Medical Leave of Absence
Lisa Cuddy entered the hospital looking fresh as a daisy but feeling like hell. The only reason she was on time this morning was the promise of Dr. Nolan's fax.
It sat there on the fax machine waiting to be read. Lisa snatched it up and headed to her desk.
It was on official Mayfield letterhead from the desk of Dr. Nolan and dated yesterday.
'Effective immediately Gregory House is to place on a medical leave of absence. Unforeseen events have led to the need for a change in his pain management regimen that will require inpatient care. Treatment protocols may take up to two weeks before an assessment can be made. At that time we will re-evaluate and update you as to his status of returning to work.'
A million questions presented in Cuddy's head. Had he fallen back on Vicodin? If he was 'hit by a car' as Wilson proclaimed, was it accidental? Maybe he simply called Nolan and dropped his belongings on the curb waiting for help to arrive. Was that why he hadn't chosen to seek help at PPTH? The reason he neglected to call her or Wilson?
Cuddy was sure the Board would be dissatisfied with the lack of an explanation. His original leave at Mayfield was unanimously applauded and approved by the Board members. If they thought he had gone back on drugs or had another breakdown, they would surely terminate his contract, tenured or not.
Since she didn't expect Wilson in any time soon, she made copies of the letter for the Board members then headed up to Diagnostics.
Foreman was in early, sipping coffee and reading a journal. He looked up at Cuddy as she slipped into a seat across from him.
"What's up?"
"Has House been acting strange lately?"
"House is always strange. Why?"
Cuddy handed him the letter. "Have you noticed anything different - unusual? Any irritability beyond the norm? Anything that might indicate he's had increased leg pain?"
Foreman perused the letter. "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"You're going to have to oversee the department again."
He put the letter down. "No thanks."
"I know that the last time things got…sticky."
"Let Chase do it."
"If I thought he could handle it, I would. You're more like House than you want to believe, but smart enough not to be reckless. You'll take necessary risks and won't be afraid to be wrong."
"And Taub and Remy?"
Cuddy shifted awkwardly in her seat. "Considering the history between you and Dr. Hadley, I'm going to give her the option of working under you or taking a temporary position in a different department."
"That seems fair."
"I'd like to talk to them individually, so if you could have them come to my office as they get in-"
"Don't worry, I won't pull a power trip."
"And if you see Wilson," she hesitated half way out the door.
"I'll send him down, too."