Theme #3: Cover-Up

Rating: General

Spoilers: Set early New Moon; Spoilers for end of New Moon

Chapter Three: Leaving

Carlisle sat in the plush chair, switching an untouched cup of coffee from hand to hand as the head doctor surveyed his paperwork. A tight smile was on his face as he watched his superior scrutinize each line with a growing frown.

Eventually he placed the small sheaf on his desk, removing the small reading spectacles and heaving a great sigh. "Well, Dr. Cullen, I can't say I'm pleased with it, but everything seems to be in order for your transfer." Sighing once more, he caught the blond doctor's eye, holding his gaze for a long minute. "Tell me again, what was the reason for your leaving? Because if there's anything we can do to induce you to stay...?" He trailed off, the question mark lingering in the air.

Leaning forward to place the Styrofoam cup on the worn desk, Carlisle gave the grey-haired doctor a wistful smile. "You know I love this place, sir, but I believe there will be more opportunities for me- and my adopted children- at a larger hospital, in a larger town."

"And that would be?"

Carlisle smiled slightly. "LA, should anyone ask. They have a research team I'm looking forward to joining."

The old doctor stood slowly, extending a rough hand towards Carlisle with a wistful smile. "Well, Dr. Cullen, I think that that's all I had to say. I wish you- and your family- luck in your new home."

Shaking his hand, Carlisle smiled, the slight cynical twist of his lips invisible in the dimly-lit room, "Certainly, doctor. Thank you."