Ethics
Dr. Darryl Nolan's pager was vibrating on the coffee table again. He looked at it wearily. Once received a call about Greg House, he was sure there'd be more. He was hoping for a positive report; yet in his gut he dreaded making the call to his service. Greg was still fragile when it came to needing and asking for help. This accident could set him back years, mentally and physically.
"Nolan," he spoke to the automated system. "Three two three seven eight." Once beyond the access code he was able to retrieve his message. It was not the doctor he expected.
He thought long and hard about what he was going to say to Dr. Cuddy. The situation was delicate. Obviously Greg didn't choose Princeton- Plainsboro for his care, but Nolan wasn't exactly sure why. He just knew that Greg had a history with this woman. And from her call, she was truly worried. Tentatively he dialed the number she left.
"Dr. Cuddy, Dr. Nolan returning your call."
Lisa relaxed a bit upon hearing his voice before spewing out what Wilson had discovered and Thirteen's theory.
Although Dr. Cuddy spoke succinctly and quickly, Darryl actually realized he was grinning. He could have sworn she said that House was kidnapped.
"Lisa, you're overexciting yourself. Take a deep breath."
Cuddy found his voice soothing and willingly followed his instructions.
"It was good thinking on-"
"Thirteen. Dr. Hadley"
"On Dr. Hadley's part. I did receive a phone call on Greg's behalf. I can inform you that he is safe and has not been kid-abducted." He was still amused that House's colleagues would think he was kidnapped. Why it struck him oddly he didn't know. Greg had made enemies over the years, but holding him for ransom seemed like it would be more of a burden for the kidnapper than Greg.
Lisa Cuddy went from frantic to frustrated. "Then you can tell me where he is."
"No ma'am, I cannot." Nolan was not terse, just matter-of-fact.
"Dr. Nolan, as House's physician, I have every right to know his condition."
"Dr. Cuddy, if Greg didn't call you, there must be a reason." Darryl now understood why Greg had more than his fair share of boundary issues.
"Did he ask you NOT to contact me?" Cuddy was hurt by his statement but still found the chutzpah to ask.
"Dr. Cuddy, you and I both know that some of the information I have about Greg is privileged and confidential. I will be more than happy to fax you a letter in the morning."
"I'll be looking for it."
The irritation was clear in her voice. Although Greg did not leave specific instructions as to how to handle his situation with his boss and colleagues, Darryl felt the least he could do was tell them he wouldn't be coming to work for a while.