Cordano twist on 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'...
Chapter Fifteen -
Robert woke up, instantly aware of a lack of heat on his right side that he'd become accustomed to. Lizzie seemed to burn hotter and hotter these days as she baked their baby. He reached out his arm searching for her and found only cold sheet and crumpled pillow. Glancing over at the clock he noted the early hour and swung his legs out of bed and padded out of the bedroom. Seeing a light downstairs he followed it into the kitchen, and found her sat at the island, a cup of tea, untouched set before her, Gretel at her feet keeping her company.
"Hey, there you are."
She looked up at him with red eyes. "Robert, go back to bed. You have to be up in a few hours."
He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her head. "Are you sick again? Can I get you something?"
"Please Robert. At least one of us should get some sleep."
"You're absolutely right, and you and the bun need it more than I do. Lizzie, you shouldn't be up walking around by yourself...why didn't you wake me up?"
She sighed and leaned back into him, and placed her hands over his, where they rested on her belly.
"How long have you been up anyhow?"
"I don't know, I never really went to sleep and to be honest, I didn't dare look at the clock. I just gave up and got up."
"So not morning sickness then...which leaves...you're worrying about the Patterson case."
She nodded.
"Lizzie, there's nothing we can do about it, so there's no point in worrying about it, and whatever happens I've got you...I've got you both. You know that."
She turned around on the stool to face him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Gordon didn't say anything else to you? He didn't give any indication why this meeting was so urgent?"
He shook his head. "No. Just that Patterson's lawyers called it, and they want to talk."
"Yeah, but what about? What does it mean?"
"We'll know soon enough...but my personal feeling is it's probably not bad if they want to talk."
"Do you really think so?"
He smiled and nodded. "I do actually. Now will you come back to bed? Please?" he said and reached round for her hands. She nodded and let him take her back upstairs, where she snuggled in beside him, and whilst she didn't manage any sleep, she did relax and feel safe in his arms.
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Elizabeth sat waiting nervously in Robert's office and looked at her watch once again, wondering where he was. She looked up when the door opened and he walked in with Gordon.
"Hey there you are. Did Kerry not give you my message?" he said smiling.
She shook her head. "I got called to the ER, but nobody said anything. Has something changed? We were due to leave five minutes ago."
"Yeah, the meeting got cancelled," Robert said taking off his jacket and hanging it on the stand.
"We took a conference call and agreed on a settlement figure," Gordon said.
"That means we accepted guilt?" she said.
Robert walked over, and gave her shoulder a squeeze before perching himself on his desk in front of her. "It means Lizzie, it's over."
Gordon sat down. "There was a general recall in the endoscopic curettes that you used."
"But, I didn't have trouble with the curette."
"Nonetheless, there was a recall."
"We signed a confidentiality agreement keeping the details of the suit private. So you can't speak about it," Robert said.
"But, there was nothing faulty with the equipment," she reiterated.
"Well, apparently, there was, and the manufacturer has deeper pockets."
"Well that's wrong."
Robert shoved off the desk and knelt down in front of her, reaching for her hands. "It's a gift, Lizzie. The hospital stumps up, the insurance covers it and you get a little ding at the National Data Bank. End off," he said softly. "Let it go...for me?"
Gordon cleared his throat and got up to leave. Robert stood, turned and shook his hand and Elizabeth followed suit. "Thank you," she said.
Robert followed him to the door and closed it behind him, then turned around smiling.
"It's over Lizzie."
"It's wrong though, Robert."
He pulled her into his arms. "Don't look the gift horse in the mouth. It's over. We move on, and we move on together...okay?"
"Okay."
He pulled away a little and looked into her eyes. "Hey, I mean it. No more stewing over this, okay?"
She smiled weakly and nodded.
He rubbed a hand over her belly, distracting her to more important matters. "How's the bun today?"
She gave him a genuine smile this time. "Baking nicely."
"Good to know." He leaned up and kissed her. "Right, well we are going to celebrate. I'm taking you out to lunch."
"I'd love to, but I can't…I'm covering the ER."
He shook his head undeterred. "Detail schmetails…I'll figure something out."
She kissed him back. "Well if you can work your magic, great. Until then I shall be in my office catching up on paperwork, or more than likely the ER."
