"You shouldn't be worrying about my career. Your career is in jeopardy, Randy. Why can't you do what you’re capable of? Viola would be alive. Excuse me, I have work to do. Unless you want to bother me about something else?"
"Damn you to hell, you’ll be sorry. Someone should do more than slap you." He stormed out the door, bumping into Pete Walter. "Sorry, man." He continued down the hall.
Pete Walter knocked on the open door. "Dr. Reed?"
"Beth, please. Come in, Mr. Walter." She rose and extended her hand.
The scratches and her shakes were evident. "Call me Pete. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, only a professional disagreement."
"Those words sounded more than a professional disagreement." He leaned closer. "Did Knox do that?" On her pad, prisoner brutality was written and circled.
"The scratches. The cheek is from a patient's mom distraught about her daughter's death. You are kind to ask, though. Thank you."
"Thank you for taking the time to compare notes on Austin with me." He sat across from her. "Martin Bailey and I work for the Chase Group. The company's policy is when one of our own requires critical assistance, we bring in a private duty to assist. We are in the process of having staffing credentialed to work here."
"Pete, I want Austin to survive, believe me. I'll be happy to work with your credentialed people. I'm sure this will make Marty more comfortable. He spent the night with Austin." Mention of his name made her want to cry.
"He can be stubborn. I hope his presence didn't cause an issue." Pete turned one palm faceup.
Elizabeth chuckled. "No, if I had a sibling, I wouldn't leave either. I'll do anything for Austin." She opened her desk and grabbed her business card, writing her numbers on the back. "Call me direct and tell me everything you need."
"Thank you. Our people will be in place by tonight." Pete concluded their conference after a lengthy discussion of Austin's current status and long-term plan.
In the corner of the cafeteria, Pete called Tate Webster. "I'm submitting my personnel requests. Can you arrange the flights? Also, make sure a Dr. Knox doesn't go anywhere near Austin Bailey."
"Something happen?"
"I'll explain when I'm in a secure place. Run a background on Dr. Steven Keys and Dr. Elizabeth Reed as well as anyone coming into contact with Austin."
"Done, I'll forward the files to you. Austin was investigating an injured child, a Jane Doe. I don't think this is random. Shaun Murray told Martin she's in the PICU. Can you go fishing?"
"No problem."
"Keep your ears open. One of their own almost dies, and our offers of help are getting pushback. We’re taking the investigation back to baseline."
Elizabeth returned to the ICU to hand over her cases to Virginia Harper, who said, "Everybody is buzzing." She scooted her chair nearer. "Are you alright? Randy is suspended. Hal Dufour threatened a major lawsuit when he learned Randy missed the ectopic."
"I'm fine, Ginny. Don't stare at me. I didn't tell the Dufours anything.” She clenched her jaw.
"Well, watch yourself. Pietra told me Randy's pissed at you."
"Ya think? He came to my office screaming, blaming me for killing her during the resuscitation. I think the SOB will get his." Elizabeth used the table to stand. "Steve is on tomorrow."
"Get some rest. I'll call Steve if anything changes."
Elizabeth took a glimpse of Austin's door. "Call me if anything changes with Sergeant Bailey. He's being assigned private duty."
"On a cop's salary?" Virginia raised a brow.
"Not him, his brother. He works for a major security company, the Chase Group in DC. I met with their Medical Chief Operations Executive, Pete Walter—very savvy. He says they do this for their staff and families."
"That explains those hunks in khaki and black. Each one is hotter than the next," Virginia said.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Enjoy, Ginny."
"Wouldn't hurt you to gawk either!"
