to slander her and her character to the board of the hospital and Annie apologized she took the blame and asked for her punishment. That's all on you and your parenting. You were the ones that taught her it was her fault if someone attacked your character if someone hurt you you deserved it."
"Where is all this coming from," Dan yelled.
"Nine years of watching Annie and seeing the pain you repeatedly cause," Owen barked, "the only person from your house that actually cares is Chris. I don't think you see him either."
"He ran off to play with helicopters when he decided he'd had enough of cloverdale," Dan said.
"You lost your oldest two to escaping domestic violence and abuse," Owen retorted, "I've heard through some friends that Chris is a very gifted pilot. I've helped him with applications for helicopter pilot training. Both Teddy and I were his references from outside the Canadian forces for a course he's doing."
"Why would you do that," Dan asked.
"Because he's family and we can help him. Teddy's name carries huge weight in military circles. It's more her reference Chris needs than mine but mine helps," Owen replied, "but we're not talking about Chris as proud of him as we are. This is about Annie and Jessica. You are going to call Jessica off. We will be giving her photo to hospital security and having her banned from this hospital. My wife is the chief of surgery. It's just a matter of Teddy saying so and it's done."
"We can't control Jessica," Dan remarked.
"Then we will bring her into the slander case and charge her the board will press charges when they see how false the statements are. Annie and Teddy are preparing to meet with the board and department heated in an hour to explain Annie's side of the situation," Owen explained , "people here they know Annie and respect her. She's a favorite resident because she's compassionate, gentle, smart, hard working and wants to learn."
"What do you want me to do," Dan asked.
"Two things," Owen commanded, " one keep Jessica out of Seattle, if she comes down and threatens my family in any way I will be pressing charges. Two decide whether you're in Annie's life and accept her exactly as she is or not. In or out Dan and she's not changing to suit you."
"I'll do what I can," Dan replied. He hated the younger man telling him how to handle his kids acting like he knew what was best for Annie. What did Owen really know he was Teddy's husband, he would do what Teddy wanted.
"You will do it," Owen demanded.
Dan hung up. He was tired of Teddy and Owen blindly taking Annie at her word and only seeing Annie's side. Annie had left them for Boston, changed her name and took Teddy's last name. Annie had chosen to leave, they had all been unaware of the possible challenges with Annie going away. He had been so proud the day Annie had been accepted to Harvard medical school, his little girl, the tiny baby that had made Dan a father, was going to one of the best medical schools on the planet. Annie was a doctor, she was almost a surgeon Dan had kept track of her through Chris, he knew Annie was happy and thriving in Seattle but he was afraid to go see her. Jessica had threatened to kill Dan or Leslie if they ever crossed the border to see Annie. Jessica had their passports, they were hostages to their own daughter.