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Elizabeth came out of her office and headed for the surgical front desk.
"Mandy, can you push the cholecystectomy to next week?"
"Sure."
Elizabeth looked at the beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on the desk. "Ohhh, they're lovely. Who's the lucky girl?"
"That would be you."
She smiled and whipped the card off, ripping open the small envelope.
"From Doctor Romano?"
"Yes." She smiled, giggling as she read the note.
The phone rang and Mandy answered it. "Hello? Hang on. Doctor Corday, they need you downstairs. GSW."
Guess, he couldn't work his magic after all, she thought. "Okay, tell them I'm on my way."
"Should I put the flowers in your office?"
"Yes please," she tossed out over her shoulder moving towards the elevator. Before she got there Robert's voice stopped her. "Lizzie, where are you going?"
She turned around. "ER...there's a GSW coming in."
"Wrong answer. We are going to lunch and you are heading in the wrong direction."
"I can't Robert. I told you earlier, I'm covering the ER."
"And I told you earlier that I'd sort it. As of now Edson is covering for you," he said as he caught up to her. Reaching a hand up to her face he pulled her mouth down to his, and gave her a lingering kiss, that actually elicited a soft moan from her. He smiled against her mouth. "Go change," he whispered softly.
She let out another small moan and pulled away, just a fraction. "Give me five minutes, sweetie."
"I'll be right here," he said tapping a hand on the desk without taking his eyes off her. Mandy felt herself blush a little watching the interaction and dipped her head, suddenly engrossed in paperwork, while Robert, oblivious, watched Elizabeth walk away. The elevator doors pinged and he looked up at them with force of habit, to see the doors open and reveal Al Patterson. He turned his head again to see Elizabeth disappear around the corner and strode over quickly blocking Patterson's path before he could get off the elevator. "Mister Patterson, what are you doing here?" he asked, holding the door.
Al looked up at him from his wheelchair. "I came to see Doctor Corday."
"Well, I'm afraid you've had a wasted trip. She's not in today."
"Oh? They said downstairs that she was."
"Well, then you've been misinformed. I'll ride back down with you though," Robert said forcing Patterson to back up as he stepped forward. Once inside he pushed the button.
As the doors closed they looked at each other awkwardly.
"On behalf of the hospital, please allow me to say how sorry we are for what happened."
He nodded. "Which part? Me being crippled or Doctor Corday getting sued for malpractice?"
Robert ignored him and carried on. "But I'm pleased the matter has been resolved. It has been resolved, right?"
Patterson nodded. "That's what my lawyers tell me."
"Well you had to have agreed with them. So, tell me then...why exactly, are you looking for Doctor Corday?"
"I wanted to speak with her about the case."
Robert leaned back against the car and crossed his arms. "For what reason? The case, as we've just established is settled Mister Patterson. You have no business speaking to her."
Al looked up and locked eyes with him. "Strange how it all comes down to faulty equipment. My lawyer tells me I can't really blame her, but I can't quite forgive her either. I imagine I'll always remember her face. I wanted her to remember mine..."
Robert straightened up and allowed a hint of menace to enter his voice. "I'd listen to your lawyer, because he's right. Now, whilst I may be sympathetic to your situation, it doesn't alter the fact there was faulty equipment, and you've agreed to settle...that's the end of it. Non-disclosure means not talking, so, unless you're here for urgent medical attention, then you've no business being here." He stepped forward so he towered over him. "And just so we're clear? You stay away from Doctor Corday or you'll be hearing from our lawyers. Got it?"
"Got it," Patterson said.
The doors opened to the ER and Robert watched as Patterson wheeled himself out. He stepped out too and followed him slowly.
"You! Come here!" Robert shouted at the security guard stood by the door. "You know who I am?"
The guard nodded. "Good. See that man there?" Another nod. "He does not get back in this hospital without me knowing about it. You page me, I don't care what time of day it is. Under no circumstances is he to be allowed access to the surgical floor or to Doctor Corday. Do you understand? Tell me you understand, because if you let him past you I will fire your ass. Am I clear?"
The guard nodded. "Good. Make sure you tell the rest of your team. Same threat of failure applies to all."
"Is there a problem, Robert? "Mark said coming up from behind him.
Robert scowled up at him but figured the man had Elizabeth's best interests at heart and decided to play nice.
"The guy in the chair...that's Elizabeth's lawsuit," he said watching as Al finally left the building watched closely by the security guard.
"Ahh," Mark said. "How's that going?"
"As of today it's settled. He has his millions, and his apology, and hopefully that's the last we see of him."
They turned together and walked towards the admit desk. "Thought you had a trauma coming in?" Robert asked noting the large amount of personnel standing around seemingly doing nothing.
"We do. Just hasn't arrived yet, but the rooms prepped."
"Where's Edson?"
"Taking a quick look at something for Kerry. So, if the case is settled, what was he doing here and why are you siccing security on him?
"Huh?" Robert asked skimming through the outstanding charts.
"Patterson."
He put the file he'd just picked up back down. "He was looking for Elizabeth. Said he wanted to speak to her, but I don't know...I got the feeling there was more to it..like he was looking to have a last go at her. Leave her with a guilt trip, or something...to be safe I don't want him coming back in here, okay? She doesn't need any extra stress in her condition," he said and realised his error.
"Her condition? Is Elizabeth pregnant?"
Robert silently cursed, closed his eyes and brought his hands up cover his face, massaging his temple, before nodding.
"Whoa, Doctor Romano, you work fast!" Malucci said smiling widely, holding up his hand in a high-five which Robert left hanging.
"Congratulations," Mark said grudgingly offering his hand, and Robert shook it. "Thanks."
"Are you going to be a daddy?!"
"Way to go!" Jerry said.
Abby walked by. "Oh you're telling people now, then?"
"Telling people what?" Kerry said appearing with Edson.
"Romano's gonna be a daddy!" Haleh said. "God help us all!"
"Nice one, boss, "Edson said, followed by Kerry. "Congratulations, Robert."
"Wow, I guess those Rocket rumours must be true!" Chuny said.
That one got his attention. "What rumours?" he actually found himself asking, then shook his head. "You know what, forget it, I don't think I want to know."
The nurses exchanged amused glances and tried not to snigger, just as the paramedics finally arrived with their gunshot victim. Everyone flew into action, leaving him free to head back upstairs and wonder how he was going to explain to Lizzie how he'd just let the cat out of the bag.
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"Metz...retract the liver…. you know I shouldn't even be here...I should be at lunch right now, and it should be Corday in here."
"Yeah?" Peter said.
"Yep. But, y'know, Romano decides he's taking her to lunch and sticks me with covering the ER. It's so unfair!"
"Suction please."
"So you think this is how its gonna be? The two of them…? 'The Romano's'...maybe they're gonna run the department like a mafia state."
Peter let out a small chuckle which only encouraged Dale to continue.
"You know she's pregnant."
"What? More suction please."
"Yep. He has her knocked up already."
"Oh." Peter said. "No, I didn't know."
"Sooo, what's she like? You know..." Dale said lewdly.
"What?"
"Corday...you know? You've been there, right?" He said wiggling his eyebrows.
Peter looked up, shrugged, but said nothing.
"Yeah, that's what I thought. You, Greene..guess it was all groundwork for sleeping her way to the top, huh?"
"Gentleman, I'm not sure this is really the time or place for a conversation like this," Babcock said, catching the looks exchanged between Shirley and Jacy.
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"Doctor Corday, may I speak with you a moment," Shirley said from the opened door.
Elizabeth looked up from her paperwork, smiled and gestured to the empty chair in front of the desk.
"What can I do for you?"
She looked slightly uncomfortable and Elizabeth leaned forward in her chair. "Shirley?"
"I'm not sure how to say this," she started.
"How about you just come right out with it, à la Romano?" Elizabeth smiled.
"Today in surgery. Doctors Benton and Edson…."
"Yes?"
"Well, they were talking...as they do….anyhow they were being…."
"What?"
"They were...well mainly Edson, but Benton didn't exactly say anything or try and shut it down...they were making inappropriate comments about...you."
"Me?"
Shirley nodded. "Yes. Like, locker room type talk, if you know what I mean?"
Elizabeth caught her meaning and closed her eyes feeling her temper rise.
"I see."
"They stopped when Doctor Babcock asked them to, but I'm afraid that if Doctor Romano gets wind of it...he'll..."
"Knock their bloody blocks off and get himself suspended?" Elizabeth finished for her.
Shirley nodded.
"Thanks for letting me know."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I do know they're not going to get away with it."
"There's always itching powder," Shirley suggested and Elizabeth laughed.
"I think this merits something more….dastardly."
"Well then, we will just have to think of something won't we?" Shirley said consiprationally.
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The following day Shirley looked up from behind the front desk as she spotted the two surgeons leave the locker room. "Doctor Benton, Doctor Edson?"
Peter stopped walking, smiled and looked over. "Yeah?"
"Doctor Corday wants to see the both of you in her office."
"I'm off," Edson said.
"She said she wants to see you before you left. I don't think it was a request."
They exchanged glances, and Dale smirked at Benton. "See?" he whispered. "Power crazed."
They switched direction and Peter rapped on her half open door. Elizabeth looked up at the noise.
"You wanted to see us?" Peter asked.
"Yes," she said her voice curt.
"Can it wait until tomorrow, I have dinner plans," Dale said.
"Well then you get to go first. Peter could you wait outside, please? Oh, and close the door."
"Uhh, sure," he said stepping out.
Dale watched him go then made to sit.
"Do not sit," she said coldly. "For one I haven't invited you to, and two, you won't be here long enough. Now, it has been brought to my attention that you appear to doubt my medical credentials, specifically in my role of Associate Chief of Surgery? Is that the case Doctor Edson?"
He kept his face neutral but shifted his weight uncomfortably and felt a heat begin to seep up into his neck from where his tie suddenly felt too tight.
She pointed at the open file on the desk. "That is my resumé. As you can see, not only am I incredibly qualified, I also have a wealth of experience...all of which you do not. That is why I am sitting in this chair and you are not. After your inappropriate workplace comments yesterday in the OR, I spoke with Doctor Anspaugh. After some discussion, we've decided you are clearly in need of some guidance and will benefit from working mainly with your female colleagues...right up, until such time you can demonstrate an understanding and level of respect."
"I'm sorry, I..." She held up her hand to silence him.
"Did I say you could speak? No, I didn't so shut up and listen. Since you seem only to understand lewd crassness let me explain in language you might have a better chance of understanding. With immediate effect, and for the remainder of your residency here, I am now your immediate supervisor. You will work with me, by me, under me...but, you will never be on top. You will do my scut work, my bidding, you will bring me my coffee if I so desire it." She crossed her arms across her chest. "Just so we are clear, Dale...you are now effectively...my bitch."
"I'm assigning you to cover the ER for the next month. When you are down there, Doctor Weaver will be more than happy to help you with your rehabilitation. You have a very large red flag against you now, so I suggest you be nothing but respectful to your colleagues, regardless of their gender. All of the above you will do, or….. if you don't like the sound of that, I will write you up for sexual misconduct. It will go on your permanent record and follow you around like a bad smell for the rest of your career. You will also, no doubt have to explain your comments to my husband. What's it to be then?"
Dale swallowed and felt the heat spreading up his neck into his face. "I apologise for my comments and look forward to working with you, Doctor Corday."
She leaned back in her chair and smirked at him. "Excellent choice. You can go now."
Dale turned on his heel, quickly. He opened the door but before he could slip through it she couldn't resist. "Oh and Dale?"
"Yes?"
"I take my coffee with cream and one sugar."
"Noted and logged," he said.
"Send in Doctor Benton."
Peter appeared in the doorframe. "What's this all about?" he asked.
"I think you already know?"
Peter shook his head.
"Allow me to enlighten you then. It's about me apparently sleeping my way to the top and your discussion of our past relations? Ring a bell? Edson, I can believe it of, but you? I expected better from you, Peter. I would have hoped that I'd warrant a bit of respect and loyalty."
Peter had the grace to look down for a second. He pulled up a chair. "Look Elizabeth, I don't know what exactly you heard, but I didn't say anything at all. It was all Edson."
"That's my bloody point Peter! Just because you didn't say anything, does not make you any less guilty..you didn't ask him to stop, or defend me. You were complicit with your silence, and that makes it just as bad in my book. I thought we were friends? If someone had talked cheap about you, I would have defended you. I've defended you to Robert in the past, even though it caused problems between us. Why couldn't you extend me the same courtesy?!"
"Okay fine, you're right. Yes, I should have told him to shut up, but look Elizabeth, its not my fault if that's what some people think. He was just saying what some people...not all people...but some people think," he said.
"How bloody dare you! You know damn well, I'm an excellent surgeon! Robert promoted me long before we ever became involved, and I have been nothing but bloody supportive to you, when you've needed it. You swan around here like some sanctimonious prima donna, all holier than thou but you're just the same as Edson...all together in your little boys club of small pricks!"
Benton breathed in and pinched the bridge of his nose, then held his hands up. "Alright Elizabeth, I get it...I apologise, it won't happen again."
"See that it doesn't. Robert is unaware of all of this, and for your sake you'd better hope he remains in the dark...I think we both know it would not help your situation here, were he to find out. You may also consider that the last favour you receive from me."
Peter got up and walked to the door. He paused briefly. "I really am sorry."
Elizabeth didn't bother to respond and he left.
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At twenty weeks, Elizabeth was showing nicely and had a whole new appreciation for scrub pants and their forgiving, quick release drawstring. Her hormones were leading her a merry dance, and she was fluctuating from snappy, potential murderess to sex-starved nympho who couldn't get enough. Robert, bless him she thought was treading the minefield in stoic fashion. Speaking of him, she glanced up as he burst through the door and skidded to a halt. "I'm not late am I?"
Elizabeth smiled and looked up from the magazine she was reading. "Robert, you're never late."
He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. "Have you drank enough? Do you want me to get you some more water?"
She shot him a filthy look. "Regard my crossed legs and tapping foot? Yes, I've drank enough, and yes, I'm dying to pee."
"Jeezus, Lizzie, I only asked if you wanted a drink. A simple no thank you would have done it."
"What I want is for you to sit down, hold my hand and be quiet!"
Oh great, Hyde's back, he thought. As the pregnancy progressed, Elizabeth's patience reserves were being depleted very quickly. If she wasn't shaking him down for sex as soon as he walked through the door, she was throwing him daggers when he walked into another. He was getting dizzy wondering which one he was going to encounter but had learned to take these outbursts on the chin and just do as she wanted. He pulled a chair closer, sat down and took her hand.
"Stop tapping your foot," she said.
He glanced at her and resisted the eye roll. "Is it okay if I breathe?"
She glared at him. "So long as you do it quietly."
"Lizzie, you wouldn't be nervous by any chance would you?"
"A little."
"Well I am too, so could you stop jumping down my throat."
They sat waiting for their second trimester ultrasound. Janet Coburn entered the waiting area. "Ahh, good. All ready Elizabeth?"
"Oh, thank God," Elizabeth said. "The dams about to burst."
"Right, well, lets get you sorted then, shall we?" Janet said opening the door for them.
"You're doing the ultrasound?" Robert said surprised as he passed her.
"Have to keep the Chief of Staff happy, Robert...I'm about to put in a request for some new equipment," she smiled sweetly.
She followed them inside and set herself up as Robert helped Elizabeth climb onto the bed. By the time she sat Elizabeth had released the drawstring on her pants and raised her scrub top to reveal her swollen belly.
"Okay, Elizabeth. You know the drill. Cold gel...you ready?"
Elizabeth nodded.
"How about you, daddy?"
Robert rolled his eyes, but couldn't help grinning on hearing it said out loud.
They watched as Janet squeezed the gel onto her belly and started rolling the wand over her belly, until a grainy picture appeared on the monitor. Robert watched as she noted measurements and looked at different angles. Although, not his speciality he thought he remembered enough from his residency days to think he was looking at a picture of his son, and he found himself choking back a gulp. He squeezed Elizabeth's hand tighter and smiled down at her.
She felt his hand squeezing hers even tighter and pulled her eyes away from the image of what she thought, was a girl, on the monitor. She looked up at his infectious smile and mouthed, 'I love you.'
"Okay folks, everything looks good. Heart beat is strong, everything is where it should be. So would you like to know the sex?" Janet asked, smiling warmly, amazed to see Robert wearing the largest smile she'd ever seen him sport.
Still smiling at each other, they nodded in agreement.
"No," they said together.
TBC